A Winter Walk Through Great Neck Wildlife Sanctuary
Disclaimer: We are not paid to promote any restaurant, hotel, activity, product, or attraction. All opinions are subjective and based on our personal experience. Your experience may be different.
This weekend, Mike and I decided to brave the cold for a short, brisk hike at Great Neck Wildlife Refuge in Wareham, Massachusetts. We have been checking out a lot of these little preserves since moving here, more so in the summer season. The decision to wear hiking boots as opposed to gym shoes came in handy as there was still a bit of leftover snow on the trails. This sanctuary was very peaceful and quiet. We only saw one other person on the trail, although the cold weather could have impacted the crowds.
After being cooped up in the house for seemingly forever, I love to get out and explore nature. We hike a lot in the spring-fall months and then begin to taper off as the holiday festivities start. I was also training for a race so didn’t get as much of an opportunity to snowshoe or hike through the forests. It was nice to soak in some nature especially in the quiet winter setting.
The trails here are pretty short which makes it a good choice for a short winter stroll. The smell of fresh pine is in the air at this beautiful oasis.
We came across a fallen tree along the way. Check out that giant trunk! I always see these fallen trees when I am hiking. I always wonder what I would do if I hear a tree breaking and if I would have time to run away. The thought of seeing this monster crashing down scares me!
This space is a designated wildlife habitat for rare species such as great horned owls and wading herons. Unfortunately, we did not encounter any wildlife on this outing. We did however enjoy the beautiful pine lined trail and overlook scenery. I would imagine that the spring and summer months would be ideal for birdwatching.
Regardless, this preserve is gorgeous even throughout the barren winter months. And it’s always great to get out there in the fresh air (something we don’t get enough of during the long winter months) and do something rather than working out in a stuffy gym every weekend. I love bundling up, breathing in the brisk air, and enjoying the desolate forest all to myself every once in a while. This region is surprisingly great during the winter season and I urge you to vacation here during the off season. This is a quieter time of the year with less tourists. Everything is cheaper and there is a great mix of indoor attractions and winter sports to enjoy.
Peaceful hiking
There are 4 miles of hiking trails available within this refuge. The Heron Point Loop is much more scenic than the Huckleberry Loop. For anyone with limited time, I recommend this hike. The walk through the pine forests is beautiful. I especially liked the section that traveled through this young pine forest (as you can see in this pic). It’s not something you come across everyday, so pretty exciting.
The highlight of the hike comes at Osprey Overlook. There is a fantastic view of the Cape Cod Canal and marsh here. It was a bit overcast to truly enjoy the view, but I’ll take no crowds anyday. I actually enjoy the simplicity and solitude that comes with winter hiking. Also, sometimes overcast skies and no crowds add to the experience – I feel like I can get lost in nature more easily without the sun beating down on me and being surrounded by tons of other people.
Even though it was a cold day, we enjoyed the peaceful walk , took a few great photos, and got in a nice, but not intense workout. This preserve is located just a short drive from both Plymouth and Cape Cod so a great add on activity if you are out this way. You can also check out my guide to some of my favorite trails near Boston to stay active throughout the frosty season. You can also check out my New England travel guide for more of my favorite recreational hotspots as well as museums and historical attractions. I really love this area – there is such a great mix of indoor and outdoor activities to partake in.
Location: This refuge is located on Stockton Shortcut Road in Wareham. Trails are open from dawn to dusk and admission is always free. Parking is also free. Unfortunately, dogs are not allowed in order to preserve the ecosystem.
Visit the Mass Audubon site for more info on this trail and others in the region.
