If you are a family that loves to hike, you know it can be challenging to find a trail everyone in your party will enjoy. As a parent, I always look for a path with lots to see along the way and fairly easy to navigate. There are some fantastic easy trails throughout all parts of Massachusetts, but my top choice is an enchanting trail that is located in the little town of Topsfield, Massachusetts. 

You will be hard-pressed to find a more magical hike than the Rockery Trail at the Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary Trail.
Lisa Heard/Alltrails
This easy loop trail is less than a mile long and takes an average of 21 minutes to complete, but there is so much to see along the way! I suggest factoring in additional time to stop and explore all of the wondrous wildlife that you will encounter along the way.
The trail leads to the Rock Grotto, a century-old man-made rock structure that is so much fun to explore.
Abaseen Afghan/AllTrails
As you walk along the boardwalk to get to the grotto be on the lookout for some interesting wildlife.
Melissa Levesque/AllTrails
The last time my family and I hiked this trail, we saw turtles, snakes, and even beavers!
Many beautiful birds frequent the property, including some pretty friendly ducks.
Bonnie Wells/AllTrails
But one of my family’s favorite things about this hike is feeding the birds.
Photo by Kimberly Falchek
Bring some birdseed with you and they will eat right out of your hand. This magical experience is like being in the middle of a Disney movie.

Have you hiked the Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary Trail? What kinds of wildlife did you encounter along the trail?

Please note that this property is owned by the Mass. Audobon Society and there is an entrance fee for non-members. To find out more information about this enchanting hike, please visit the Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary website and the Mass Audobon Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary Facebook page. The October Farm Loop and the Old Colony Nature Pathway are other magical trails in Massachusetts that you might also enjoy. If you are hiking with toddlers in tow, be sure to check out this comfortable child carrier pack.

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Mass Audubon's Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary, 87 Perkins Row, Topsfield, MA 01983, USA