The D. Blakeley Hoar Sanctuary is a 25-acre undeveloped bird sanctuary behind the Baker School, with a single boardwalk-threaded trail through a red-maple swamp, vernal pools, and puddingstone cliff outcrops.
What to expect
Entry fee
None checked Jul 15, 2026
Dogs
Dogs, pets, and domestic animals are prohibited, except service animals; dog walking is explicitly banned
Accessibility
Not paved; boardwalks cross wet sections but the trail is not documented as step-free
Managed by
Brookline Conservation Commission, DPW Parks and Open Space Division
617-730-2088 · WebsiteWhat's here
Not here
No info kiosk
Not documented as present
Worth knowing
- The Town acquired the sanctuary in 1961 from a bequest by D. Blakeley Hoar, a Brookline lawyer and conservationist, specifically to create a bird sanctuary.
Common questions
Is D Blakeley Hoar Sanctuary open today?
D Blakeley Hoar Sanctuary is a public preserve in Brookline, MA. Posted hours: Dawn to dusk.
How long and hard is the trail?
It's a single loop, roughly a mile, with several boardwalk sections over the swamp; easy walking but can be muddy off the boardwalk.
Is the trail paved or rugged?
Rugged: packed dirt and wooden boardwalks, not paved.
No, dogs and other pets are prohibited here except service animals.
Where do I park, is it obvious?
Street parking is available on Gerry Road, though it may be resident-restricted; the marked trailhead starts behind the Baker School tennis courts.
Is there an entry fee at D Blakeley Hoar Sanctuary?
None
Can I bring my dog to D Blakeley Hoar Sanctuary?
Dogs, pets, and domestic animals are prohibited, except service animals; dog walking is explicitly banned
Is D Blakeley Hoar Sanctuary wheelchair accessible?
Not paved; boardwalks cross wet sections but the trail is not documented as step-free
What rules should I know at D Blakeley Hoar Sanctuary?
Trail crosses vernal pools and a red-maple swamp; footing can be wet off the boardwalk. Ball games, bicycling, and dog walking are prohibited. No pets or domestic animals except service animals.