Norman Bird Sanctuary
Norman Bird Sanctuary
4.5
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
95 reviews
Excellent
59
Very good
26
Average
4
Poor
5
Terrible
1
Linda E
6 contributions
Mar 2023
We've been hiking several times a year for the last 45 years. These trails were very well maintained, but difficult to follow. Much of the trail requires attention to your feet due to the roots, rocks, and short, but steep slopes, and some swampy areas, so the wooden signs several feet above eye level were easy to miss. The letters and arrows seemed to be etched into the wood, and in some cases were fading or had been worn down. Lower signs with colored blazes would be better.
We visited mid-week in mid-afternoon on a sunny 50 degree mid-March day. Saw only one other hiker. Most of the birds that we saw (geese, mallards, megansers) were relatively close to the starting point along the Universal trail. We hiked the Hanging Rock, Red Fox, and Nelson Pond trails and saw a couple of swans in the latter. Lots of trees between us and most water views. One or two panoramic views.
Definitely wear supportive, water friendly shoes. Some rocks would be very slippery if it has recently rained. I am 5'4" and felt I needed to sit down to maneuver up and down some of them.
We visited mid-week in mid-afternoon on a sunny 50 degree mid-March day. Saw only one other hiker. Most of the birds that we saw (geese, mallards, megansers) were relatively close to the starting point along the Universal trail. We hiked the Hanging Rock, Red Fox, and Nelson Pond trails and saw a couple of swans in the latter. Lots of trees between us and most water views. One or two panoramic views.
Definitely wear supportive, water friendly shoes. Some rocks would be very slippery if it has recently rained. I am 5'4" and felt I needed to sit down to maneuver up and down some of them.
Written March 21, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MaeveMH
Cincinnati, OH1 contribution
Jul 2012 • Family
Imagine being able to hike your way through the gorgeous Newport, Rhode Island, the Norman Bird Sanctuary helps you achieve this. The Norman Bird Sanctuary is a nature preserve located on Aquidneck Island in the town of Middletown, Rhode Island. The trails are gorgeous and lead all the way around the island. Not only can you walk the trails at your own leisure but camps and trail groups are also available. Coming to the camps that Norman Bird Sanctuary offers has run in my family for as long as I can remember. It isn’t a complete summer without spending a week or two at the amazing camps that they offer. The consolers are always so kind and have a large amount of knowledge about the world around them; they make these simple trails into seven days of fun.
The camps they offer accept all ages and experience levels. You get make lifetime friends while experiencing the beauty that you wouldn’t have ever been able to see. For me and my family this camp is very important. All of us live on separate sides of the U.S, and it allows us to spend a week of fun together doing what we love to do. Even if you aren’t an “outdoorsy type” you can still have a great time. The sanctuary incorporates all aspects of day camps that appeal to all; they offer crafts, hiking, games, songs, and any other activity that a camp could offer. The Norman Bird Sanctuary is one of my favorite places to go when I come to Middletown in the summer. Even if you’re walking through the trails on your own the experience you receive is relaxing and refreshing. The trails lead you all along the small island, including the beach and all of the history this island has to offer. I would recommend this attraction to anyone who is thinking of visiting this island, I have been visiting for as long as I can remember and I will never get tired of it. In my eyes it is one of the most important places to visit here in Middletown. Make sure to put this on your to-do list for Rhode Island!
The camps they offer accept all ages and experience levels. You get make lifetime friends while experiencing the beauty that you wouldn’t have ever been able to see. For me and my family this camp is very important. All of us live on separate sides of the U.S, and it allows us to spend a week of fun together doing what we love to do. Even if you aren’t an “outdoorsy type” you can still have a great time. The sanctuary incorporates all aspects of day camps that appeal to all; they offer crafts, hiking, games, songs, and any other activity that a camp could offer. The Norman Bird Sanctuary is one of my favorite places to go when I come to Middletown in the summer. Even if you’re walking through the trails on your own the experience you receive is relaxing and refreshing. The trails lead you all along the small island, including the beach and all of the history this island has to offer. I would recommend this attraction to anyone who is thinking of visiting this island, I have been visiting for as long as I can remember and I will never get tired of it. In my eyes it is one of the most important places to visit here in Middletown. Make sure to put this on your to-do list for Rhode Island!
Written February 10, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RIred02842
Newport, RI68 contributions
Dec 2017 • Solo
I have been going to the Norman Bird Sanctuary for nearly 50 years. I recently became a member and have made a few visits. The trails are well maintained and there are wonderful educational programs for adults and children year around. One recommendation for those considering a visit is that i would not walk alone there. When "climbing" to hanging rock, the rocks can be slippery and sometimes hazardous. I had images of not being found for days. Lastly, I do wish the hours of operation were not like a business (9- 5 PM) as I like to work out before I go to work. I wish they would consider adjusting the hours of operation 6-9 AM and then 3-6 PM during the summer hours. I understand the wildlife need time to recuperate from all the invasion of their habitat.
Written April 16, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi there, thank you so much for the kind review, being a longtime supporter, and a new member!
We also wish we would could be open earlier and later but as you know, it's important for us to keep track of how many hikers are on the trails for safety reasons, and also to allow the wildlife to recuperate. The more hours we're open, the harder it becomes, especially for a small staff. Thank you so much for your understanding and support!
Hope to see you on the trails soon,
Matt Eldridge
Development & Marketing Assistant
Written April 17, 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
NewEnglander41
Hartford, CT41 contributions
Aug 2013 • Couples
I love bird sanctuaries and walking trails and while this one has a modest trail fee of six dollars, it still isn't worthwhile. Trails aren't marked - actually they are barely trails - difficult to walk on - just barely a path into the woods.
While there is staff on hand to help out - try and get two words out of them.
There are too many good and similar places in the area to bother with this one.
While there is staff on hand to help out - try and get two words out of them.
There are too many good and similar places in the area to bother with this one.
Written August 14, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
aurorasky100
Providence, RI8 contributions
Sep 2018 • Couples
My husband and I went for a couple hour hike through several of their trails. Saw many birds while taking a break on the hanging rock overlook. They tend to hang out en masse near the marsh and fly up to the very top of the trees. I would recommend bringing binoculars if you are lower. Also stay still for a little while, if you are moving and talking, the wildlife will not move near you. We saw a deer and waterfowl in the quieter areas. I liked how there are enough trails where you can choose the difficulty level. I would not recommend walking by yourself as there are natural trip/falling hazards and somewhat steep inclines in places. We will definitely be back to explore the other trails!
Written September 9, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Erin G
New York City, NY21 contributions
Jul 2016 • Friends
This was a wonderful place to go relax and be one with nature. I saw about six or seven different bird species while here. It is nice to stop by the pond and wait for them to fly past. There were some wild turkeys walking along one of the trails, and there is also a chicken coupe! In addition to the birds, I also saw a turtle and a bunny rabbit. The staff was very nice. It would be a great place to bring the family!
Written July 9, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kathi B
Tamworth, NH6 contributions
Apr 2016 • Couples
The trails are well marked and there is a variety of scenery, from woodlands to ponds, to meadows. Besides birds, we also came across a deer very close up. The staff was very helpful in directing us where to go based on what we wanted to see.
Written April 30, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
oct11
Newport, RI16 contributions
Nov 2014 • Friends
I've been going to the Norman Bird Sanctuary with different people for years and it's one of the finest nature centers in New England. The sanctuary has many trails you can explore and some of them lead to scenic views over the river and the outskirts of Newport. Sometimes you'll see Birds but that depends on the time of day you visit, if you're lucky you might get to see a deer but that's only happened to me a few times. They also have some animals you can see before you go on the trails. Also, if you're into Geology, there's a lot of history in the rocks on parts of some trails. The Norman Bird Sanctuary is great for hikers and nature lovers alike and if you're in the Newport area and have time, then go here!
Written July 7, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Niklas K
Helsingborg, Sweden379 contributions
Sep 2014 • Business
Unlike other reviewers, we came here for a corporate event, and our visit was limited to dinner.
As we arrived, a host was waiting for us at the parking lot. We were taken to our venue right away. As we got in the door, the staff were ready and lined up with drinks and snacks. All in all, excellent planning and execution. We had ordered a clam bake, and it was a good choice. Everyone in the group thoroughly enjoyed their meal and the hospitality. I would really like to return in daylight to enjoy the paths.
As we arrived, a host was waiting for us at the parking lot. We were taken to our venue right away. As we got in the door, the staff were ready and lined up with drinks and snacks. All in all, excellent planning and execution. We had ordered a clam bake, and it was a good choice. Everyone in the group thoroughly enjoyed their meal and the hospitality. I would really like to return in daylight to enjoy the paths.
Written September 25, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Andrew L
Sarasota, FL31 contributions
Jun 2014 • Solo
Hanging Rock, on grounds of Norman Bird Sanctuary is not where hangings took place but a promontory overlooking Second Beach and a portal to another dimension. Located on land once owned by Abe Lincoln's g.g.g.g.grandfather, over the centuries it was frequented and inspired philosophers, theologians, artists, writers like George Berkeley, Channing, Wm & Henry James, John LaFarge, Wm. t. Richards, John Clarke, Herbert Spencer etc. Enjoy the fauna and flora, and the view. Check out the scheduled nature activities. Wear good hiking boots or shoes. Bring binoculars, camera, walking stick, Celebrex, and your Peterson Guides. Ironically J.W. Booth's brother's home, Boothden, is about a mile away.
Written June 28, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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