Capen Hill Nature Sanctuary — Attraction in Charlton

We actually lived here for about one year in 2013. Is is an experience I would cherish for lifetime. We truly experienced living in the middle of nature. If you come hear to see hundred of exotic birds, you will be disappointed. But there are few exotic parrots and other birds here and few other animals. Barbara takes amazing care of this place. She maintains this place like her own house. There are some nice trails for easy afternoon hike. This place does organize summer camp and birthday parties. I have only one complain, town of Charlton does not take care of the road to the sanctuary and the road is horrible. Please drive carefully on Capen Road, the sanctuary is all the way to the end. Especially in winter if the caretaker (another nice and caring fellow) does not plow snow, it becomes very difficult to reach inside. Please keep in mind this place is surviving mostly on donation from peers, so please show your generosity...

This is an a quiet, secluded area off of the main road. I went on a Wednesday afternoon in mid-December and no one was there, I saw just one car. Follow signs closely to find the right area to park in. The ground was frozen with many ice patches. The trails were clearly marked and each had a different name. There were also a lot of fields along the way that had large spot lights for night games/actives. I also came across a well-kept fire pit area. Most of the trails didn't show up on my All Trails map or Garmin watch. Not sure why, they seem like they're well organized trails & are shown on the maps the nature sanctuary provides upon arrival to...

Again, reluctant to go 5 stars. The reason being, no-one was around. I love this place so much that I have to battle with being honest about my review. Part of me ( a large part) wants to give them a not-so-kind review with the thought of deterring people from going. I have visited here for so many years and always left feeling refreshed and at peace. It reminds me that we share this planet and that all the other inhabitants need is a place that they can live. Spend 4 or 5 hours there and exercise your senses. Pack a lunch and relax. These people do " a...