The Rockery

The Rockery at Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary is a man-made stone grotto, with narrow passages and small caves, built in 1905 beside Rockery Pond. You reach it on the 0.5-mile Rockery Trail from the visitor center, which Mass Audubon calls the sanctuary's most-visited trail. Mass Audubon describes it as perfect for kids, and adults, who love to climb. There's no separate fee; it's included in sanctuary admission.

Getting There

Start at the top of the hill by the visitor center and follow the Rockery Trail. It crosses wetland boardwalks and bridges, then arrives at the Rock Grotto on the edge of Rockery Pond. The whole trail is 0.5 mile, so the grotto is an easy goal for small legs. The trail map shows how the Waterfowl Pond and Red Pine Trails connect nearby if you want to make a longer loop.

What You'll See on the Way

The boardwalk crosses open wetland, and Mass Audubon lists what to look for: waterfowl, red-winged blackbirds, muskrats and otters.

For a closer look at the trees, pick up Mass Audubon's "Self-Guided Discovery Walk: Guide to Trees Along the Rockery Loop" card deck at the visitor center before you set out.

A Bit of History

The Rockery predates Mass Audubon's ownership by nearly half a century. Mass Audubon's 75th-anniversary program credits the era of the "gentleman farmer" Thomas Proctor with shaping much of what visitors love about the sanctuary today, including the Rockery and the arboretum. Mass Audubon acquired its first parcels here in 1951. More in the sanctuary's history.

Climbing the Grotto

Kids love the narrow passages, but the stone is old, uneven and can be slick after rain or with wet leaves. Keep a hand on small children, wear shoes with grip, and don't pull on loose stones. Mass Audubon's property rules prohibit collecting, so leave rocks, plants and anything else where you find them.

Make It a Family Morning

Pair the Rockery with the Nature Play Area beside the visitor center entrance, where kids can build a log cabin and scale a miniature observation tower. Mass Audubon also runs toddler and family programs. See kids and families.

Good For / Maybe Skip If

• Good for young kids: a short walk with a payoff they can climb.
• Good for a first visit — it's the trail Mass Audubon says most people walk.
• Maybe skip the passages if you're not comfortable in tight spaces; the boardwalk views are worth it alone.
• Maybe skip on an icy day; the stone and boardwalks get slick. Try the Drumlin Trail's wide carriage road instead (see hiking).