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	Bellamy River
	Sanctuary
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About the Bellamy River Sanctuary

The sanctuary is divided into two nearly equal halves by an attractive, two-pronged tidal creek. While the area is low and flat, it is relatively dry underfoot, with a few exceptions. The land is entirely wooded with a good mixture of pine, hemlock and deciduous trees such as maple, beech, birch, ash and even some tupelo.

Given as a gift in 1970 to ASNH from Mr. and Mrs. G. Allen Huggins, of Dover, this lovely piece of property attracts a good number of Black Ducks and other waterfowl during migration periods and winter. Great Blue and Green Herons are also characteristic of the tidal flats, and such shore birds as Greater Yellowlegs occur in the tidal pools in season. Other forms of wildlife frequent the wooded sections, including many kinds of land birds such as Ruffed Grouse, Yellow-shafted Flicker, Wood Thrush and Rose-breasted Grosbeak to name just a few. There is also excellent birding for open-field species along the gravel road.

The tidal creeks and marshes that make up the Bellamy River Sanctuary are but a small part of the East Coast ecosystem. Yet fresh water inlets and marshlands such as these contribute significantly to the overall health and beauty of our coastal waters and the wildlife therein.

Starting at the parking area, the Border Trail begins in a privately-owned field across a right of way, and enters the woods shortly before the sanctuary's northwest boundary marker, an old steel fence post. At the post, the trail (blazed in yellow) bears to the right and over a small foot bridge. After the bridge, the Cove Trail is on your left (blazed in red), and follows the south side of the larger prong of the tidal creek out to a small point. The Cove Trail continues down the north side of the second prong until it joins up again with the Border Trail.

Bearing right returns you to the start of the trail; turning left will take you over another foot bridge and into the southern half of the property. Much of this trail follows along the edge of the river, until the trail cuts back into the woods following the western property line, thus completing a loop. Follow the yellow blazes back to the post, and return to the parking area.