hiking trails of marshfield

Ellis Nature Sanctuary

revised bird tracks
misty pond at ellis nature sanctuary


Ellis Nature Sanctuary and it's hiking trails are somewhat hidden off of route 139.  Heading east on route 139 (Plain St), you will find the unmarked entrance at the street to the sanctuary after the intersection with Furnace St.  

Approx. 1/2 mile on the right is Sandy Hill Dr.

This street makes a narrow loop to the side of Plain St.

The other end of this loop is unmarked but is where the also unmarked entrance to the Ellis Nature Sanctuary can be found.



At the street the entrance is lined by a guard rail and a gate. The only sign here announces that this is an entrance to a water protection preserve  and that the public is welcome.


ellis nature sanctuary parking area

Once down this dirt road, (the gate may be closed but I found it not locked, just swing it open) you will then find yourself at a parking lot that can accomodate about 5-6 vehicles.


You will also find the trail area sign and a trash barrel. (Love seeing trash barrels!! Hate when people don't use them when they are provided!!)




trail from parking to bog at ellis sanctuary

There will be a short trail down to a  cranberry bog and an accompanying pond.


Following around to the left there will be more trails into the forest behind the Sanctuary Church.



bench at ellis nature sanctuary



This set of trails will take

you to handmade benches


lined trail at ellis nature sanctuary




and through lined hiking trails.




sanctuary trail


Another place to park can be found in the Sanctuary church parking lot just past the parking area on Plain St.


grassy hiking trail at ellis sanctuary


Out on the cranberry bog you can follow the grassy trail around for a more lengthy hike. Part of the way around you will pass over a culvert where a stream through the bog passes. 

The trail continues around the bog keeping close to it as you will find yourself on the edge of private property. There will be a path between the bog and pond to finish your excursion. 

duck in pond at ellis nature sanctuary


In early spring many ducks and geese were enjoying the pond and sunshine.


This short hike was just over 1/2 mile.

pond behind bog at ellis sanctuary


Along the trail that connects the bog and the parking area I did find a faint narrow path through that portion of the forest. 

If this were cleaned up and maintained it will take you on a journey behind the pond and along the wetlands. 

If this were added to the bog hike the distance could come close to a full mile. Nice to explore even without a clear hiking trail!




  1. South Shore Hiking Trails
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  2. Marshfield
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  3. Ellis Nature Sanctuary


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Trail

Quick Facts


Directions:

from route 3 take exit 27 on route 139 east. Continue through 2 sets of intersection lights. About 1/2 mile after 2nd set take right onto Sandy Hill Dr. Entrance is on right just before the street re-enters route 139.

Parking:

5-6 vehicles at this entrance.

several at the Sanctuary church parking lot where the Sanctuary trail entrance is.

Trail Time:
Short: 1/2 mile


Difficulty:
Easy:  mostly flat; icy in cold season


Water sources:

stream runs through bog

Other activities:

evidence of horse back riding, x-country ski or snow shoeing