New England Forestry Foundation Dorothy Frances Rice Sanctuary for Wildlife

South Road, Peru, MA

About Dorothy Frances Rice Sanctuary for Wildlife

The Dorothy Frances Rice Sanctuary for Wildlife offers unspoiled natural beauty on miles of hiking trails. The property is scattered with luscious forests, charming beaver ponds, dense meadows, and pleasant scenery. The sanctuary is known for providing well-maintained trails that offer breathtaking natural immersion. Since there is extremely little development near the property, wildlife viewing and birding are especially great activities since animals thrive in the sanctuary's solitude. Attentive visitors may even see a moose or evidence of their presence, as this elusive creature is scarce in Massachusetts but has been known to roam around the sanctuary.

Visitors will find a detailed map near a cabin at the main trail junction. Additionally, a wooden container holds a visitor log book, hand-held maps, and a photo album of animals captured on the property's trail cameras. The sanctuary's trail system is best characterized as an interconnected network. These connections make it easier to explore multiple trails over a shorter distance, and it also gives visitors more freedom to choose between short samples of the sanctuary and long hiking excursions. Most trails are moderately difficult, with some technical sections and climbing expected. The sanctuary has also preserved some of its historic elements, including the cottage of the property's former caretaker. This sanctuary was established in honor of Oran and Mary Rice's daughter, who held a close attachment to the land, which is the site of the family's old summer home. Additional artifacts include a wishing well, old stone walls, and a memorial to a Peru war veteran.

The Rice Sanctuary is an excellent way to explore the Berkshires at any time of the year. It is an exceptional winter snowshoeing and cross-country skiing location, especially given that its high elevation allows for more snowfall than elsewhere in Western Massachusetts. Additionally, a blanket of snow makes tracking animal footprints through the forest easy for the most curious wildlife enthusiasts. The foliage is spectacular in the fall due to the forest's dense collection of deciduous trees that glow in vibrant colors. There are also some excellent picnic spots around the property, ideal during times of year when bugs are less active.

Overall, the Rice Sanctuary is suited for anyone looking to connect with nature and explore the outdoors on an extensive trail network through a quiet, remote area. The sanctuary can be accessed from a parking area on South Road in Peru, where a wide grassy path leads visitors to the main junction of trails.