A 217-acre coastal forest sanctuary on the Great Neck peninsula owned and managed by Mass Audubon, with nearly two miles of easy looping trails through pine forest to salt-marsh overlooks above Bass Cove.
What to expect
Trails
Nearly two miles of easy, looping trails; the mile-long Heron Point Loop leads to the Osprey Overlook above Bass Cove salt marsh.
Accessibility
Trails are easy grade but natural surface; no formal ADA path confirmed.
Hiking
Allowed Year-round.
Birdwatching
Allowed Summer nesting ospreys, year-round herons and egrets.
Managed by
Mass Audubon (managed via Allens Pond Wildlife Sanctuary staff)
unconfirmed direct line · WebsiteWorth knowing
- The land was protected in 2010 through a partnership of Mass Audubon, the Wareham Land Trust, the Buzzards Bay Coalition, the Town of Wareham, and the Roman Catholic Diocese of Fall River, connecting over 300 acres of contiguous open space.
Common questions
How long and hard are the trails?
The loops total nearly two miles and are described as easy, suitable for most walkers.
In the sanctuary's parking area off Stockton Shortcut Road, just beyond the trailhead for the neighboring Great Neck Conservation Area.
Is there an entry fee at Great Neck Wildlife Sanctuary?
No, entry is free.
Is Great Neck Wildlife Sanctuary wheelchair accessible?
Trails are easy grade but natural surface; no formal ADA path confirmed.