Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge 

Transportation Study Report

Submitted to

Eastern Federal Lands Highway Division

21400 Ridgetop Circle

Sterling, VA 20166-6511

Submitted by

Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc.

Executive Summary

Executive Summary 

Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge 

Transportation Study Report 

Prepared For: Federal Highway Administration 

 Eastern Federal Lands Highway Division 

 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 

 Northeast Region 

Prepared By: Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc. 

January 2013 

 

 Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge – 

TRANSPORTATION STUDY REPORT 

Executive Summary 1

INTRODUCTION 

This study presents a plan of near-term and longterm projects to improve access to, and mobility 

within, the Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge. 

The need for the study arises from several factors. 

One is to best accommodate the growing amount 

and changing type of visitation experienced since 

the opening of the refuge in 2005 and the Visitor 

Center in 2010. Another reason is that many of the 

then existent trails, roads and travelways in the 

refuge were in disrepair at the time the property was 

transferred in 2000 by the U.S. Army to the U.S. 

Fish and Wildlife Service, and the roadway surfaces 

have deteriorated further since. In addition, the 

refuge lands were isolated from the surrounding 

communities in the decades they were used by the 

Army and there are opportunities for better 

connectivity to the adjacent neighborhoods and 

communities. 

Data collection and the evaluation of existing 

conditions at the refuge began during the fall of 

2011. The assessment of existing conditions 

included a public open house to introduce the 

project and gather feedback on how visitors 

experience the refuge, what issues they might have, 

and what ideas they have. The review of existing 

conditions also included input from a group of key 

stakeholders. These stakeholders included 

representatives from the host communities of 

Maynard, Stow, Sudbury, and Hudson 

Massachusetts; representatives of conservation 

groups, and federal and state, agencies with 

abutting parcels; and the Friends of the Assabet 

River National Wildlife Refuge. The findings 

regarding existing conditions are presented in the 

Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge 

Transportation Study Existing Conditions Report, 

finalized in April 2012. 

The development of potential transportation 

improvement and enhancement projects involved 

participation by the public and the stakeholders. A 

public involvement meeting was held to introduce 

the potential projects that were developed in 

response to the initial public and stakeholder 

comments and the refuge’s issues and challenges 

identified during the existing conditions assessment. 

Several stakeholder meetings were held, during 

which additional participants included 

representatives from rail trail organizations and 

regional planning agencies. The Assabet River 

National Wildlife Refuge Transportation Study 

Preliminary Candidate Alternatives Report, 

finalized in September 2012, presents details of the 

initial screening of potential projects. 

A more detailed evaluation of candidate projects, 

and the prioritization of recommended projects, was 

conducted during the summer and fall of 2012. The 

results are included in the Assabet River National 

Wildlife Refuge Transportation Study Report, 

finalized in January 2013. 

Visitor Center at the Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge
 Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge – 

TRANSPORTATION STUDY REPORT 

Executive Summary 2

REFUGE OVERVIEW 

The Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge 

(ARNWR) is located in the western suburbs of 

Boston, Massachusetts, in the communities of 

Hudson, Stow, Maynard and Sudbury. The refuge is 

relatively new. The property had been under the 

control of the U.S. Army since 1942 until it was 

transferred to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service in 

2000. It first opened to the public in 2005. The 

refuge was established for the purpose of having 

“particular value in carrying out the national 

migratory bird management program.” 

Figure 1 depicts the two primary areas comprising 

the Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge. The 

north tract is approximately 1,900 acres in size and 

the south tract is approximately 300 acres. The 

north tract contains an extensive system of trails, 

the Visitor Center, parking areas, a canoe launch, 

and a fishing area. The south tract of the refuge is 

undeveloped and has only walking trails. 

Much of the refuge is adjacent to several state, 

municipal and private-organization conservation 

properties. Other adjacent land uses are several 

single-family residential neighborhoods and two 

institutional properties. The institutional properties 

are a Federal Emergency Management Agency 

facility at refuge’s East Entrance, and the 

Massachusetts Department of Fire Services campus 

located adjacent to the refuge’s Main Entrance on 

Hudson Road in Sudbury. 

Habitat and Cultural Resources 

In the 18th and 19th centuries, the refuge lands were 

dominated by farms and pastures. Since then most 

of those lands have succeeded back to forest. Only a 

few meadow areas remain. Much of the refuge, 

particularly in the north tract, is forested and 

emergent wetland habitat. 

The refuge is home to more than 135 bird species, 

25 mammals, 20 reptile species, and 20 fish species, 

as well as over 650 different plant species. Large 

sections of the refuge are designated as Priority 

Habitats of Rare Species under the Massachusetts 

Department of Fisheries and Wildlife’s Natural 

Heritage & Endangered Species Program. The 

entirety of the Assabet River National Wildlife 

Refuge is designated as a Massachusetts Important 

Bird Area due to the habitat it provides to breeding, 

wintering and migratory birds. 

Although no buildings remain, the historic period of 

European settlements dating from the mid-1600s 

through the mid-1900s is evident in the many stone 

walls running throughout the refuge and the 

occasional building foundation or chimney 

remnants. 

Most buildings and facilities from the military 

period have been removed, but the military period 

from 1942 through 2000 is readily apparent in the 

network of roadbeds and rail beds that remain. The 

most visible of all the historic resources are the 50 

World War II era ammunition bunkers once served 

by the former rail network. Some of the bunkers are 

opened occasionally for public tours. 

Activities 

The Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge is 

open daily, from sunrise to sunset. The Visitor 

Center is open from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm Thursday 

through Sunday. The 5,000 square foot Visitor 

Center houses interactive educational exhibits and 

is used for a variety of refuge-sponsored events 

throughout the year. Educational outreach programs 

are an important and growing element of the 

refuge’s visitation. There are programs for schools, 

scouting groups, and similar organizations. 

 
Fairbank Road

Hudson Road

Sudbury Road

Main Street

Old Marlboro Road

White Pond Road

Assabet River Rail Trail

(Central Massachusetts Rail Trail)

Town of

Maynard

Public

Schools

Town of

Maynard

Public

Water

Supply

Town of

Maynard

Public

Water

Supply

DCR:

Marlborough - Sudbury

State Forest

DCR:

Marlborough - Sudbury

State Forest

DCR:

Marlborough - Sudbury

State Forest

City of Marlborough:

Desert Conservation Land

Sudbury Valley Trustees:

Memorial Forest

Town of Sudbury:

Hop Brook

Moore Road

Duton Road

Towhee Trail

Petapawag Trail

Tri-town Trail

Otter Alley

Hill Trail

Pine Garden Trail

Powerline

Trail

Fisher Loop

Fisher Loop

Sweet Fern Trail

Mink Link

Puffer Pond Trail

Patrol Road

Pond White

Road

Harry's Way

Taylor Way

Puffer

Pond

Winterberry

Way

Winterberry

Way

Kingfisher Trail

62 62

117

27

27

117

STOW

HUDSON

MARLBOROUGH

SUDBURY

MAYNARD



N

0 1/4 1/2 Mile

Canoe Access

Fishing Area

Parking

Visitor Center

Trail Access

Trails (no bikes)

Roads and Ways (bikes allowed)

Town Boundary

Assabet River NWR Other Conservation Lands

Rail Trails

Trails

Parking

Active, Unpaved

Planned

ASSABET RIVER NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE

transportation study

Figure 1 

Study Area

U.S.

Air Force

Department of 

Fire Services

North

Entrance

East

Entrance

Main

Entrance

FEMA

Area

Closed

to Public
 Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge – 

TRANSPORTATION STUDY REPORT 

Executive Summary 4

The refuge has more than 15 miles of trails. The 

trails are principally along the roads and rail beds 

developed by the U.S. Army. Most of the trails, 

about 12 miles of them, are located in the north 

tract. Bicycles are permitted in the north tract of the 

refuge, along about eight miles of designated roads 

and ways. There are about three miles of walking 

trails in the south tract of the refuge. Bicycles are 

not permitted in the south tract. 

Canoeing and kayaking is allowed on Puffer Pond, 

as is catch-and-release fishing. Seasonal hunting is 

allowed in much of the refuge, including a westerly 

section of the north tract not otherwise open to the 

public. 

Visitation 

Visitation at the Visitor Center in calendar year 

2011 was 9,717.1

 April was the busiest month, with 

May, June and July all above average. Included 

among the 9,717 visitors are 2,051 attendees among 

81 events and group visits. 

Figure 2: Monthly Visitation Patterns (2011) 

Source: USFWS, ARNWR Visitor Center counts 

1

 Actual visitation levels at the refuge are undoubtedly higher than the 

visitation recorded at the Visitor Center. The Visitor Center counts include 

only people who enter the Visitor Center, which is only open Thursdays 

through Sundays from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Yet, the refuge is open from 

dawn to dusk seven days a week. In addition, even on days when the 

Visitor Center is open many visitors simply walk or bicycle among the 

trails and never enter the Visitor Center. 

EXISTING TRANSPORTATION CONDITIONS 

The proximity of the refuge to neighborhoods and 

rail trails allows many visitors to access the refuge 

by foot or bicycle, in addition to by car. There is no 

public transit access to the refuge. 

Counts done over the course of a three-day 

Columbus Day weekend at the refuge’s three 

principal entrances show that private automobiles 

are the dominant travel mode, used by about 72% of 

visitors. Bicycle and pedestrian travel mode shares 

of, respectively, 17% and 11% are notable for a 

suburban destination. 

Table 1: Visitor Travel Mode 

No. of Access Mode 

 Visitors Car Bike Walk 

Main Entrance 460 377 51 32 

North Entrance 100 48 36 16 

East Entrance 65 24 21 20 

625 449 108 68 

 

No. of Access Mode

Visitors Car Bike Walk 

Main Entrance 460 82% 11% 7% 

North Entrance 100 48% 36% 16% 

East Entrance 65 37% 32% 31% 

625 72% 17% 11%

Source: Data collected by VHB on October 8-10, 2011 from 

6:30 am to 6:30 pm. 

Vehicle Access and Circulation 

The primary vehicle access is via the Main Entrance 

(Winterberry Way), off Hudson Road in Sudbury. 

Hudson Road is a minor arterial roadway heavily 

used (9,600 vehicles per day) by commuters on 

weekdays and also well used (5,600 vpd) on 

weekend days. There are an average of about 125 

trips into and out of Winterberry Way each 

weekday and about 225 trips on weekend days. 

0

200

400

600

800

1000

1200

1400

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec

Individual Visitation Group Visitation
 Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge – 

TRANSPORTATION STUDY REPORT 

Executive Summary 5

There are five designated public parking areas 

within the refuge providing a total of 111 parking 

spaces. All have been constructed within the past 

three years and are in excellent condition. There is 

parking along Winterberry Way at three locations – 

near the Main Entrance, at the Visitor Center, and at 

the northerly end near Puffer Pond. There are also 

parking lots at the North Entrance and the East 

Entrance. The small (9-space) parking lot at the 

Main Entrance fills to capacity on some busy days. 

The parking at the Visitor Center sometimes fills 

during large events. There are no parking capacity 

issues at the other parking areas. 

The refuge has 1.3 miles of roads that are open to 

public vehicles. This consists of a 0.3-mile section 

of White Pond Road that provides access to the 

parking area at the North Entrance and the 1.0-mile 

Winterberry Way. Winterberry Way was 

constructed in 2009/2010 and is in excellent 

condition. The segment of White Pond Road was 

noted in a 2010 FHWA study as “poor” and in need 

of rehabilitation. 

Pedestrian/Bicycle Access and 

Circulation 

There is generally good pedestrian access to the 

refuge. The pedestrian routes to the east, north, and 

main entrances are also used by bicyclists. More 

regional bicycle access will be available once 

nearby rail trails are fully constructed. 

There are neighborhoods in both Stow and Maynard 

near the North Entrance. From Stow, the refuge can 

be reached via White Pond Road. There are no 

sidewalks along the road but traffic volumes are 

low and people routinely walk along the road. 

Pedestrian access from Maynard to the North 

Entrance is via a section of the Assabet River Rail 

Trail. The rail trail extends directly to downtown 

Maynard, one mile away, and passes through 

several established neighborhoods. 

The East Entrance has pedestrian access from the 

small neighborhood along Old Marlboro Road. 

Other, larger neighborhoods are located north the 

Old Marlboro Road/Route 27 intersection, but there 

are currently no sidewalk connections. 

The Main Entrance for the refuge is located on 

Hudson Road. There is a considerable amount of 

single-family housing in Sudbury starting about a 

half-mile east of the Main Entrance. There is an 

extensive sidewalk network in those neighborhoods 

and there is a paved path along the south side of 

Hudson Road that terminates at the refuge. 

South Tract 

The principal pedestrian access to the south tract is 

the trail from Hudson Road through the state forest. 

Residents from nearby Sudbury neighborhoods can 

access the trail directly from the path along the 

south side of Hudson Road. Refuge visitors can 

walk from the north tract to the south tract via an 

unsignalized crosswalk on Hudson Road. 

The south tract of the refuge has an entrance at 

Moore Road that is accessible to pedestrians. Moore 

Road does not have any sidewalks but there are few 

vehicles on the road. Other pedestrian connections 

are via the trails among the municipal and privateorganization conservation properties abutting the 

southern boundary of the south tract. 

Rail Trails near the Refuge 

The Assabet River Rail Trail (ARRT) runs along 

the northwest boundary of the refuge. Currently, a 

six-mile segment from Marlborough to Hudson is 

complete. The trailhead nearest to the refuge is 

almost five miles from the North Entrance and four 

miles from the Main Entrance. A one-mile section 
 Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge – 

TRANSPORTATION STUDY REPORT 

Executive Summary 6

between the North Entrance and downtown 

Maynard is currently unpaved but is maintained and 

is actively used by bicyclists and walkers. This 

section of the ARRT provides direct and convenient 

access to the refuge from most parts of Maynard. 

An easement for the ARRT through Stow, from the 

refuge’s North Entrance to Sudbury Road, has been 

obtained. The trail is unpaved but usable, and 

provides a connection between the refuge and some 

low-density residential areas. 

There are two proposed rail trails near the refuge. 

The Central Mass Rail Trail (CMRT) alignment 

travels along the south edge of the refuge’s south 

tract. Initial environmental permitting the eastern 

segment of the CMRT is underway. The Central 

Mass Rail Trail will intersect with the Assabet 

River Rail Trail at the trailhead in Hudson. The 

CMRT would also provide bicycle access to the 

refuge from neighborhoods in Sudbury to the east. 

The Bruce Freeman Rail Trail is proposed to follow 

a north-south route through Sudbury, about three 

miles east of the refuge. It would connect with the 

Central Mass Rail Trail and thus provide additional 

connectivity to the refuge for bicyclists. 

Refuge Trail System 

The refuge contains 15.4 miles of trails open to the 

public, including 7.7 miles on which bicycles are 

allowed. Bicyclists are allowed on the trails 

designated as “roads” and “ways”, most of which 

are remainders of the military-era road network. 

Some of the roads and ways are used occasionally 

by vehicles of other federal agencies that have 

easements along those roads, and all of the trails are 

routinely used by USFWS vehicles for 

administrative and maintenance purposes. 

Table 2: Walking Trails in the ARNWR 

Name 

Length 

(miles) 

Shared 

with 

Bicycles 

Shared 

with 

Cars* 

North Tract 

 Winterberry Way 1.5 No No 

 Taylor Way 1.8 Yes Yes 

 Harry’s Way 1.9 Yes No 

 White Pond Rd 1.7 Yes No 

 Patrol Road 0.8 Yes Yes 

 Puffer Pond Trail 0.4 No Yes 

 Carbary’s Trail 0.1 No No

 Petapawag Trail 0.9 No No

 Towhee Trail 1.0 No No

 Otter Alley 0.3 No No

 Powerline Trail 0.2 No No

 Sandbank Trail 0.1 No No

 Tebassa Trail 0.1 No No

 Tri-Town Trail 1.2 No No

 Pine Garden Trail 0.3 No No

 Hill Trail 0.4 No No

 Total North Tract 12.7 

 

South Tract 

 Fischer Loop 2.3 No No

 Mink Link 0.1 No No

 Sweet Fern Trail 0.3 No No

 Total South Tract 2.7 

 

Total 15.4 

* Refers to cars associated with easements held by FEMA and 

the U.S. Air Force. There is no private vehicle access on these 

trails. USFWS vehicles use all trails occasionally for 

management purposes. 

 
 Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge – 

TRANSPORTATION STUDY REPORT 

Executive Summary 7

The paved surfaces of trails that are along old 

roadbeds have not been maintained since before the 

refuge was established. The paved surfaces are 

heavily cracked, often heaved and rutted, and 

sometimes potholed. All of them have drainage 

problems. The crowning of the surface has 

deteriorated and there are usually ruts that retain 

stormwater. This not only inconveniences those 

walking on the trail, it also hastens the deterioration 

of the trail surface. 

The unpaved surfaces on most of the trails are 

rutted and uneven due to the impact of vehicles and 

bicycles during wet conditions. Trails are generally 

at least 10 feet wide, which is typical of a multiuse 

path, but the rutting and other trail conditions 

sometimes makes it difficult for bicyclists to pass 

walkers without the walkers stepping aside. 

Handicap Accessibility 

The refuge provides many opportunities for those 

who are mobility impaired, albeit in a limited area 

of the refuge. The Visitor Center is handicapped 

accessible; the one-mile path parallel to 

Winterberry Way is accessible and travels along 

woods and offers views of Puffer Pond; and there is 

a section of Harry’s Way that provides an 

accessible route from the Visitor Center to one of 

the ammunition bunkers. 

On the other hand, while the pier at the Barron 

Fishing Access site is fully accessible, the 500′ path 

to it is not. Nor is the canoe launch at Puffer Pond 

handicap accessible. 

IMPROVEMENT AND ENHANCEMENT PLAN 

PROJECTS 

The stakeholder and public input processes were 

used to develop, evaluate, and refine near-term and 

long-term transportation enhancements and 

improvements to address the major transportation 

issues and challenges at the Assabet River National 

Wildlife Refuge. 

All projects included in the recommended plan list 

are consistent with the mission of the National 

Wildlife Refuge System to conserve, protect, and 

enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for 

the continuing benefit of the American people. This 

includes supporting the six wildlife-dependent 

recreational uses defined as priority public uses of 

refuge lands – hunting, fishing, environmental 

education, environmental interpretation, wildlife 

observation, and wildlife photography. 

The list of projects are also consistent with policies 

set forth in the refuge’s Comprehensive 

Conservation Plan and other planning documents. 

For example, the refuge’s system of roads, trails 

and ways was carefully developed during earlier 

planning efforts. Accordingly, the projects focus on 

enhancing mobility among the existing travelways 

rather than constructing new trails. 

Near-term Project Opportunities 

The recommended list of near-term project 

opportunities is presented in Table 3. The locations 

of the projects are shown on Figure 3. Near-term 

projects are targeted to be implemented within five 

years. They do not require extensive planning, do 

not have significant physical impacts on the refuge 

habitats, and do not involve extensive partnership 

coordination. The near-term projects are as follows: 
 Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge – 

TRANSPORTATION STUDY REPORT 

Executive Summary 8

Advance entrance signage on Hudson Road: 

Reflective signs notifying drivers of the upcoming 

entrance turn would be installed on both approaches 

along Hudson Road, and a sign would be installed 

at the Winterberry Way driveway. This project is an 

important initial step to address safety concerns at 

the refuge’s Main Entrance related to throughtraffic drivers on Hudson Road being unprepared 

for vehicles slowing to turn left into the refuge. 

Improve visibility of Hudson Road crosswalk: 

The crosswalk is used by visitors walking or 

bicycling to the refuge from Sudbury and by 

visitors traveling between the refuge’s north and 

south tracts. The project is to trim vegetation near 

the crosswalk to make people waiting to cross more 

visible to approaching drivers, and to use an instreet pedestrian crossing sign on busy days. 

Vehicular wayfinding signage to the refuge: 

There has never been any wayfinding signage 

external to the refuge. Installation of appropriate 

wayfinding signs will provide better guidance for 

first-time visitors, as well as market the refuge to 

passing drivers. The project consists of some 30 

signs providing wayfinding from local roads to the 

ARNWR Main Entrance and wayfinding from 

regional highways to the ARNWR Main Entrance 

as well as signs marking the refuge’s secondary 

entrances. 

Procure electric shuttle vehicle: The shuttle would 

be used to expand access to sites in the refuge for 

visitors who have mobility impairments, transport 

school groups to learning sites within the refuge, 

and provide tours for other groups. It could also be 

used as a parking shuttle during larger events. The 

preferred vehicle would not require special charging 

infrastructure and would have fewer than 16 seats 

so as to not require special driver licensing. 

Example of electric shuttle vehicle 

Encourage use of existing state forest parking: 

A short walk from the lot through the state forest 

property leads to the interior of the refuge. Not only 

does the parking provide the most convenient 

access to part of the refuge, use of the lot by refuge 

visitors may defer the need to construct additional 

parking near the Main Entrance gate. 

Support rail trail connections: Completion of the 

Assabet River Rail Trail through Maynard will 

improve connectivity with the area of highest 

population density near the refuge. The proposed 

Central Mass Rail Trail is promising for its 

connection to Sudbury neighborhoods and to the 

trailhead for the Hudson section of the Assabet 

River Rail Trail. Although the Bruce Freeman Rail 

Trail is not adjacent to the refuge it does connect 

with the Central Mass Rail Trail and would thus 

expand connectivity to the refuge for bicyclists. 

The refuge can take a more active role in 

advocating efforts to move the rail trail projects 

through the state planning, design, and funding 

process. As the trails progress, the refuge can 

market how the trails provide access to the refuge. 
 Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge – 

TRANSPORTATION STUDY REPORT 

Executive Summary 9

Kiosk at northern end of Winterberry Way:

Kiosks are located at the parking lots near the three 

vehicle entrances to the refuge, but some visitors 

travel directly to the terminus of the public vehicle 

access (paved) section of Winterberry Way, 

especially when the Visitor Center is closed. 

Signage at Main Entrance Gate: An issue 

regarding uncertainty by first-time visitors as to 

whether they should proceed through the gate on 

Winterberry Way or park in the adjacent parking lot 

was identified through the study process. The issue 

arises from the Visitor Center not being visible 

from the gate and concern as to when the gate will 

be closed at the end of the day. Project elements to 

address this issue include more explicit signage 

directing to the parking and trails at the Visitor 

Center, and signs indicating when the gate will 

close that day. 

Expand Parking Lot at the Main Entrance: 

The parking lot at the Main Entrance is a popular 

location for visitors who are walking or biking on 

the trail networks. The parking lot is usually full at 

some point during busy days. This project expands 

the existing parking area by 10 parking spaces. 

Maintenance of Sandbank Trail Canoe Launch: 

Installation of a block mat system would address 

ongoing erosion problems. 

Vehicle, bicycle and pedestrian traffic counters: 

Visitation data are collected only at the Visitor 

Center, which is only open Thursday through 

Sunday. The use of portable counters will provide 

useful information not only on total visitation to the 

refuge, but also the utilization of specific trails, 

roads, and parking areas. 

Electronic kiosk at Visitor Center: This project 

will provide visitors information when the Visitor 

Center is closed, will collect information about 

visitor characteristics, and help manage hunting 

activities at the refuge. 

Electric vehicle charging station: An electric 

vehicle charging station is in keeping with the 

education mission of the refuge. The ARNWR is 

well suited for an electric vehicle charging station 

due to the demographics of the gateway 

communities and the typical duration of visit to the 

refuge. 

Long-term Project Opportunities 

There are many larger project opportunities that 

would benefit the ARNWR and its visitors, both 

current and future. These large-project opportunities 

involve substantial construction efforts, have high 

financial cost, and are therefore targeted for 

implementation long range, perhaps as long as 10 to 

20 years. The recommended list of long-term 

project opportunities is presented in Table 4. 

Reconstruct the North Entrance access road 

(White Pond Road): The roadway is in extremely 

poor condition and the project would widen the 

road from 14 to 18 feet to better accommodate the 

mix of walkers, bicyclists, and drivers who use it. 

The recent project to construct a new parking lot at the 

North Entrance did not include repair of this 1,000-foot long 

roadway leading to the parking lot. 
 Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge – 

TRANSPORTATION STUDY REPORT 

Executive Summary 10

Add accessible canoe launch at Barron Fishing 

Access Site: The most practical means of providing 

an accessible canoe launch is to provide it at the 

Barron Fishing Access Site located at the end of 

Carbary’s Trail. The dock could be expanded to 

include additional dock platform and an accessible 

transfer system. If the project were to be 

implemented Carbary’s Trail would need to be 

made accessible. 

Improve handicapped accessibility along 

Carbary’s Trail: Reconstructing Carbary’s Trail 

would provide an accessible trail from the parking 

at the end of Winterberry Way to the Barron 

Fishing Access Site. Although the fishing pier is 

handicap accessible, there is currently no accessible 

route to the fishing pier. 

Improve handicapped accessibility along Puffer 

Pond Trail: This is an opportunity to enhance the 

experience at the refuge for all those who are 

mobility impaired. Making both Carbary’s Trail and 

Puffer Pond Trail handicapped accessible creates an 

accessible trail along the water, something not now 

available in the refuge. The project would construct 

the accessible path along the section of Puffer Pond 

Trail to the south of Carbary’s Way. 

Reconstruction of Roads and Ways: White Pond 

Road, a section of Patrol Road, Harry’s Way, and 

Taylor Way are the principal trails in the refuge and 

are used by bicyclists and walkers. The road 

surfaces have not been maintained since long before 

the refuge was established. Paved surfaces are 

deteriorated and unpaved surfaces are rutted. The 

general priority for addressing the roads and ways is 

White Pond Road, then Patrol Road, followed by 

Harry’s Way and Taylor Way. 

 White Pond Road. This paved road is 1.7 

miles long and used by bicyclists and walkers. 

It is the most popular bicycle route in the 

refuge. Most of the roadway pavement is in 

“failed” condition and the remainder is in 

“poor” condition. The project would reconstruct 

the paved roadway. 

 Patrol Road, between Winterberry Way and 

White Pond Road: This 0.8-mile section of 

paved roadway is used not only by bicyclists 

and walkers, but it also provides primary 

administrative vehicle access to the west 

section of the refuge. This project would add an 

overlay to the existing pavement. 

 Harry’s Way: This trail is used by bicyclists 

and walkers. It is 1.9 miles long, of which 1.5 

miles is gravel and 0.4 miles is paved. The 

paved section runs from the Visitor Center to 

some of the ammunition bunkers. The project 

would extend the paved section about a quartermile to Kingfisher Trail and would maintain the 

remainder of Harry’s Way as a gravel surface. 

 Taylor Way: This 1.8-mile gravel trail is used 

by bicyclists and walkers. The project would 

reconstruct the trail with a gravel surface. 

Create an eastbound left-turn lane pocket at the 

Hudson Road entrance driveway: Widening 

Hudson Road to provide a left-turn lane would 

allow through traffic to pass cars waiting to turn 

into the refuge. This is one of several projects 

considered to address safety concerns related to 

sometimes high-speed through traffic drivers not 

anticipating the occasional vehicle slowing to turn 

into the refuge. It is the preferred choice among the 

construction options, but the project to install 

ARNWR signs along Hudson Road in advance of 

the driveway is the first step in addressing the 

safety concerns. 

 
Executive Summary Table 3: Transportation Improvement and Enhancement Plan Projects: Near Term Opportunities 

Map ID Description Benefits of Implementation Partners Implem

1 Provide advance entrance signs on Hudson Road 

Install ARNWR sign at entrance and advance signs on road 

Improved safety at entrance. Fewer sudden turns by vehicles entering refuge. Reflective signs make it easier to see entrance at night. 

Sudbury, Stow 

2 Improve visibility of the Hudson Road crosswalk 

Trim vegetation and use in-street pedestrian sign

Provide a safer environment for pedestrians. Sudbury, DCR 

3 Provide wayfinding signage to refuge 

Install directional signs on area roadways

Provide better guidance for first-time visitors. More awareness of the refuge for other drivers. 

Sudbury, Stow, Hudson, Maynard 

4 Procure electric shuttle vehicle 

Purchase accessible electric vehicle for on-refuge use 

Provides option for mobility assistance. Enhances opportunities for educational outreach to school groups. 

 

5 Encourage use of state forest parking on Sudbury Road to access the refuge 

Mark trail connection to Patrol Road/White Pond Road intersection. Note parking on refuge maps. 

Quick access to the interior of refuge. Lessens need to 

construct parking. 

DCR 

6 Support rail trail connections – Assabet River Rail Trail 

Advocate for construction of ARRT in Maynard and Acton. Market access via existing (unpaved) sections. 

Facilitates non-motorized access. Connectivity with downtown Maynard and South Acton. 

Acton, Maynard, ARRT friends group 

7 Support rail trail connections – Central Mass Rail Trail 

Advocate for planning, design and construction of CMRT in Sudbury 

Facilitates non-motorized access. Connectivity with Sudbury neighborhoods to east. Link to ARRT trailhead parking in Hudson. 

Sudbury, Stow, Hudson, CMRT friends group 

8 Support rail trail connections – Bruce Freeman Rail Trail 

Advocate for planning, design and construction of BFRT in Sudbury and Framingham 

Facilitates non-motorized access. Connectivity with Central Mass Rail Trail. 

Sudbury, Framingham, BFRT friends group 

9 Kiosk at the northern end of Winterberry Way 

Construct standard information kiosk

Provides visitor information at key location. 

10 Modify signage at Main Entrance gate 

Replace existing signs. Install new ARNWR sign. 

Reduces visitor confusion at gate. Better awareness of Visitor Center and trail opportunities. 

 

11 Expand parking lot at Main Entrance 

Add second row of parking spaces 

Additional parking capacity (10 spaces) in busy area of refuge. 

Sudbury 

12 Maintenance of Sandbank trail canoe launch 

Install block mat system

Maintenance issue eliminated. Sudbury 

13 Vehicle, bicycle, and pedestrian count system 

Software and 10 portable counters 

Provides information on magnitude and pattern of use for trails, parking, and roads. Provides more accurate count of visitation. 

 

14 Electronic kiosk at Visitor Center 

Install i-Sportsman system 

Provides visitors information when Visitor Center is closed, collects information about visitor characteristics, and helps manage hunting activities. 

 $15,

15 Install electric vehicle charging station at Visitor Center 

Charging station for visitor vehicles 

Encourages visitation, provides educational opportunity, and is consistent with USFWS goals to reduce carbon footprint. 

Maynard 

DCR = Massachusetts Department of Conservation & Recreation
Executive Summary Table 4: Transportation Improvement and Enhancement Plan Projects: Large-project Opportunities 

Map ID Description Benefits of Implementation Partners Implem

16 Reconstruct North Entrance access road 

Complete reconstruction and widening of road from entrance to parking area (1,000′) 

Improved access to parking area. Better accommodation of bicyclists, walkers, and vehicles. 

Sudbury, Maynard 

17 Improve handicap accessibility along Carbary’s Trail 

Construct 10’ wide permeable concrete path 

Expands the refuge experience for visitors who are mobility impaired. 

Maynard 

18 Improve handicap accessibility along Puffer Pond Trail 

Construct 6’ wide permeable concrete path 

Expands the refuge experience for visitors who are mobility impaired. 

Maynard, Sudbury 

19 Accessible canoe launch at Barron Fishing Access Site 

Add dock and EZ Launch system to existing fishing dock 

Expands the refuge experience for visitors who are mobility impaired. 

Maynard 

20 Reconstruction of Roads and Ways – White Pond Road 

Reconstruct 1.7-mile paved road 

Maintains usability for bicyclists. Stow 

21 Reconstruction of Roads and Ways – Harry’s Way 

Reconstruct paved (0.4 mile) and gravel (1.5 mile) segments separately 

Maintains usability for bicyclists. Stow, Maynard, 

Sudbury 

22 Reconstruction of Roads and Ways – Patrol Road 

Reconstruct 0.8 miles of paved road at reduced width 

Maintains usability for bicyclists. Maintains vehicle access to Air Force parcel. 

Stow, Sudbury 

23 Reconstruction of Roads and Ways – Taylor Way 

Reconstruct 1.8-mile gravel road 

Maintains usability for bicyclists. Maynard 

24 Create eastbound left-turn land pocket at entrance road driveway 

Widen Hudson Road and create turn lane 

Allows through traffic on Hudson Road to bypass vehicles turning into refuge. 

Sudbury, DCR, DFS 

DCR = Massachusetts Department of Conservation & Recreation DFS = Massachusetts Department of Fire Services 
Fairbank Road

Hudson Road

Sudbury Road

Main Street

Old Marlboro Road

White Pond Road

Assabet River Rail Trail

(Central Massachusetts Rail Trail)

Moore Road

Duton Road

Towhee Trail

Petapawag Trail

Tri-town Trail

Otter Alley

Hill Trail

Pine Garden Trail

Powerline

Trail

Fisher Loop

Fisher Loop

Sweet Fern Trail

Mink Link

Puffer Pond Trail

Patrol Road

Pond White

Road

Harry's Way

Taylor Way

Puffer

Pond

Winterberry

Way

Winterberry

Way

Kingfisher Trail

62 62

117

27

27

117

STOW

HUDSON

MARLBOROUGH

SUDBURY

MAYNARD



N

0 1/4 1/2 Mile

Assabet River NWR

Trails (no bikes)

Roads and Ways (bikes allowed)

Town Boundary

Other Conservation Lands

Trails

Rail Trails

Active, Unpaved

Planned

6

23 16

21 20

5

22

11 10

1 2

24

15

14

12

18

17

9

7

8

19

ASSABET RIVER NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE

transportation study

Figure 3

Project Locations

U.S.

Air Force

Department of 

Fire Services

North

Entrance ntrance

East

Entrance ntrance

Main

Entrance ntrance

FEMA

Area

Closed

to Public o Public

Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc.

www.vhb.com