History: Thorncrag was originally the property of the Thorn family in the 19th century. The Stanton Bird Club provides stewardship for the sanctuary. It has had many uses over the years, but all of them have involved preserving the "crag" as a habitat for wildlife while allowing it to educate the residents of the area and visitors.
Wildlife Species: Birds are abundant in the nature sanctuary, as are amphibian creatures. You may also see turkeys, porcupines, and more.
Recreational Activities: Some of the most popular activities include birdwatching, cross-country skiing, hiking, walking, picnicking, snowshoeing, sledding, skating, and nature photography. It is a perfect place to enjoy with the family. During the summer, the Stanton Bird Club holds a nature week at Thorncrag for children aged 6-12.
Trails: Thorncrag Nature Sanctuary has six color-coded trails (yellow, blue, red, white, orange, and green) that are well-marked. There are almost 5 miles of trails. The green trail follows the perimeter of the sanctuary and is 2.7 miles in length. The trails travel through woods and meadows. There are information boards located in the parking lot at the Highland Spring Trailhead.
On-Site Amenities: The Sanctuary has various amenities, including benches to sit and enjoy birdwatching. The gazebo is a perfect spot for a picnic. Bikes and dogs are not allowed in the sanctuary. A huge stone fireplace is a striking feature of the park. Signs in the park tell about its history and what you can expect to see and hear during a visit here.
Season: Thorncrag Nature Sanctuary is open all year.
Fees: It is free to enter the sanctuary, and it is open from dawn to dusk.
Directions & Parking: There are two trailheads: Highland Spring Trailhead off of Montello Street, which has a parking lot, and East Avenue Trailhead, which is at the end of East Avenue and requires parking on the shoulder of the road.
