An Opacum Land Trust sanctuary near the Connecticut line where trails wind along the shore of the 40-acre Morse Pond through beech and hemlock forest. A non-motorized boat launch on North Woodstock Road gives kayakers and canoeists access to the pond.
What to expect
Parking
Free lot Free · unconfirmed
Trails
About 1.5 miles total: the Blue Trail (0.64 mi) runs the length of the sanctuary along Morse Pond, with the Yellow Trail (0.41 mi) and White Trail (0.5 mi)…
Dogs
Not explicitly posted; land trust properties in the region typically allow leashed dogs, but this was not confirmed for Claire Birtz specifically
Hours
No posted gate hours; open year-round, dawn to dusk assumed
Accessibility
Natural-surface trails with no confirmed accessible path.
Kayak
Allowed Non-motorized boats only, year-round ice-out to freeze-up
Managed by
Opacum Land Trust / Southbridge Trails Committee
508-347-9144 · WebsiteWhat's here
On site
Info kiosk
Trail map/kiosk reported at the Opacum trail-map PDF; on-site signage not confirmed
Worth knowing
- The sanctuary includes a red maple swamp and vernal pools in addition to upland hardwood forest.
- The adjoining Gradon and Virginia Morse Woodland Preserve, donated by the Morse family, abuts Claire Birtz and shares its trail network.
Common questions
Can you kayak at Claire Birtz Wildlife Sanctuary?
Yes, there is a non-motorized boat launch onto Morse Pond from North Woodstock Road (Route 169), just south of the Tipton Rock Road intersection.
Where do I park at Claire Birtz Wildlife Sanctuary?
Free lot (Free).
Is there an entry fee at Claire Birtz Wildlife Sanctuary?
No, entry is free.
Can I bring my dog to Claire Birtz Wildlife Sanctuary?
Not explicitly posted; land trust properties in the region typically allow leashed dogs, but this was not confirmed for Claire Birtz specifically
Is Claire Birtz Wildlife Sanctuary wheelchair accessible?
Natural-surface trails with no confirmed accessible path.
What rules should I know at Claire Birtz Wildlife Sanctuary?
Sections of Tipton Rock Road are impassable by car; approach only via Route 169, not Blackmer Road or Lebanon Hill. Hunting is prohibited. Motorized boats are prohibited on Morse Pond.