NH Audubon McLane Center and Silk Farm Sanctuary
Explore wooded trails, encounter majestic raptors, and discover indoor animal exhibits at this nature sanctuary.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Witness blooms and active wildlife
NH Audubon McLane Center and Silk Farm Sanctuary
Best Time
Witness blooms and active wildlife
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore wooded trails, encounter majestic raptors, and discover indoor animal exhibits at this nature sanctuary.
"A gem in Concord NH, a place to escape the city and walk around."
👟 Sturdy Footwear Recommended
Trails range from easy to difficult; bring good hiking shoes for rocky and root-filled paths. :athletic_shoe:
💧 Hydration is Essential
Carry water, especially on longer hikes. No bathrooms are available on the trails. :droplet:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Raptor Exhibit
Visitor Center
Encounter majestic owls, hawks, and even a bald eagle up close. Their intense stares are captivating!
Wooded Hiking Trails
Various trailheads
Explore diverse paths, from stroller-friendly loops to rugged, scenic routes along basins and rivers.
Indoor Animal Displays
Visitor Center
Discover taxidermy of flying creatures and aquatic life, plus live exhibits like a timber rattlesnake.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Trail Preparedness is Key
Respecting Wildlife & Rules
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Sturdy Footwear Recommended
Trails range from easy to difficult; bring good hiking shoes for rocky and root-filled paths. :athletic_shoe:
💧 Hydration is Essential
Carry water, especially on longer hikes. No bathrooms are available on the trails. :droplet:
🗺️ Stay on Marked Paths
Protect wildlife and yourself from hazards like poison ivy and electric fences. :evergreen_tree:
♿ Accessibility Varies
Some trails are wheelchair accessible (like Wendy Loop), but others are not. :wheelchair:
What are some things to do in Concord with a dog?
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Sturdy Footwear Recommended
Trails range from easy to difficult; bring good hiking shoes for rocky and root-filled paths. :athletic_shoe:
💧 Hydration is Essential
Carry water, especially on longer hikes. No bathrooms are available on the trails. :droplet:
🗺️ Stay on Marked Paths
Protect wildlife and yourself from hazards like poison ivy and electric fences. :evergreen_tree:
♿ Accessibility Varies
Some trails are wheelchair accessible (like Wendy Loop), but others are not. :wheelchair:
🚫 No Dogs Allowed
The sanctuary is a protected habitat; leave your furry friends at home. :noentrysign:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the NH Audubon McLane Center for its beautiful trails, diverse wildlife, and educational indoor exhibits, particularly the raptor displays. Many appreciate the well-marked paths and the opportunity to connect with nature. Some note the lack of restrooms on trails and the strict no-dog policy.
"3/22/25 - I stopped by to explore the wildlife in this area. It may be a little early, but it was a lovely day with wonderful trails. They have the foot trails marked well, with some maps here and there to keep you informed as to where you are. Such a great place, I would love to go back when everything starts to bloom!"
Melissa Schillinger
"A lot of trails to explore. Trails ranging from easy to difficult. Bring a good pair of hiking shoes 👟 if you are going to explore most of the trails. You can jog on some of the trails as I saw one woman do. Bring water 💦. No bathrooms available.One trail connects to the bike path that runs along RT.89 and includes the walking bridge over the river. The difficult trail, with lots of rocks and roots making it difficult to traverse, is scenic because it travels along a basin and has short paths to access it. Planks have been added over areas that could have puddles to cross. Very little litter. Signage and marked 🌲 s to help guide you. Bring a rugged stroller for most of the trails. The difficult trail is stroller inaccessible. A few trails may accomodate a wheelchair, but, be ready to push.
Stay on the paths! Poison ivy and electric fences are along the trails.
Only animals I saw were a dragonfly, chipmunks and a few 🐦 birds. Gardens outside are starting to age with the seasons. Benches and picnic tables available. Donation box at information sign. I donated before I hiked. Plenty of sectioned parking. I saw license plates from Florida and (Don't mess with) Texas.
I'm going back! I recommend this place.
Update: Halloween 🎃, 2020; I went back and did more of the Turkey 🦃 Pond Trail and Wendy's Loop. To my surprise, the raptor exhibit was open. I saw 🦉 owls, red tail hawk and a bald eagle 🦅. No, the eagle 🦅 didn't say "Here's Wayne and Wanda!". The birds had an intense stare.
I saw beaver homes on the water 💦, but no beavers.
Update: September 2024; The Wendy loop ➰ is now wheelchair ♿ accessible. My kids and my friend found it easy to walk. I noticed a lot of colorful fungi and mushrooms along the Turkey 🦃 Pond Trail."
Stephen Priest
"This is a gem in Concord NH. A place to go, escape the city, and walk around. You can hear many different birds, and there are different paths to walk. The time we went though, due to rain two paths were flooded, we did pass but carefully and found way around edges. (Be careful) There is a small climbing area, and a built fort that we saw some kiddos playing in. Finding my your way back is easy, just follow the trails and look for the Audubon house.
Inside the house, is a gift shop, restrooms and to the left a huge room full of taxidermy of different flying animals. Some aquatic creatures in there as well, in aquariums. Though the tour will not take long, the amount of animal information can keep you busy reading for bit, and so wonderful for a learning day! It was a good experience for everyone.
Unless you have a "service" animal....no dogs allowed. Anywhere. Fyi."
Rose OiL
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The NH Audubon McLane Center and Silk Farm Sanctuary is located in Concord, NH. It has plenty of sectioned parking available, with license plates seen from various states, indicating it's a popular destination.
Information on public transportation options is not readily available. Driving is the most common way to access the center, with ample parking provided.
Yes, one trail connects to the bike path along RT. 89, including a walking bridge over the river, offering extended exploration opportunities.
Trails are well-marked with signage and maps available periodically. Following the signs and looking for the Audubon house will help you find your way back.
While not directly mentioned, its location in Concord, NH, suggests proximity to other local attractions and natural areas.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is a donation box at the information sign, suggesting a donation-based entry. Visitors are encouraged to donate before hiking.
The raptor exhibit was open during a Halloween visit in 2020. Specific hours for the visitor center and exhibits may vary by season.
Advance booking is not typically mentioned, and the donation-based entry suggests walk-in access. It's always a good idea to check their official website for any updates.
Parking is described as plentiful and sectioned, with no mention of a parking fee, implying it is included with entry or free.
The center has an inside event space, and past visitors have noted attending events like Halloween visits. Check their schedule for current offerings.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Visitors have spotted birds, chipmunks, dragonflies, beaver homes, owls, red-tailed hawks, bald eagles, and timber rattlesnakes.
The Wendy Loop is now wheelchair accessible. Other trails vary; some are stroller-inaccessible due to rocks and roots, while a rugged stroller might work on some.
The visitor center includes a gift shop, restrooms, and a large room with taxidermy animals and aquariums.
No, dogs are not allowed anywhere on the sanctuary grounds, including service animals, to protect the wildlife.
Trails range from easy to difficult, with some featuring lots of rocks and roots, while others are more accessible. Planks are added over potential puddles.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are picnic tables available on the grounds, making it a good spot for a packed lunch. No dining facilities are mentioned.
Yes, visitors can bring their own food and drinks to enjoy at the picnic tables. Remember to pack out all trash.
As the sanctuary is in Concord, NH, there are likely various dining options available in the city center, a short drive away.
No cafe or snack bar is mentioned. The gift shop is the primary retail area within the visitor center.
Bringing water is highly recommended, especially for longer hikes. Snacks and a packed lunch are ideal for a full day of exploration.
📸 📸 Photography
The raptor exhibit offers close-up opportunities of impressive birds of prey. The scenic trails along the basin and river also provide beautiful natural backdrops.
Yes, visitors can photograph the wildlife they encounter, but it's important to maintain a respectful distance and not disturb the animals.
No specific photography restrictions are mentioned, but general rules of respecting wildlife and staying on trails apply.
Birdwatching and capturing images of the resident raptors are popular. You might also find opportunities to photograph smaller animals and scenic nature shots.
The trails offer varied scenery, including wooded areas, basins, and river views, making it suitable for landscape photography, especially during different seasons.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Nature Walkers & Hikers
🐦 Birdwatchers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Trails
For those seeking a longer excursion, one trail conveniently connects to the bike path along RT. 89, complete with a walking bridge over the river. This extension allows for a more extensive exploration of the surrounding natural landscape. While the trails are generally well-maintained with signage, it's always wise to carry a map or use a navigation app if you plan to tackle the more difficult routes.
Encountering Wildlife
It's crucial to remember that this is a protected area, and visitors are asked to observe wildlife from a distance and avoid disturbing them. The sanctuary's commitment to conservation is evident in its efforts to provide a safe haven for these animals.
While dogs are not permitted to ensure the well-being of the resident wildlife, the opportunity to observe these creatures in their natural or semi-natural environment is a rewarding experience. Visitor Center and Indoor Exhibits
Beyond the taxidermy, the center also features live animal exhibits, including a timber rattlesnake, an endangered species in New England. These exhibits offer a closer look at some of the animals that inhabit the area. The information presented is designed to be engaging and educational for all ages, making it a valuable part of the visit, especially for those interested in learning more about local wildlife and conservation efforts.
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