This 49-acre sanctuary was acquired in 1993 and is home to NH Audubon’s Massabesic Center. Together with adjacent lands owned by Manchester Water Works that extend north to Battery Point, this sanctuary features trail access to Lake Massabesic, as well as a variety of upland habitats including mixed forests and open fields. The fields are managed for grassland nesting birds, while nest boxes are actively managed for Tree Swallows and Eastern Bluebirds, which add a splash of color and sound to the browns of early spring. Maps providing full trail descriptions are available at the Massabesic Center.
The Yellow Trail and Battery Point Loop combine to form a 3.7 mile out and back to Battery Point. The trail goes past Milne Pond, and has periodic benches for resting. Hikers will be rewarded at Battery Point with good views across Lake Massabesic. The Yellow Trail is marked with yellow paint, and the Battery Point Loop is marked with red tags.
The Red Trail is a 1 mile loop through fields and forests that is marked with red tags; note that the paths through the field may change location depending on how it is mowed. The Blueberry Point Extension branches off the Red Trail, and features an old Osprey viewing blind.
There are also numerous town owned Fire Roads that branch off of the Audubon maintained trails.
**As of August 2024 please refer to this Updated Massabesic Trail Footprint as we undergo construction, see here for details.**
Access to trails is free, but all donations are appreciated and support the grounds, programs and activities at
Massabesic Center. Suggested donation: $10/visit.
Trails are open daily from dawn to dusk.
From NH-101, take exit 1. Proceed on NH-28B South through a traffic circle, then for an additional 1.9 miles. Turn left onto Spofford Road, then after 0.3 miles turn left onto Audubon Way. The parking lot will be on the left.
Photo, top: Entrance to Massabesic trails from the Massabesic Center, by Dyanna Smith.
