Trustees, Audubon Closing Dozens Of Trails: MA Stay-At-Home Order

NATICK, MA — Two of the largest operators of outdoor spaces in Massachusetts are closing all trails in response to Gov. Charlie Baker's coronavirus stay-at-home advisory. Mass Audubon and the Trustees of Reservations will close access to outdoor activities by noon on Tuesday, the groups said.

Combined, the two groups oversee more than 60,000 acres of outdoor space in Massachusetts, from the South Shore to the Berkshires. Some properties include Pegan Hill in Natick, Redemption Rock in Princeton, the Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary, and World's End in Hingham.

Outdoor recreation was one of the few activities allowed under social-distancing standards — but the groups said they are closing trails to cut down on unnecessary travel.

"We know how important it is to get out in nature, and there is nothing we like better than seeing people enjoying our trails," Mass Audubon President Gary Clayton said in a statement. "But the health and safety of the residents of Massachusetts and beyond must take priority. Our hope is that these extreme measures will help flatten the curve, so we can soon go back to business as usual."

Anyone who tries to go to a Trustees or Audubon Society property can expect to find closed parking lots and gates. Some trails may reopen on April 7, which is when Baker's stay-at-home advisory ends.

The state Department of Conservation and Recreation is keeping Massachusetts state parks open. But on March 13, the DNR ordered just under 30 state parks facilities to close, mostly campgrounds and visitor centers. Hiking trails in those parks are still open.