Welcome to Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge! Located in the towns of Sudbury, Stow, Maynard and Hudson, and just 20 miles west of Boston, Assabet River NWR is one of eight national wildlife refuges that comprise the Eastern Massachusetts National Wildlife Refuge Complex. The lands the refuge consists of were trad
Maybe — confirm before you go.
This U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service site may charge a fee your pass covers — confirm before you go.
- Fee type Fee unknown — The fee structure here is unconfirmed.
- Source Find on Recreation.gov ↗
- Last verifiedJuly 6, 2026 · Check
- Official pagewww.recreation.gov ↗
- Contact 978-562-3527 · fw5rw_emnwr@fws.gov
Common questions
Quick Yes / No / Depends answers for Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge — always confirm with the managing site before you go.
Depends Does the America the Beautiful pass work here?
Maybe — This U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service site may charge a fee your pass covers — confirm before you go. Check with the managing agency before you go.
Yes Can you fish at Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge?
Yes — fishing is one of the listed activities here. You’ll need a valid state fishing license.
Yes Can you kayak, paddle, or boat here?
Yes — there’s water for boating and paddling at Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge. Hand-launched craft usually need no permit; motorized boats may need registration or a launch fee.
Yes Are there hiking trails?
Yes — trails here include Garfield Avenue, Harry's Way, Patrol Road, and more. Check length and difficulty before you go.
Yes Can you bike here?
Yes — biking is available at Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge. Confirm which roads or trails allow it.
Yes Can you watch wildlife or birds here?
Yes — Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge is a spot for wildlife and bird watching. Keep your distance and never feed animals.
Depends Is hunting allowed?
Yes — hunting is permitted here in season, with the required state license and tags. Check seasons and unit rules.
Depends Is there winter recreation?
Yes — snow and winter activities are available seasonally. Check conditions and closures before you head out.
Depends Can you bring a dog?
Often restricted to protect wildlife — many refuges limit or prohibit pets. Check this refuge before you go.
Nearby sites
NPS Photo National Park Service Minute Man National Historical Park
ConfirmedFree entry — there is no entrance fee here, so you won’t need your pass to get in.
John Phelan / CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Oxbow National Wildlife Refuge
CheckThis U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service site may charge a fee your pass covers — confirm before you go.
