About Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge
Welcome to Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge! Located in the towns of Sudbury, Stow, Maynard and Hudson, and just 20 miles west of Boston, Assabet River NWR is one of eight national wildlife refuges that comprise the Eastern Massachusetts National Wildlife Refuge Complex. The lands the refuge consists of were traditionally hunted and fished by Nipmuc Tribes, later farmed by colonists, then crossed by railroad and eventually 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 over 2,000 acres were transferred to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, establishing the refuge.Important habitat types on the refuge, such as freshwater wetlands, oak-pine forest, and shrubland are crucial to our management of migratory bird conservation. Many wildlife call Assabet River home including numerous species of waterfowl and wading birds, songbirds, raptors, American beaver, bobcat, white-tailed deer, and various reptiles and amphibians.
How to Get There
Note about address for main access area: 680 Hudson Road is our mailing address, but 680 Winterberry Way is the physical address that you should enter when using direction and navigation apps.From Hudson Road: 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. Turn right onto Winterberry Way.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. Turn left onto Winterberry Way.From White Pond Road: 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 From Old Marlborough Road: Take Route 27 to Old Marlborough Road in Maynard. Parking at the end of road.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →Plan Your Visit to Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge
Heading to Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge?
No central reservation system listed for Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/recarea/4061) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge?
Note about address for main access area: 680 Hudson Road is our mailing address, but 680 Winterberry Way is the physical address that you should enter when using direction and navigation apps.From Hudson Road: 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 Fairba…
How do I contact Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge?
You can reach the park at phone: 978-562-3527 or email: fw5rw_emnwr@fws.gov.
References & Official Resources
