A 2,230-acre federal wildlife refuge straddling Maynard, Sudbury, Stow and Hudson along the Assabet River, with about 20 trails through oak-maple forest, wetlands and former Fort Devon Army depot grasslands. Dogs are barred entirely so nesting and denning wildlife are not disturbed.
What to expect
Trails
about 20 named trails across the refuge system easy to moderate · natural, with a boardwalk and…
Dogs
Not allowed anywhere on the refuge except certified service animals, since even leashed pets scare wildlife off the trail
Hours
Sunrise to sunset daily
Accessibility
A wheelchair-accessible fishing pier sits on the Sandbank Trail; most trail surfaces are natural and not uniformly step-free
Fishing
Allowed year-round, catch and release only, limited to the Sandbank Trail pier and the Barron Fishing Access Site
Birdwatching
Allowed year-round
Managed by
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Eastern Massachusetts National Wildlife Refuge Complex
978-562-3527 · WebsiteWhat's here
On site
Info kiosk
trailhead map boards at refuge entrances
Not here
No picnic area
no picnic areas or campsites anywhere on the refuge
Common questions
Is Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge open today?
Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge is a public preserve in Maynard, MA. Posted hours: Sunrise to sunset daily.
Only certified service animals are permitted; ordinary pets, even on a leash, are barred because they disturb nesting and denning wildlife.
Is hunting really allowed on a wildlife refuge?
Yes, as a managed wildlife tool. The refuge runs a permitted deer, bear, turkey and small-game hunt tied to state seasons, closed on Sundays and limited to legal shooting hours.
Are there trails at Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge?
Yes. about 20 named trails across the refuge system. easy to moderate difficulty. Surface: natural, with a boardwalk and observation platform on part….
Is there an entry fee at Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge?
No, entry is free.
Can I bring my dog to Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge?
Not allowed anywhere on the refuge except certified service animals, since even leashed pets scare wildlife off the trail
Is Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge wheelchair accessible?
A wheelchair-accessible fishing pier sits on the Sandbank Trail; most trail surfaces are natural and not uniformly step-free
What rules should I know at Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge?
No dogs or other pets except certified service animals. No fires; there are no picnic areas or campsites on refuge land. No drones or other unmanned aircraft may be launched, landed or operated on refuge land or water. Biking is confined to the designated ways: Winterberry Way, Harry's Way, Taylor…