Fans of Thornton W. Burgess are no strangers to the setting at Laughing Brook. The children’s author wove his tales around the wild animals that live here.

The landscape has changed since Burgess called this land home. The "laughing" brook has at times become a roaring river depositing sand used later by turtles, and strong winds have downed trees leaving behind new shelters for salamanders.

• Home to more than 400 plant species, found in or around fields, streams, and meadows.
• Pavilion on the Mort and Helen Bates Trail that overlooks the pond, where one can watch for kingfishers and orioles, signs of beavers, and water striders on the surface.
• Burgess’s former home viewable from Main Street, is now on the historic register and currently occupied by staff; exterior photographs are encouraged.
• The Neff Trail, is a longer hike to a beautiful New England hemlock forest.

Explore 4 miles of trails at Laughing Brook Wildlife Sanctuary in Hampden.

Mort and Helen Bates Trail 0.08 miles
Easily accessible, this trail is a great introduction to Laughing Brook. Stop a moment at the pavilion that overlooks the pond and watch for belted kingfishers and red-winged blackbirds, as well as bluebirds and tree swallows darting for insects over the water’s surface. Signs of beaver may be evident to those with a careful eye. Look down and you may see water striders or water boatmen on or under the water’s surface.

East Brook Trail / Burgess Trail 2.34 miles combined
The stone walls and old orchards along these trails tell the stories of human impact upon the land. Just think of how different the land here must have looked just 150 years ago! The rich woodlands provide habitats for migratory songbirds, wildflowers, mammals, and amphibians. Cross small seeps draining into East Brook. Rest on one of the glacial erratics, which dot the landscape and visit a lively vernal pool in the spring.

Neff Loop 1.88 miles
For a more adventurous, lengthy hike, add the Neff Loop. Listen for hermit thrushes and even the occasional barred owl call. Notice the changes in the terrain and plant communities as you walk along.

The AllTrails website has descriptions and maps of hikes at Laughing Brook Wildlife Sanctuary.