Blandford Loop

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Wildlife

The Blandford Nature Center provides visitors with a chance to experience nature up close and personally. From their extensive trail system for hikes and walks to the Wildlife trail and numerous educational programs that involve resident animals, there's something for everyone.

The trails at Blandford can be traveled in either direction, with dogs on leash except for the Wildlife trail, which doesn't allow dogs.

Free for members (sign up here), $3 for non-members. Leashed dogs allowed except for on the Wildlife trail.

This short loop begins from the parking area by the Visitor Center and heads clockwise through the main network of trails on the east side of the Blandford Farm and School.

To start, head west (left) on the South Farm trail past the Star Schoolhouse and Sugar House. Continue along the Brandywine Creek toward the entrance and parking area for the Blandford School. Turn right (north) to walk along the driveway up toward the entrance for the North Farm trail. For visitors looking for a longer hike, keep an eye out for signs pointing toward the West Meadow trail which loops around the western half of the property.

For this hike, continue north toward the traffic circle and look for the North Farm trail on the right heading northeast back into the woods. This section is very moderately hilly up across the powerline corridor to the Back Forty loop.

Stay left (north) at this intersection with the Back Forty, to follow the loop in a clockwise direction. Along the way, you'll pass two wetland areas where birds and wildlife can often be spotted and there are a handful of spur trails to explore further. Around the 1.25-mile mark, take a left at the West Loop - Back Forty Connector. Continue to the left at the next intersection to follow the eastern side of the West Loop across the creek, staying right away from the East Loop.

Finally, take the Wildlife - West Loop Connector to the understandably popular Wildlife trail for the final rewarding stroll through the display of animals on site.

Resident wildlife includes hawks, falcons, raptors, owls, turtles, flying squirrels, Bob the bobcat, and many more.