The Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge is a very unique and cool place for outdoor activities. Located in the towns of Maynard and Sudbury, Massachusetts, this 2,200-acre parcel of land is great for gravel biking, snowshoeing, nature walks, and cross-country skiing. Over the years I have used this area for getting out on my mountain bike, but this year I decided to get out there with my snowshoes and I am glad I did.
The Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge has a super interesting past. The reason it exists is that in 1942, during WWII the US government seized the land by eminent domain from the residents living there giving them just 1 week to make arrangements to live elsewhere. The land was then turned into an ammunition storage area, among other government purposes.
Perhaps the coolest thing about snowshoeing on this land is the 50 amo bunkers that are still tucked away in the woods and right off most of the trails. They are a bit creepy, especially if you don’t know the history like I did the first time I came through. They make me think of the mysterious bunkers from the TV show Lost.
Overall Experience at Snowshoeing Assabet River
I arrived pretty early in the morning, at about 7:30 am, and was the first person in the lot. There had been a large snowstorm a few days prior so there was a lot of deep powder to trek through. I followed a snowmobile track for a while and then on to some single-track trails that were untouched. In total, I walked around for 3 hours and feel like I didn’t even come close to seeing all there was to see. Here is a map to check out.
I trekked Harry’s Way Trail to Otter Alley to Tayor Way to Waterberry Way to Petapawag Trail to Towbee Trail back to Harry’s Way.
I did eventually come upon other people out enjoying the perfect winter day. Most people were on cross-country skis but there were many fellow snowshoers as well. Towards the midway point of my loop, I came upon the site of the former Rice Tavern built in 1700 and operated for 115 years! It was torn down in 1942.
If you live in the area and love snowshoeing, cross country skiing, or nature walks you’ll love Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge, especially if you are also a history buff! I didn’t see any animals but did see all their tracks.
Quick Points From Assabet River NWR
- There are multiple parking areas and entrances. Check the map I linked to above
- Dogs are not allowed
- There are multiple bodies of water on the property, not to mention the Assabet River
- Henry David Thoreau wrote about a section of this refuge in 1851
- There is a visitors center on the Stow, MA side with lots of parking and a nature center open to the public
Check out some of the other outdoor adventure categories here on highpointer.us!