Hours
Our trails are currently closed for the season and will re-open to the public on April 18, 2025.
Beginning 2025, the public trails will be open DAWN TO DUSK.
Description of Public Trails
The Public Area of Norcross Wildlife Sanctuary
At the heart of the Norcross Wildlife Sanctuary is a 75-acre parcel open to the public. Ranging from high and dry sites to swamps and rich woodlands, the public area is welcoming, beautiful, and above all valuable wildlife habitat chock full of both common and rare native species. Access to the public is available on our 2+ miles of trails to explore, view wildlife and the variety of wildflowers in this area of Norcross Wildlife Sanctuary, or just take a lovely stroll in nature.
With various possible routes, our trail system allows for everything from a short 10-minute loop to a multi-hour exploration. Along our trail system you will see a number of different habitat types such as a dry grassland, a wet meadow, and numerous forests types ranging from rich and mesic to well-drained and acidic.
Our trails are irregular natural surfaces such as dirt, grass and woodchips, with roots and other natural obstacles on them. Please plan your visit to our trails accordingly.
Trail Map
Updated 2025 map coming soon!
Trail Rules
1. We are open dawn to dusk.
For your safety, and to provide a break for wildlife from humans, Norcross trails and grounds are only open during daylight hours. But keep an eye out for our occasional evening programs if you want to experience Norcross at night.
2. Stay on the trail.
Yes, we know that mysterious side path looks tempting, but let’s leave it to the deer. Sticking to marked trails helps protect the ecosystem (and keeps you from wandering into an unexpected adventure).
3. Carry in, carry out.
Nature doesn’t do trash cans, and neither do we. Whatever you bring snacks, water bottles, or banana peels, make sure it all leaves with you.
You get bonus points if you pick up a stray wrapper along the way!
4. Norcross is a non-smoking property.
Please leave all forms of cigarettes and cigars at home.
5. Wildlife is wild.
Admire them, photograph them, whisper about how majestic they are — but please don’t feed or approach them. They’re perfectly capable of finding their own meals and don’t need our trail mix.
6. Leave your furry friends at home.
We love dogs, but for the health and safety of wildlife and the peacefulness of the trails, pups (and all other pets) should sit this one out.
Service animals are always welcome.
7. No bikes or any type of off-road vehicles including ATVs and UTVs.
Mobility aids are always welcome.
8. Have fun and be kind.
Whether you’re here for a quiet walk or a heart-pumping hike, respect others on the trail, offer a friendly nod, and enjoy the magic of Norcross.
Directions
When using a GPS, find the Norcross Wildlife Sanctuary with the following address: 30 Peck Road, Wales, MA 01081
FROM SPRINGFIELD OR WESTERN, MA
- Take I-90 East – Exit 63, Palmer, MA
- Rt 32 South to Monson
- Go through the center of Monson and then take the left turn onto Wales Road
- Stay right at the fork on Wales Road
- Continue for approximately 3.5 miles
- Take a right onto Peck Road
- The entrance is a short distance on the left
FROM WORCESTER, BOSTON, OR EASTERN MA
- Take I-90 West – Exit 78 toward I-84
- Take Exit 6B Sturbridge, MA-Rt 20 West
- Continue on MA-Rt 20 West to Brimfield, take left on Rt 19 South
- Continue South to Wales, MA and take a right on Monson Road
- Stay to the left of the fork on Monson Road
- Go approximately 2 miles and take a left onto Peck Road
- The entrance is a short distance on the left
FROM 1-84
- Exit 70, Stafford Springs, CT
- North on Rt 32 through Stafford Springs, CT to Monson, MA
- Make the right turn onto Wales Road
- Stay right at the fork on Wales Road
- Continue for approximately 3.5 miles
- Take a right onto Peck Road
- The entrance is a short distance on the left