Old Baldy Wildlife Sanctuary

Norton Road, Otis, MA

About Old Baldy Wildlife Sanctuary

Old Baldy Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Otis, with a parking lot available on Norton Road. The sanctuary offers hiking and wildlife viewing opportunities, with a short and steep hike leading to a large open summit that provides panoramic views of the surrounding Western Massachusetts forests.

Only a 0.3-mile hike from the parking lot, the climb is on the short and grassy Summit Trail. After curling through the woods, the trail finishes at the 1,700-foot peak of the Old Baldy, which has plenty of room to walk around. The peak is being kept clear to help restore the habitat for New England cottontail, so visitors have a 360-degree vista for viewing the surrounding sugar maple, white ash, and basswood forests. On a clear day, visitors may also be able to see a portion of the Otis Reservoir.

The Old Baldy Wildlife Sanctuary is a 154-acre property owned and managed by Mass Audubon. The protected property allows Mass Audubon to perform restoration and conservation practices essential for their (aforementioned) New England Cottontail Habitat Project. Visitors can appreciate the wildlife in the area and keep an eye out for the inhabiting moose and bears. The sanctuary is an excellent place to become immersed in and admire the natural beauty of the Berkshires.