Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge
Fish and Wildlife Service, Massachusetts.
Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge, located in the towns of Sudbury, Stow, Maynard and Hudson, and just 20 miles west of Boston. Assabet River is one of eight national wildlife refuges that comprise the Eastern Massachusetts National Wildlife Refuge Complex. Over time these lands were traditionally hunted and fished by Nipmuc Tribes, farmed by colonists, crossed by railroad and used for military training. This area was known as the Sudbury Training Annex, part of Fort Devens and the U.S. Army until 2000 when the U.S. Army transferred over 2,000 acres to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, therefore establishing the refuge.
Important habitat types on the refuge, such as freshwater wetlands, oak-pine forest, and shrubland are crucial in our management of migratory bird conservation. Wildlife that call Assabet River home include, but not limited to, waterfowl and wading birds, songbirds, raptors, American beaver, bobcat, white-tailed deer, and various reptiles and amphibians.
Nearby Activities
- Biking
- Birding
- Cross Country Skiing
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Hunting
- Photography
- Snowshoeing
- Wildlife Viewing
Directions
Hudson Road (Main Gate) Access: From Route 2, take Exit 42 (Route 27) south towards Acton and through Maynard. Go straight through lights at junction with Route 117 in Maynard, following Route 27 south until you see Fairbank Road on the right. Take Fairbank Road to the end. Turn right off of Fairbank Road onto Hudson Road. Follow for about one mile, and main refuge entrance is on the right.
From Hudson/Stow area, follow Route 62 East to Main Street in Hudson, onto State Road in Stow, which turns into Hudson Road, Sudbury. Main refuge entrance is on left after Department of Fire Services headquarters.
White Pond Road (North Gate) Access: From Route 2, take Exit 42 (Route 27) south towards Acton and through Maynard. Turn right at lights that junction with Route 117 in Maynard and follow 117 West. Follow straight through lights that junction with Route 62 and follow into Stow. Turn left onto White Pond Road. Follow to end. This route is approximately 6.5 miles
Old Marlborough Road (East Gate): Take Route 27 to Old Marlborough Road in Maynard. Parking at the end of road.
