The Thompson Wildlife Sanctuary features 2.3 miles of trail, with two main access points. The primary trail is the Fred Steele Memorial Trail, a 1/3-mile wheelchair-accessible route beginning at a small parking area off NH-113. It follows a wide, crushed stone surfaced path through the woods for 800 feet before reaching a boardwalk, where the forest gives way to a large marsh. The 500-foot long boardwalk leads to the Ridgely Observation Platform overlooking a scenic marsh, with a bench, interpretive panels, and views of both the Sandwich Range and the Ossipee Mountains. See Trail Access Information below for more information about this Accessible Experience.
The southern entrance via Middle Road leads to a one-mile yellow-blazed loop trail known as the Wilderness Loop. This approach begins along a gravel access road that crosses conservation easement land and eventually reaches the sanctuary’s trail network. Note, that while the path leading to the loop is well maintained and enjoyable, the parking is confusing and easy to miss. Signage is limited, and it’s possible to accidentally stray onto nearby private property. Once to the Wilderness Loop proper, the trail traverses wet woodlands over bog bridges and rolling forested terrain.
(Applies to Fred Steele Memorial Trail)
Trail conditions can change without warning. Trail last assessed: 7/21/2025
The Alice Bemis Thompson Wildlife Sanctuary is a 300-acre wildlife sanctuary owned by New Hampshire Audubon (NHA). The extensive wetlands here provide a home for beavers, waterfowl, moose, and many unique bird species. In 2014, NHA partnered with the Northeast Wilderness Trust to place a forever-wild easement on the property. Held and monitored by NWT, this easement ensures that the land will be protected and stewarded by NHA in a low-impact manner that promotes biodiversity and other wilderness values.
Visitor Information:
A portion of this trail runs through private property. Please observe all above guidelines as well as any additional signage in this area.
New Hampshire Audubon, a nonprofit statewide membership organization, is dedicated to the conservation of wildlife and habitat throughout the state. Independent of the National Audubon Society, NHA has offered programs in wildlife conservation, land protection and stewardship, environmental policy, and environmental education since 1914. For more information visit www.nhaudubon.org or contact:
NH Audubon
To reach the primary trailhead and accessible trail and boardwalk:
From the junction of Routes 25 and 113, 1.2 miles west of South Tamworth, turn north on Route 113 heading towards North Sandwich. Look for the Thompson Sanctuary kiosk and sign on the left after 2.9 miles, and park in the designated parking area.
To reach the Middle Road trailhead:
Continue past the primary trailhead (directions above) on Rt 113 for 2.4 miles before turning left onto Middle Road. After 0.7 miles on the left, at the hanging NH Audubon sign, turn into a driveway leading to the trailhead for the southern access to the Thompson Sanctuary. Follow NH Audubon signage to a small designated parking area on the right. Please note: beyond this point, the trail follows a private road that should not be driven on.
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