Battle-Dorrance Memorial Forest - Orange W. Orange Rd. (Rte. 2A)
Orange, MA
(978) 952-6856
info@newenglandforestry.org

Visitors can walk logging roads to view forest regeneration following a harvest of mature pine in 2003.

Bearsden Conservation Area - Athol Bearsden Rd.
Athol, MA

Miles of forested trails among steep hills, stone walls, & views of the Millers River - beautiful all year round.

Brooks Woodland Preserve: Swift River Tract - Petersham Quaker Dr.
Petersham, MA
(978) 840-4446
information@ttor.org

Miles of trails through fields and forest and along river and swamp, with glimpses of both glacial and human history.

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Brooks Woodland: Connor's Pond Tract - Petersham Quaker Dr.
Petersham, MA
(978) 840-4446
information@ttor.org

One- to two-mile loop trails lead visitors on gentle hikes through dense and more open woodlands.

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Brooks Woodland: Roaring Brook Tract - Petersham East St.
Petersham, MA
(978) 840-4446
information@ttor.org

Three miles of trails - loops through woodland and swamp, across Roaring Brook, and up, down and around a hill.

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Brooks Woodland: Swift River, Connor's Pond, & Roaring Brook Tracts - Petersham Petersham, MA
(978) 840-4446
information@ttor.org

Three tracts of extensive trails through mixed forest and mountain laurel, criss-crossed by stone walls and a rich Native American and colonial history.

Bullard Farm Loop - New Salem 89 Elm St.
New Salem, MA
info@newenglandforestry.org

The white-blazed Bullard Farm Loop is a two-mile section of the Chestnut Hill Trail system that gives visitors a view of scenic former farmland as well as peaceful woodlands. The trail to the south from the parking area at the Bullard Farm Bed and Breakfast skirts the Swift River, climbs to North Pond Ridge (and connects to the North Pond Ridge Trail), and returns for the final leg along Elm St. Nearby is a dramatic waterfall known as the Bear’s Den, on land protected by The Trustees of Reservations.

Chase Memorial Forest - Royalston S. Royalston Rd. (Rte. 68)
Royalston, MA
(978) 952-6856
info@newenglandforestry.org

A diverse land, now conserved for timber and wildlife habitat, its old road a link in a winter snowmobile trail.

Photo: Chestnut Hill Trail
Chestnut Hill Trail - Orange Gidney Rd.
Orange, MA
info@newenglandforestry.org

A lovely 3.25-mile loop through woodlands that show the result of a responsibly planned timber harvest.

Chestnut Hill Trail System - Orange Chestnut Hill Rd.
Orange, MA
info@northquabbinwoods.org

Six miles of blazed trail - North Pond Ridge, Bullard Farm, and Chestnut Hill. Map kiosk at Fittz Memorial Forest.

Photo: Earthlands lodge
Earthlands - Petersham 39 Glasheen Rd.
Petersham, MA
(978) 724-3428
earthlands@earthlink.net

Programs in sustainable living and outdoor skills. Beautiful trails, events, and accommodations.

Photo: Elliott Laurel Reservation
Elliott Laurel Reservation - Phillipston Queen Lake Rd., Rte. 101
Phillipston, MA
central@ttor.org

Extensive mountain laurel thicket with magnificent white blooms in late spring. Short loop trail wanders below cathedral of hemlocks.

Photo: Erving Castle/Hermit's Cave
Erving Castle/Hermit's Cave - Erving Mountain Road
Erving, MA
(978) 544-3939
mass.parks@state.ma.us

Vigorous hike (3-4 hrs. round-trip) to natural "castle" formed by a small cave under overhanging cliff. Inhabited 1867-1899 by hermit, John Smith, native of Scotland.

Photo: Erving State Forest & Laurel Lake Recreation Area
Erving State Forest & Laurel Lake Recreation Area - Erving Laurel Lake Road
Erving, MA
(978) 544-3939, (978) 544-7745
erving.forest@state.ma.us

4,500 acres of unique habitats. Camp, boat, hike, bike, fish, or swim. Fee for beach access.

Federated Women's Club State Forest - Petersham New Salem Rd. (Rte. 122)
Petersham, MA
(978) 939-8962
otter.river@state.ma.us

Numerous trails, one to an overlook of Quabbin Reservoir, plus primitive camping (see camping section).

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Fittz Family Memorial Forest - Orange Chestnut Hill Rd.
Orange, MA
(978) 952-6856
info@newenglandforestry.org

A lovely destination in itself, but also a link in the North Pond Ridge Trail and the Chestnut Hill Trail system.

 

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