Samuel Myron Chase Wildlife Sanctuary

  • Overview

    At approximately 660 acres, the Samuel Myron Chase Wildlife Sanctuary is currently the third-largest Audubon sanctuary in New Hampshire. Its relatively large size compasses a good diversity of wildlife habitats.

    In 1931, Samuel Myron Chase left in trust 63 acres of wooded land in the town of Hopkinton. Samuel Chase had a life-long interest in and concern for wildlife and wished his land to be held in trust as a greenbelt around the town of Hopkinton, “where the axe of the lumberman shall never ring again, and where New Hampshire bird life, wildflowers, and animals shall be protected in perpetuity.”

    The seed he planted has led to steady growth of the sanctuary, which is now approximately 660 acres. The greenbelt Chase envisioned those many decades ago is slowly coming to fruition.

    Directions: From Rte. 202/9 in Hopkinton, turn onto Jewett Road. The trail head is 1.7 miles on the right.

  • The following trails are part of this system.

    Chase Trail: (Yellow markers) This trail is the longest in the sanctuary. It runs from Jewett Road through the forest and ends at the marsh. The trail is home to many fern species, wildflowers, tracks that would include white-tailed deer and moose, and to many of the state’s woodland birds.

    For the best views of the marsh, three overlook loops can be accessed by the Chase Trail:

    The Fred Pilch Loop: (Red markers) This short loop starts near Jewett Road and takes you to a lookout on the edge of the beaver meadow.

    The Will Brown & Voydatch Loops: (Red markers) These trails are located near the end of the Chase Trail where there are several overlooks on the edge of the marsh. The Voydatch Loop is especially good as a place to watch succession in progress, as there are a variety of stages to be seen, from lichen to forest.

    The Stack Brook Trail: (Red markers) Trail begins and ends from the Chase Trail a short distance from the Fred Pilch Loop. The trail follows Stack Brook upstream over an area of rocky ground to a crossing at an old ford and bridge. The trail then follows the brook back down to rejoin the Chase Trail. Walking conditions are a little rocky and wet, so care should be taken.

    The Brown Robinson Trail: (Red markers) This relatively short trail begins on Jewett Road about 0.25 miles south of the Chase Trail trailhead. It takes you to the edge of the marsh, to a huge beaver dam. Note: The Brown Robinson Trail includes sections on private property. Please stay on the trail and logging road.

    Click here to view/download NH Audubon’s Chase Sanctuary brochure.

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