Maxwell Mays Wildlife Refuge

Address: 2082 Victory Highway, Coventry, RI 02816
Hours: Open sunrise to sunset
Acres: 295
Trails: 3.3 miles
Trail difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Restroom: Yes, portalet available in parking area.

Trail Map
Mapa de Senderos

➡️ Open in Browser

⬇️ Download

Dogs are prohibited. Click here to learn why and review other trail guidelines.

The late Rhode Island artist Maxwell Mays donated over 295 acres of diverse wildlife habitat to Audubon in 2010. The property offers trails though upland forests, wetlands, streams, ponds, and open meadow. The 11-acre Carr Pond, situated entirely within the bounds of the wildlife refuge, is the centerpiece of the property. It is home to river otters as well as many types of freshwater fish and aquatic invertebrates.

Refuge Highlights

Habitat: forest, ponds, wetlands, streams, and open meadow
Wildlife to watch for: deer, fox, coyote, red squirrel
Birds commonly found: Wild Turkey, Hooded Merganser, Eastern Bluebird, Barred Owl, Black-throated Green Warbler, Ovenbird, Scarlet Tanager, Baltimore Oriole
Offerings: Birdwatching, Programs
Lakeside cabin rental available May - October (see below for details)
A self-quided interpretive nature trail with accompanying science lessons and activities is available on our website for students, homeschoolers, and scouts in grades K - 8 (see below for details).

Wildlife Refuges

Maxwell Mays Lakefront Cottage Rental

Now you can relax at an artist's retreat!

Situated on the 300+ acres, this lake cottage in western Coventry is part of the Maxwell Mays Wildlife Refuge. The property's lake and cabin are secluded, a real retreat. It is a great place for canoeing, bird watching, nature walks on the property's trails and spectacular sunsets.

This charming, beautifully furnished old-fashioned wood and field stone camp on the edge of Maxwell Mays Pond, features fireplace heat, a full kitchen, screened porch, dock, large deck overlooking the pond, outdoor gas grill, indoor plumbing, two bedrooms, one bath. Cabin sleeps 5.

Perfect for a romantic week or week-end get-a-way or a family vacation. Kids love it here! Property comes equipped with canoe and one kayak. Available from May 1 to October 30th.

Check here for availability and fees

Maxwell Mays Interpretive Trail

Audubon has developed a self-guided interpretive nature trail with accompanying science lessons and activities for students, homeschoolers, and scouts in grades K-8. The activities are designed to be hands-on, engaging, and inquiry based. They highlight specific natural features, flora and fauna found along the Carr Pond Trail. It is important to note that all of the outdoor classroom lessons have been developed to enhance and align with Rhode Island’s current science curriculum.

The Maxwell Mays Interpretive Trail includes seven investigative sites, each clearly marked by a numbered post. The trailhead is located to the left of the parking area. Audubon encourages teachers, homeschoolers, scout leaders and others to use this free resource and actively engage in outdoor learning.

Click Here to Access the Interpretive Trail Guide

Image by Phoenix Aviary
Image by Glenn Osmundson

Using the Trails: Refuge Guidelines

All Audubon Society of Rhode Island land is protected. Our public wildlife refuges are for everyone to enjoy. Please respect the natural habitats of Audubon's refuges and avoid disturbing their inhabitants. Also, respect the rights of others when using the trails.

In order to ensure that these areas remain as healthy habitats, we ask you please to abide by these simple rules, enjoying the natural settings with quiet enthusiasm and a respectful sense of adventure. By conserving these open spaces, Audubon Society of Rhode Island, along with its members and partners, is able to fulfill its mission of protecting the nature of Rhode Island.

To accomplish this, we kindly request the following:

Permitted (and encouraged!):

• Hiking on the trails
• Observing & learning about wildlife
• Photography
• Bird watching
• Enjoying the area's natural ambiance and solitude
• Picnicking only at the designated areas at the Nature Center and Aquarium
Not permitted:

• Dogs, horses and other pets
• Motorized vehicles and bicycles beyond the parking lot
• Hunting, fishing or trapping
• Picnicking (except in designated areas at the Nature Center and Aquarium)
• Camping
• Littering
• Alcoholic beverages and smoking
• Collecting plants or other natural objects
• Geo-caching or Letterboxing
• Jogging, running and excessive noise
Why can't I bring my dog along?*

Dogs can be best friends, good companions and even part of the family, but dogs are not allowed on Audubon Wildlife Refuges for a number of reasons. Read More.
*Service dogs are welcome.