Meander a picturesque brook and check out live animal exhibits at Roaring Brook Nature Center.

The nature center itself is small (but still worth checking out) - the real star here is the trail system. The center has your usual suspects - rehabilitated amphibians, a small collection of snakes, owls, and other raptors. We like coming here, especially for the rainbow boa and the hawks; the vultures are fun to watch as well. They have some great informational displays, taxidermied animals, and a little reading corner full of nature-themed books for young readers. 

We come here mostly for the trails - meandering among them is quite a lovely experience - sunlight filters through the hemlocks that border a babbling brook. Moss-covered rocks, little footbridges, and frogs all make for a fun excursion. The center offers scavenger hunts and informational signs along some of the trails that help keep little ones engaged. There are a few geocaches and letterboxes scattered throughout the trails as well. The numerous trail options make it easy to do a loop anywhere from a quarter-mile to a mile or more. 

The center offers great guided hikes and school break programs as well - check their website for upcoming events. If you can, try to time your visit with one of the guided hikes - the naturalists are great, and you will learn so much! The owl prowl and amphibian walks are our favorites. 

Nearby

If you’re looking to keep hiking, the West Mountain Trail System is nearby, as well as Stratton Brook State Park. Flamig Farm is a great farm experience, and Tulmeadow Farm Store is a local favorite for ice cream - a must on a hot summer day!