What Eastern Point Wildlife Sanctuary, 51 acres, lacks in space it more than makes up for in views and wildlife. Located on a peninsula near the historic Eastern Point Lighthouse, the small sanctuary is a hot spot for butterflies and seabirds at particular times of the year. Look no further than the parking lot for an unsurpassed coastal seascape.

The trail at the sanctuary is 0.5 miles.

Sanctuary Highlights

• Short loop trail through a deciduous forest (note that trails may be wet in the spring). The entrance is across from a cul-de-sac named Aileen Terrace.
• A grouping of migrating monarchs is sometimes seen resting in the trees in September.
• Seasonal walks and programs are conducted through Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary.

Eastern Point is a neighborhood in the city of Gloucester. It is located at the eastern end of Gloucester Harbor, on a peninsula that juts into the Atlantic Ocean. Eastern Point is known for its scenic views, historic lighthouse, and mansions. The area was originally settled by commercial anglers and farmers in the 17th century but became a popular summer resort for Boston's elite in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Many of the grand houses that were built during this period still stand today, along with newer developments that cater to the affluent residents. Eastern Point offers a variety of recreational opportunities, such as boating, fishing, swimming, and hiking. It is also home to the Eastern Point Yacht Club, the Gloucester Art Association, and the Rocky Neck Art Colony. 

Eastern Point Gloucester Harbor Important Bird Area
Eastern Point is the southeastern tip of the East Gloucester peninsula from Farrington Avenue southwestward to the tip of the peninsula; it encompasses adjacent tidal flats and open water of Gloucester Harbor to the west and Brace Cove and nearshore waters of the Atlantic Ocean to the east. It contains an unusual diversity of bird habitats as described below, and is one of the best-known “migrant traps” in Essex County. Special features include Niles Pond, a 34-acre pond that attracts a wide variety of waterbirds during most of the year; Brace Cove, a sheltered inlet of the Atlantic Ocean that harbors waterfowl as well as a surprising variety (although never large numbers) of shorebirds on its tidal beach and cobble shores; and linked parcels of oak woods, wooded and shrub swamp, and upland shrub-scrub habitat in various stages of succession. The shallow waters surrounding the peninsula support significant numbers of migratory and wintering seabirds and waterfowl, especially from October to May. Over 250 bird species have been recorded from this approximately 2-mile-long peninsula.

Grassland Trail, 0.2 miles
This trail runs through deciduous forests and wetlands. The entrance is located across the street from a cul-de-sac named Aileen Terrace.

Wetland Trail,  0.1 miles
Short trail running through the wetlands connecting to the Grassland Trail.