Joffe Nature Sanctuary
Cagney Hill Road, New Marlborough, MA

Managed by

New Marlborough Land Trust

Allowed Uses & Features

Information

  • Dogs allowed - Leashed
  • Free
  • Parking
Joffe Nature Sanctuary pond.

Joffe Nature Sanctuary pond.

Joffe Nature Sanctuary entrance off Cagney Hill Road.

Joffe Nature Sanctuary entrance off Cagney Hill Road.

Joffe Nature Sanctuary in New Marlborough, MA | Berkshires Outside
Joffe Nature Sanctuary in New Marlborough, MA | Berkshires Outside
Joffe Nature Sanctuary in New Marlborough, MA | Berkshires Outside
  • Public Land
  • Private Land
  • Bus Route
  • Trail
  • Major Trail

About Joffe Nature Sanctuary

The Joffe Nature Sanctuary is a quaint, family-friendly preserve that provides access to a diverse natural environment with ideal conditions for wildlife viewing, birding, and studying nature. Two interlocking hiking trails span just under a mile as they immerse visitors in wetlands and uplands teeming with wildlife. The property's main feature is its vernal pond, which harbors flourishing populations of ducks, frogs, turtles, beavers, muskrats, and more. This property is an excellent place to get children excited about nature, as it offers just the right amount of natural immersion without venturing too far off the beaten path.

The Wetland Loop circles the pond with multiple wooden benches along its edge, offering great places to grab a bite to eat, take in the surrounding nature, or even read a book—after all, many famous authors have found inspiration for their novels in the peaceful natural environment of the Berkshires. A footbridge walks right through the marshland by the pond, allowing for up-close observation of aquatic plant life and wildlife. To the west of the pond is an upland traversed by the Laurel Loop, which goes through mountain laurel and passes a huge boulder left over from the Ice Age.

Overall, the Joffe Nature Sanctuary is a hidden treasure among Western Massachusetts nature preserves, and it is particularly ideal for families with children. Access can be found at the intersection of Canaan Southfield Road and Cagney Hill Road, where a small dirt parking area marks the trailhead.

New Marlborough Land Trust

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Cagney Hill Road, New Marlborough, MA

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Accessibility Assessment

There are no accessible features at this location.

Joffe Nature Sanctuary contains a small gravel area off Cagney Hill Road. The space holds room for at least two cars. To access the trails, a small section over wooden boardwalk planks is required to be traversed. Across the planks, there is access to a .6-mile dirt trail loop with gentle slopes of 5-10%. Multiple benches can be accessed on the small loop facing the pond.   

A boardwalk over a marshy area required to access the Joffe nature sanctuary trail.

A boardwalk over a marshy area required to access the Joffe nature sanctuary trail.

A narrow wooden boardwalk traverses a marshy section in the Joffe Nature Sanctuary.

A narrow wooden boardwalk traverses a marshy section in the Joffe Nature Sanctuary.

Clubs, Retail & Rentals

Looking to meet up with others for team sports or group activities? Check out our list of clubs, guides and leagues in the Berkshires on the Resources page. Our list of summer camps will help you plan an overnight or day camp adventure for your young ones.

We also link to an array of outdoor recreation retail shops for gear and rental facilities for equipment on the Gear page.

Resources Gear