North Hill Marsh can best be described as a wildlife sanctuary within a town forest - and that is literally what it is. The 130+ acres Audubon property is situated within the Duxbury Eastern Greenbelt. The Greenbelt consists of approximately 1,000 acres of contiguous open space - so a true refuge from the hustle and bustle of life. The area is marked by oak and pine woodlands, cranberry bogs, and a 90-acre pond.
TRAILS:
The trails are well maintained but can vary wildly in terms of terrain and width. There is probably a decent path suitable for strollers however this location is really suited to those not worried about accessibility. Some of the trails we have been on are very narrow and surrounded by pine trees - and others loop around cranberry bogs. Roots often protrude from the ground as this is a heavily wooded area.
The trail system is clearly marked - although still a bit confusing to me. I was happy to have mapped my hike using Strava to help control the wandering. You'll never feel lost but it just might take a tiny bit longer to get back home on your first trip.
POINTS OF INTEREST:
There are a few vista points that are called out on the trail map - but largely this location is about the wildlife. Depending on the season you could see a true variety of species. According to the Audubon Society page:
- Snapping and painted, as well as the more rare spotted and box turtles, often seen in the wooded and shore areas.
- A variety of birds such as ring-necked and black ducks, buffleheads, hooded mergansers, herons, kingfishers, and egrets congregate around the pond.
- Approximately 100 pairs of tree swallows that inhabit the nesting boxes placed throughout the marsh.
- Mink along the water’s edge and muskrat and otters in the pond.
[Source: Audubon Society]
