It is easiest to access this hotspot from the paved portion of Norcross Hill Road that is off of MA-68 (also known as South Royalston Road).
Norcross Hill Wildlife Management Area (WMA) in Templeton contains 465 acres of land that was previously owned by the Walter E. Fernald Corporation. WMAs are open to the public, and Norcross Hill is no exception. Visitors can enjoy the woodlands and wetlands as well as nearly a mile of frontage along Norcross Hill Brook and Beaver Brook. The variety of habitats within this property supports both game and non-game wildlife species. White-tailed deer, bears, waterfowl, and turkeys can be found in the woods and fields. American bitterns and eastern whip-poor-wills, both protected by the Massachusetts Endangered Species Act, have also been observed in the area. In addition, the grasslands within the property are important for the conservation of bobolinks in New England.
Roadside viewing
Restrooms on site
Wheelchair accessible trail
Entrance fee
Content from Noah Henkenius and Norcross Hill Wildlife Management Area information sheet
Last updated March 10, 2023