wellfleet aubudon sanctuary

I have returned several times and love every visit. Low tide allows you to walk in amazing areas, the fiddler crabs under the boardwalks are a mini horror movie, I've watched baby osprey, higher tides are an adventure if you take your shoes off, and you can walk in forest, sandy trail, ocean side or marsh. I was surprised that my NY Audubon membership is not recognized, however.

Had spare time after a wedding. First time on the cape and just roamed to see what was around. Stopped in. It was just after Labor Day. I was the only person there around 11am... Walked some paths. Spent about an hour. Really never saw anything noteworthy.... So, don't know what to say... Maybe springtime would be better????

Great visitor center, friendly staff, beautiful hiking trails - a fascinating place that should be on every visitor's itinerary.

Varied terrain, beautiful views, excellent trails. The birds which have been seen recently are posted so you have an idea of which ones you might expect to see. Beautiful butterfly garden also.

Nestled in 1,100 protected acres of marshland, this place is outstanding for learning about the local habitat, bird species, turtles, and more. Great visitor center with lots to interest kids, plus lots of walking trails through the marsh and forest. We were lucky enough to participate in rescuing diamondback terrapin hatchlings on site - one of the greatest days I've spent on the Cape.

Multiple trails of all types. Nice for the kids. Walk there frequently. It's on the bay so there is plenty of nature to view. The birds during migration are exceptional.

The Sanctuary is a bit hard to find for first time visitors. We ended up taking a few wrong turns before finally finding the very subtle Audubon signage on Route 6 in South Wellfleet. Worth the trouble and once on the property the trails are well marked and very well kept. The Nature Center itself is small but has interesting exhibits including a fish tank holding among other things a small blue lobster. Enjoyed an afternoon stroll around Goose Pond and out to the boardwalk for a look at the beach on the Bay. If you are looking for more solitude, the Bayview Trail is less traveled.

This year, I participated in a three-day Field Trip led by naturalists associated with the Massachusetts Audubon Society. The subject was Wild Words in which words were tied to place. It included walks on beaches, in forests, and excursions on the water. The naturalists leading us were knowledgeable, friendly, willing to answer any questions we had. They made this a memorable experience by encouraging us to share our words with the group, people I enjoyed spending these few days with. In addition, one can also visit the Sanctuary, get lots of good instructions, walk the trails and be awed by the beauty of this place.

Educational, inexpensive family option for activities when on the Cape. I have walked these trails and seen this facility improve with every addition. Each time we are there there is a new experience! The only spot we have ever encountered fiddler crabs. A great place to take the kids. Easy to walk and guides to help you identify different plants along the way. Occasional benches to sit down and take a moment to enjoy the scenery. My 23 year old son still loves to do this and it is on his must list when we are there. A picnic area is part of this location and it offers a rest for those looking to keep the cost down on vacation. A great little gift shop and bathrooms. it has it all for those travelling with children.

It's ironic that the best birding on the Cape is not here, but on the many marshes all around. That said, for great family programs, early morning walks with experienced naturalists and grand vistas, this lovely spot can't be beat. If you're after blue herons and other magnificent birds, I don't find them here but rather on the marshlands near Tim's Bridge just outside of town or in the small harbor estuaries.

We spent an entire day at the Wellfleet Audubon Reserve. From birding to fantastic salt marsh views, my husband and I could not get enough. Numerous summer activities available for the children. We found the guides to be patient and extremely knowledgeable. Will return.

Not huge distances to hike; relatively even terrain, but be prepared for mud and water if you want to walk out towards the beach. I bought the guidebook hoping the signs/numbers on the trails would show me what I was seeing, but the numbers didn't always correspond to the guidebook descriptions. Maybe I should have come earlier in the day but was disappointed not to see many birds. Bird enthusiasts probably know the best times to come there when it's less crowded and the birds are out (not mid-morning when I came).

Great views of the salt marsh and surrounding wooded areas and a fantastic place for birdwatching and nature hiking.

We spent a few hours at the Wellfleet Audubon Reserve and had a great time on a two hour guided tour hike through the reserve. My son enjoyed himself searching for small crabs and fish and the guide (her name was Spring) was very good with the guides and knowledgable about the reserve. Don't miss this place!

Kids enjoyed the indoor viewing seats, could see chipmunks, red squirrels and lots of birds eating at the feeders.