Trail Information & Map

Open Spaces, Wild Places

More than ten miles of trails connect our two locations, DPNC and Coogan Farm. Circle the pond and stroll the boardwalk to explore the wetlands near the Nature Center. More than 175 different species of birds have been sighted, and 69 have been known to nest here, including three owl species: Great-horned, Barred and Screech. While you may be lucky enough to spot them in the wild, you can also visit our non-releasable resident birds of prey in outdoor flight enclosures at the DPNC. Enjoy your visit!

All trails are open free to the public from dawn to dusk. There is an admission fee to visit natural history exhibits and birds of prey.

Trail Etiquette

  • Please stay on trails to avoid trampling delicate plants or disturbing ground-nesting birds
  • Fires, camping, and motorized vehicles are prohibited
  • Take any trash that you bring or create with you
  • Removing, picking, collecting or otherwise disturbing plants or animals is prohibited
  • No smoking is permitted in DPNC buildings or anywhere on DPNC grounds

What About My Dog?

We love seeing your leashed dogs on the trails at Coogan Farm. Please help us protect delicate plants and off-trail habitats by keeping your dog leashed and on the marked trails. For the health and safety of our resident animal ambassadors, dogs and pets are prohibited on the trails around the Nature Center.

Nature Center Trails Throughout the Seasons . . .

January–March
Search for deer, otter, turkey and coyote tracks in the mud or snow. As winter progresses, look for emerging skunk cabbage, and listen for wood frogs “quacking.” Salamanders and eels migrate on rainy nights. Moonlight brings owls’ hooting and the woodcock’s aerial courtship display.

April–June
Look for wildflowers like Marsh Marigold, Wood Anemone, Dwarf Ginseng, and Solomon’s Seal, and listen for migrant birds, including Baltimore Oriole, Veery, Scarlet Tanager, and a variety of warblers.

July–September
Large, lush Royal and Cinnamon ferns grow in damp areas of the sanctuary, while colorful butterflies and dragonflies dance around the meadow’s Joe Pye Weed, milkweed and goldenrod. In the pond, turtles bask on logs and rocks, as frogs and watersnakes hunt along the water’s edge.

October–December
Brilliant shades of red, orange and yellow color our oak, maple, and sassafras trees. Witch Hazel blooms as squirrels and chipmunks gather acorns and hickory nuts. Junco, Fox Sparrow, Sharp-shinned hawk and other winter visitors arrive.

Throughout the Year
A total of 175 different species of birds have been recorded on the Nature Center’s sanctuary, and 69 have been known to nest here, including three owl species: Great-horned, Barred and Screech. While you may be lucky enough to spot them in the wild, you can also visit our non-releasable resident birds of prey in outdoor flight enclosures.