Wildlife Loop to Kennedy (Nashoba) Pond (Nashoba Brook Wildlife Sanctuary)

Wildlife Loop to Kennedy (Nashoba) Pond (Nashoba Brook Wildlife Sanctuary)

Hike Type: -o-o Loop

Distance: 1.99 miles

Elevation: 72 feet

My Time: 41 minutes

Book Time: 1 hour, 1 minute

Parking: Parking for 4-5 cars at trailhead off of MA-225.
Hiking Challenges: N/A

The Hike 

Happy Band o'Ween! I wasn't going to get a hike in, but with the daylight fading and daylight savings time QUICKLY approaching, I decided to get a quick one in before heading to the school. I landed myself at the Nashoba Brook Wildlife Sanctuary just off of MA-225 in Westford. The original plan was to hike the Emmet Woods, but those traild don't have a formal trailhead/parking area, and I was already here! The parking area was big enough for 4-5 cars and covered in beautiful leaves. It was 55 degrees out and sunny - another wonderful fall day! There was a Tesla in the parking lot wrapping up a walk, and I got started!

My understanding is that this Wildlife Sanctuary is made up of different properties between Mass Audubon, Westford Conservation Trust, and Westford Conservation Commission, all connected with trails. The parking area and first part of this hike were on Mass Audubon land. I started my hike on the leaf-covered trail in beautiful woods and soon turned left onto the Woodland Loop, where I spooked upwards of 5,000 doves. The loop meandered on a footpath until coming to a T-intersection, where I turned left and followed a sign "to watershed trails."

I exited the Mass Audubon Land and wiggled past some backyards and then onto a cul de sac, where I turned left to hike around and reentered the woods on a dirt road leading to another, larger parking area. There was an older guy chilling in a camp chair and two other people walking their dogs here. I didn't want to be friendly, so I just kept on hiking past a gate onto a wide, old road. I saw there was a pond ahead, so that was my new goal! I was now on Westford Conservation Commission land.

The road came to a junction, where I turned right onto a footpath, and then saw an owl! The owl spent time watching me and watching the forest floor. Owls are just the coolest birds, and I am always wowed by how quietly they can move through the trees. The footpath I followed briefly merged with an old road, and then I followed the road right up to the pond, which was quite lovely - I would love to come back next fall and explore this area some more!

I walked along the pond just for a minute before turning left to start my return trip. I noticed there's no blazes or signs in this area, but at junctions there are little sign posts with braille-adjacent markings on them. Interesting!

I came to a five-way junction at a memorial for the Richard Emmet Conservation Land. I googled the name and found this on the Westford website: "MA Audubon’s Nashoba Brook Sanctuary encompasses over 100 acres of land north of Concord Road (Rt. 225), east of Powers Road, south of the commercial district on Littleton Road (Rt. 110) and Lyberty Way and west of Carlisle Road.  This land was pieced together by Dick and Alan Emmet, long time conservation minded Westford residents and bequeathed to MA Audubon.  Recently MA Audubon opened a new trail network on this northern site.  More information about these trails can be found on the MA Audubon website. North of MA Audubon’s holdings is approximately 20 acres of conserved land owned by the town and Westford Conservation Trust with a linear trail that runs parallel to the commercial district of Route 110 providing passive recreation trail use to the businesses and their employees, in addition to the general public.  A map of this area can be found on the Westford Conservation Trust website."

I followed the trail directly opposite the memorials, which brought me right back to the gate and the parking area. I read the kiosk this time, and it turns out the strange symbols are actually an orienteering course! I retraced my steps to the turn I made off of the Woodland Loop, and once there I continued straight right on back to my car. There was no Tesla, but there was an impressive adventure van! I grabbed some Dunkin afterwards, drove to the school, and threw on my cow onesie to join in my coworkers as Old McDonald and his farm!

Step-by-Step

- Start hike along trail from trailhead off of MA-225.

- At split, turn right onto Woodland Loop.

- At jct., turn right, following signs "to watershed trails."

- At cul de sac, follow road counter clockwise.

- At sign, turn left to parking lot.

- At parking lot, turn left past kiosk and gate onto trail.

- At jct., turn right onto trail.

- At pond, turn left.

- At jct., turn left.

- At Emmet memorials, veer right.

- Follow trail back to parking lot.

- Retrace steps to the Woodland Loop.

- At Woodland Loop, continue straight.

- Hike back to car.

Map of Nashoba Brook Wildlife Sanctuary

Photo Album

Puddle, Raccoon Hollow, Houghton, Breakneck Ledge, Eustis, Wolcott Paths (Blue Hills Reservation)

Puddle, Raccoon Hollow, Houghton, Breakneck Ledge, Eustis, Wolcott Paths (Blue Hills Reservation)

Hike Type: Lollipop Loop

Distance: 4.61 miles

Elevation: 633 feet

Time: 1 hour, 40 minutes

Book Time: 2 hours, 37 minutes

Parking: Ample parking at Trailside Museum North, and even more in the south lot.

Hiking Challenges: Trail Trace the Blue Hills 2

The Hike 

I had a halfway decent drive after work to the Blue Hills, and I was feeling blegh. Maybe because it's warm out, maybe because I hiked yesterday, maybe because I'm hitting the one month post-mortem of the break up, who knows! Comically, as I approached the Blue Hills, Sarah texted saying she was also going to the Blue Hills, but I was not feeling social and needed some alone time to just wander and not think (or think, in fairness, I'm still figuring out what my brain needs). 

I parked at the north parking lot and started my hike along the Wolcott Path and then hiked up towards the water tower before turning onto the summit road to the Chickadee Path. Chickadee Path is always a delight, and I turned onto Puddle Path when I saw at least 10,000 cross-country teenagers running along Wolcott. There were some shockingly warm pockets of humid are along the scenic Puddle Path! 

I worked my way into Wildcat Notch, where there were some beautiful fall colors, and I realized the second swamp along this path is what feeds the second trickle crossing along the Skyline Trail South! I checked Sarah's location a couple of times, and it seemed we would not be crossing paths, which was okay, but would have sure been fun to run into each other as we did our parallel play!

I continued my descent down Raccoon Hollow Path, which is just freaking lovely! I feel like a re-learn this every time I hike it. The stream was flowing in the scenic lower stretch with the regrowth of Houghton Hill above. I CAREFULLY found a spot to pee where my head could be on a swivel - one of the dangers of the Blue Hills. The granite marker at the end of the trail was basically hidden behind plants now.

Along Houghton Path, what Seek called the eastern cottonwoods were growing in in abundance! The plants were fully taking over and were between four and seven-ish feet tall. I wonder if this is a good plant to be regrowing or? I know they've had zoom talks about the regrowth, but I am never able (or never remember) to make it. Going uphill, I could tell the path was grassy after the summer sun, but it was no problem now. The path was no longer post-apocolyptic, but hopeful. It was like the scene from the Firebird in Fantasia in slow motion. 

I made my way to Breakneck Ledge Path, where I heard a dad shout at his kid "TURN LEFT! DO YOU KNOW YOUR LEFT AND RIGHT?!" which gave me a little chuckle. I loved looking at the piles of rock fallen off of Hancock Hill from this trail. I meandered downhill again to the Base Path and then to Eustis, which was muddy at first but then turned into a simply delightful walk.

I was able to reflect a bit on the past month while hiking on Eustis. I think the day was just feeling heavy because of the one month thing. The sadness is still there, the wondering is still there, but I am doing much better than one/two/three weeks ago, which is good. I wonder how he's doing and it sucks we can't just like, be friends, but I know that's simply not an option right now. I also have been struggling with food over the past few months, especially in this last month. It's felt easy to get the "f-its" as I've been craving any ounce of dopamine I could get my hands on, but we all know that it just makes it worse!

Thank you for the thinking time, Eustis!

I made my way onto Rotch Path, where the sun was shining on the trees. The crickets were out, and I was hungry for my Costco Rotisserie Chicken! My camera was yet again washing out the warm fall colors, and as I passed Carberry Path I felt a bug on my ear. I grabbed it off, and it was a tick! I threw it, but it caught and latched onto my knee!!!! Not fair, it's almost November! Thankfully, I do believe I handled it incredibly well, especially considering my history with ticks. I flet itchy for the rest of the hike.

Thankfully the hike was almost over, and I was soon back at my car. I went over to Costco to find that their rotisserie was broken!!!! The heartbreak! The betrayl! I got some frozen chicken and sadly drove home.

Step-by-Step

- Start hike from Trailside Museum north parking lot on Wolcott Path (green dots).

- At split, veer right uphill.

- At Summit Road, turn sharply right to hike to water tower, and then travel uphill on Summit Road.

- At 1072, turn right onto Chickadee Path.

- At 1085, turn right onto Puddle Path (green dots/yellow triangles).

- At 1103, turn right onto Wildcat Notch Path (green dots/yellow triangles).

- After 1092, veer left onto Raccoon Hollow Path (green dots/yellow triangles until 1120, then unblazed).

- At terminus, turn left onto Houghton Path (yellow triangles).

- At 1147, turn right onto Wolcott Path.

- At 1160, turn left onto Breakneck Ledge Path (yellow triangles).

- At 1185, turn left onto Base Path.

- At terminus, turn left onto Eustis Trail.

- At 1140, continue on trail.

- At 1121, turn right onto Rotch Path.

- At 1114, turn left onto Border Path (green dots/yelow triangles).

- At 1100, veer right onto Wolcott Path (Green dots/yellow triangles - green dots after 1085).

- Follow Wolcott Path to car.

Blue Hills Reservation Map

Photo Album

Gibbet Hill & Fire Tower (Groton, MA)

Gibbet Hill & Fire Tower (Groton, MA)

Hike Type: Out-and-back

Distance: 1.48 miles

Elevation: 220 feet

My Time: 30 minutes

Book Time: 51 minutes

Parking: Limited roadside parking at trailhead, overflow parking available at Gibbet Hill Grill.
Hiking Challenges: Massachusetts Fire Tower Challenge 45

The Hike 

Hike #3 of the day! To recap my journey:

1. Soapstone Hill (COMPLETE)

2. Prospect Hill (COMPLETE)

3. Pinnacle Hill (COMPLETE)

4. Gibbet Hill (Hike)

5. Robbins Hill (Drive up)

6. Billerica Tower (Drive past)

I had never drive through Groton proper, and it was lovely! It was also strangely busy. I passed a wedding right at Gibbet Hill, and the hiker parking was full (and some people were ticketed). I followed some folks to the overflow parking at the Lawrence Academy athletic fields (ALERT: I was wrong! Overflow parking was available at Gibbet Hill Grill, NOT Lawrence Academy. Sorry, Groton!). 

I walked up the driveway from the field to cross the road and enter the woods, turning left onto a footpath. I passed some STINKY fields that were equally scenic. I also saw a sign that read "MY BULL can cross this field in 3.2 seconds. CAN YOU... Keep Out." There were a LOT of people out, and around 75% of them were speaking Chinese - I wonder if there's some cultural event going on nearby, or if this area just has a high Chinese population? I wasn't bothered, just interested. 

The trail climbed moderately-steeply and rounded another field. It was STUNNING during golden hour. Eventually, the trail crossed this old stone castle situation? It was swamed with people, so I didn't investigate. It seems the castle was built as an estate, but the owner had financial troubles, so it was sold and used as a boarding home for the sick. The two documents below have an interseting history of the area.

To the left was an absolutely stunning view to the town of Groton and the sun beginning to set over Mt. Wachusett. This was paried with dozens and dozens of people getting the most "aesthetic" photos of each other for instagram (SO MUCH POSING!). I am happy for them.

The path followed the field in the open to an absolutely wonderful view of Wachusetts, the Wapack Range, and Mt. Monadnock behind. It was really beautiful, and I will absolutely be coming back in the dead of winter when there are fewer people around! I was curious where the tower was, though...

I noticed a footpath turned right along a fence where the path ended and continued into the woods. This descended breifly to a bridge, etched as "Sweet & Easy Bridge." There were some green/white trail arrows now by the Groton Trails Network, and then voila! The tower! There were two communication towers and the fire tower ahead.

I climbed up, following the arrows, and then turning left onto a paved road up to the tower! There was a police car at the top, but I took my pictures, waved to him, and went on my merry way. He was unbothered by me. 

I descended past a stone marker with a "C" on it and made my way back to the Sweet & Easy Bridge, noticing another sign that read "This trail project was a cooperative venture between the Town of Groton and the Recreation Trails Program." I wiggled through the absolute seas of people along the upper viewpoint. My two favorite groups were a queer couple taking engagement photos and a group of teens that were absolutely gassing each other up about how good they looked (genuinely I loved this!). 

As I descended past many more people, I found myself feeling glad that my day had such a wide variety of hikes and adventures. And even better, it wasn't over yet! I made my way back to the car, visited the porta potty, and then started to drive towards the Robbins Hill Fire Tower in Chemlsford.

Extra Credit:

I had a stupid pretty drive with the sun setting between Groton and Chelmsford. I turned onto Summit Road and continued along. The pavement ended and I drove a bit futher. Eventually, the road splits. Straight ahead is a dip and a gate, and on the left is the fire tower. I parked here and walked the rest of the way up the road to the fire tower, which was heavily posted as no trespassing with more video surveillance signs. I took a few photos, noting a survey hole in a nearby rock an some trees painted with numbers. The moon was ridiculously full now, and I accepted that I would not make it to Billerica, which as more than okay. What a spectacular day of fall Fire Tower peeping!

Step-by-Step

- Walk to main road from Lawrence Academy field lot.

- Cross road, turn right on trail to Gibbet Hill.

- At top of hill/end of path, turn left to follow fence into woods.

- Follow arrow blazes to fire tower road.

- At fire tower road, turn right to visit fire tower.

- At tower, turn around and retrace steps back to car.

Map of Gibbet Hill (Interpretive)

Map of Gibbet Hill (History)

Photo Album

Prospect Hill Fire Tower (2x) (Harvard Forest)

Prospect Hill Fire Tower (2x) (Harvard Forest)

Hike Type: Out-and-back-and-out-and-back

Distance: 2.13 miles

Elevation: 177 feet

My Time: 40 minutes

Book Time: 1 hour, 9 minutes

Parking: Very limited roadside parking on narrow dirt road
Hiking Challenges: Massachusetts Fire Tower Challenge 45

The Hike 

I had a bit of a journey to get to Prospect Hill from the Federated Women's Club State Forest. I initially followed Google Maps, which brought me to the southern end of Prospect Hill Road. The road started at a museum in Harvard Forest, past some old farm land and barns, but the road quickly became single-lane, rocky and bumpy, with potential hazards hidden by leaves. Sure, I probably could have managed it with my CRV fine, but I chose to bail and had a stressful time reversing out of there. I regrouped, and approached it from the north, which was MUCH better way to go. Still bumpy and dirty, but easily passable even in a sedan.

As a quick recap, my plan for the day was to hit up to six fire towers:

1. Soapstone Hill (COMPLETE)

2. Prospect Hill (Hike)

3. Pinnacle Hill (Drive up)

4. Gibbet Hill (Hike)

5. Robbins Hill (Drive up)

6. Billerica Tower (Drive past)

 I parked outside the gate, and got to my hike! I passed a forest legacy tract sign, a Harvard Forest sign, and a tick warning sign. The woods were beautiful and flat to start, and it was just beautiful out. The trail/road meandered through the woods in a generally uphill direction, but never uphill enough to get my heart rate up. The road split further along (I stayed right) and paralleled either a logged area or an abandoned field of sorts. I thought about how I want to be able to see a forest like that and be "ah yes a 20 year old regrowth" or something. 

Forest Legacy Conservation Land

This Forest Legacy funded Conservation Land is protected from current and future development. Working with the USDA Forest Service and the State Forester, the landowner committed to conserving this land in perpetuity for our benefit and for the benefit of future generations.

This land remains in private ownership. Please respect the landowner's rights.

For more information on the Forest Legacy Program contact:

State Forester's Office

251 Causeway Street, Suite 600

Boston, MA 02114

(617) 626-1430

www.mass.gov/dcr/stewardship/forestry

In just under ten minutes, I was at the tower! What a freaking delightful walk! The tower was tragically (and typically) fenced-in. I saw an arrow disc on a rock within the fence, which was a bummer. I walked around the fence clockwise, and found another disc! I guess I have to hike it twice to make both discs count... The arrow discs was USGS and the other disc, a summit one, was Mass. Dept. of Public Works. On the far side there was small view down the power cut towards a town with a white steeple. I wish the tower was open! I wonder why Massachusetts has so many towers without any public access, while Vermont and New Hampshire have almost all of them open?

I made my first return trip and heard some gunshots in the distance (no thank you!), but was quickly at the gate in just over a mile. I gave the gate a boop and made another trip! I played some Pokemon and checked emails along this lovely walk. I hit the top again in just under 30 minutes, and hit two miles right before hitting the gate a second time. I was worrying about not having enough daylight for all of my towers today... We'll see, and at least I have now gotten the two that are furthest from home!

Extra Credit:

I drove from Phillipston to Harvard, MA to find the Pinnacle Hill Fire Tower. The pull-off was heavily posted, but I basically ran to check it out. It was maybe a 20-second walk along the dirt access road to the tower, I snapped a photo, giggled at the porta potty, and got right back in my car and drove away. The walk seemed to be legal, as only the land adjacent on the left (walking in towards the tower) was posted. 

Step-by-Step

- Drive to gate from the north side of Prospect Hill Road.

- Start hike from gate to fire tower.

- Repeat.

- Return to car.

Map of Harvard Forest - Prospect Hill Tract

Photo Album

Rabbit Run Rail Bed, North Dana Depot, Soapstone Hill Loop (Federated Women's Club State Forest/Quabbin Reservoir)

Rabbit Run Rail Bed, North Dana Depot, Soapstone Hill Loop (Federated Women's Club State Forest/Quabbin Reservoir)

Hike Type: Lollipop Loop

Distance: 6.34 miles

Elevation: 705 feet

My Time: 2 hours, 9 minutes

Book Time: 3 hours, 31 minutes

Parking: Parking for 10-15 cars at end of State Forest Road.
Hiking Challenges: Massachusetts Fire Tower Challenge 45

The Hike 

Happy post-marching band Sunday! I was feeling exhausted from the October of it all, but it was yet another BEAUTIFUL fall day. After some puttering around the apartment, I decided I'd drive out to the Quabbin, explore Soapstone Hill's fire tower, and then make a few more fire tower stops on the drive back home. I ultimately landed with six on my list, in order:
1. Soapstone Hill (Hike)

2. Prospect Hill (Hike)

3. Pinnacle Hill (Drive up)

4. Gibbet Hill (Hike)

5. Robbins Hill (Drive up)

6. Billerica Tower (Drive past)

I got out of my house sometime before 10:00am and had just a stunning drive along Route 2, and it became even more beautiful once I was off the highway. The final bit of drive along State Forest Road was just lovely. There were maybe twelve other cars at the trailhead, taking up all the spots, but there was plenty of roadside parking. I suited up and got right to my hike!

My hike started by turning right onto West Street (there was a "road closed, bridge out" sign in the left direction) and crossing a gate. Per usual with Quabbin Hikes, I was following an old road. I crossed over a culvert and the old road climbed moderately for a moment to a power cut, which wasn't overly scenic, but it was something! I came up to a split and a plaque: "FEDERATION OF WOMEN'S CLUBS STATE FOREST PRESENTED TO THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS SEPTEMBER 13, 1933." I turned left at this plaque to hike through a campsite area. I would camp here!

The old road brought me to the group camping area, which featured a privy and a hand-painted trail sign of the State Forest. The road climbed from here, passing a few more campsites and eventually a yellow gate into Quabbin Watershed Land. The road narrowed at this point, and then even more at a blue arrow that led towards Soapstone Hill, which I would be visiting in a couple hours.

The seemingly unnamed road I was on narrowed again as it existed the State Forest at an old guard rail post. The sides were lined with soft, young pines. It was pretty and there were only a few easy blowdowns to contend with! I followed the trail, easily descending while passing occasional signs of past life in the area (piles of rocks, old sign post, survey pipe, etc.). I meandered over a few larger blowdowns during a more moderate descent, and then the trail narrowed to a messy footpath as it approached a pond.

The pond was still, small, and reflective. I couldn't tell if it was dammed by humans or beavers, as I saw some drainage pipes, but then I realized I was hiking right across the beaver dam AND lodge! There was a beaver sized hole, and I hiked myself right on out of there! I popped back onto a nicer old road at intersection 35-2PT.

There were birds singing all around this junction. I went straight, thinking I was correct, making my way over a wet, grassy clearing, and then I realized I was wrong! I turned around and went on the correct path, which would have been a left coming off of the beaver dam. I was enjoying this hike more than the hikes around Dana Common solely because the roads here are mostly dirt while the ones around Dana Common were mostly paved. There were stone walls on either side of this road, and after a bit I could start to see the Quabbin through the trees!

The road ended at a somewhat paved path that paralleled the shore line, called the Rabbit Run Rail Bed on AllTrails, but I don't think that's officially the name here. The official Quabbin interactive map called it North Main Street. Some information about the rail bed was found on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Springfield,_Athol_and_North-eastern_Railroad.

I followed a spur onto the shoreline of the Quabbin, which was far away from what seemed like the usual banks. I had been reading on Facebook the water had been extremely low. There's also a good amount of conspiracy that Boston is "up to something" with the water, but I'm not overly involved to know anything about that. The reservoir was breathtaking as always. There were deer prints in the sand! It was just so pretty - I missed it out here!

I got back onto the rail bed and followed the pavement, realizing I had no idea where the tower actually was on this hike. Thankfully, it was no more than one minute after I had that realization that I came to the tower! Maybe three minutes after turning onto the rail bed? The tower was more of an observation tower slowly being swallowed by nature. I walked through the crunchy meadow that would no doubt be a tick haven in the spring and summer to check it out. There were old bits of metal roof and plywood on the ground and the base of the tower was fenced-in. There was a small shed at the base, and the lower bits of the stairs had been removed (I guess to prevent curious minds from exploring...). 

Back on the rail bed, I was passed by a BUNCH of hikers as I hiked directly into the sunlight (I bought a new visor but naturally it's at home...). My sunglasses did a halfway decent job. I passed a little stone monument in the woods - I always assume these are town boundaries, but it also could just be a property line, or nothing. Maybe the North Dana town line? Unsure. All I did know was that the peeks of the Quabbin through the trees were ridiculously blue, and I loved it! I passed so many stone walls, heard crazy squirrels on the left and loons over on the right! I saw a couple of guys fishing as the trail turned from pavement to gravel. I think this would be even more stunning if/when the reservoir is at 100% capacity.

I passed a duo and came to a point where the trail swung left, but a small trail continued straight. AllTrails marked this point of interest as "North Dana Depot." An older duo was also here, checking it out. They were super friendly. The woman and I talked about how interesting it was how far the rail bed extended into the water, and she pointed out that this asphalt has been covered by water for a long time. There were stone walls marking what I assume are old building foundations or something. It was a really fascinating area to explore. I might need to revisit. I wasn't able to find too much information on it, besides the Rabbit Run rail went through here and this old photo:

An old guided hike by the AMC of the area read: "Join us on this hike offering a spectacular view from Soapstone Hill. The hike includes a section of the abandoned "Rabbit" Railroad bed. The last run of this railroad section was June 1, 1935. We will follow along the Quabbin's shoreline, from where the Old North Dana Depot was situated, to an old observation tower. The hike will continue across the edge of a beaver pond to Soapstone Hill. This hill's elevation of 883 ft, offers a spectacular view of the reservoir. We'll retrace the first section of the trail back to the parking lot. Approx 7 miles, 700' elevation gain, 4-4.5 hours, including break time. You will need trekking poles for a water crossing and waterproof boots."

I made my way back onto the main trail, getting some distant photos of a family of four loons. The main trail (now Monson Turnpike Road) was now marked with a "no biking beyond this point - surveillance cameras in use" post, posted by the DCR and DWSP (Division of Water Supply Protection). I don't think the 1,000 bikers followed that sign. There was a bit of uphill at this point past many post-peak foliage'd trees. I reached the height-of-land at junction 35-5PT and crossed with other logging roads. I made sure to descend on the most obvious-looking one. 

I descended, passing some more logging roads and pull-outs. I saw a comical abundance of red and grey squirrels and found myself wondering: "do the red and grey squirrels know that they're both squirrels?" Eventually, the trail leveled out and began to turn as I could make out more water through the trees. There wouldn't be a view of the Quabbin until a bridge that I would turn left at just before crossing (junction 37-2). There were people exploring the wetlands along the shoreline here. I also hiked past a big pile of weird-looking bear poop!

Turning left at 37-2, I hiked along the road bed of Gorge Trail, past a three-tiered beaver pond/dam situation. It was super pretty! The Soapstone Hill trail turned left at an unmarked junction (I could see the nails where the arrow used to be) and continued on a narrow footpath. I was emotionally reluctant to hike uphill, but it was time!

Naturally, I passed a cool stone wall and then came up to this cool rocky pond covered in leaves. Something geological definitely happened here! The trail steeply climbed up the side of the pool and then continued to climb moderately-steeply uphill. I crossed paths with two hikers who did NOT want to let me go first, but I was cranky and stubborn and got my way! The trail entered a zone full of pretty, autumnal oaks as my calves were about to bust. I climbed up one baby scramble to what must have been a former view spur before trees grew in. Another baby scramble led to the main view point, which was simply lovely. There were four people up here chatting away, so I said hello, took a few photos, and continued on my way.

I rambled along the ridge of Soapstone Hill, which was simply delightful! I passed just east of the high point, which was hardly discernable. The trail then began to descend easily and then moderately, but nothing as steeply as the trip up. Everything flattneed out in a younger forest and paralleled the State Forest boundary. 

I turned right at an unmarked trail, which connected me back to the State Forest group campground. What a lovely hike! This closed my lollipop loop. I followed the old road to West Street and then continued up through the power cut, which was warm in the sun. I descended and had a wonderuflly easy hike out, passing a "thank you for visiting, please come back soon" sign at the final gate. 

I was one of only two cars left at the parking lot. I didn't change since my next hike wasn't too far away. There was a very reasonable number of people on this hike consiering it was a stunning October Sunday, and I would definitely do it again! Now time to drive over to Prospect Hill!

Step-by-Step

- Start hike by turning right onto West Street.

- At split, veer left.

- Hike through campground area, continue straight uphill.

- Cross gate into Quabbin Reservoir land, continue on road, now narrower.

- Follow road all the way to terminus at jct. 35-2PT.

- At 35-2PT, turn left.

- At terminus, turn left onto Rabbit Run Rail Bed/North Main Street.

- Follow to terminus at North Dana Depot, going straight when the trail turns left.

- At North Dana Depot, turn around.

- At jct., turn right to continue on main trail/Monson Turnpike Road.

- Just before bridge, turn left onto Gorge Trail.

- At jct., turn left onto Soapstone Hill Trail.

- Near end of trail, turn right onto trail toward Campground.

- At terminus, turn right onto campground road, closing the lollipop.

- Continue onto West Street, return to car.

Map of Soapstone Hill (from Quabbin Interactive Hiking Map)

Photo Album

Snow Hill Fire Tower Spaghetti Loop (Glidden Land Preserve & Snow Hill Conservation Area)

Snow Hill Fire Tower Spaghetti Loop (Glidden Land Preserve & Conservation Area)

Hike Type: Spaghetti Lollipop Loop

Distance: 3.65 miles

Elevation: 479 feet

My Time: 1 hour, 15 minutes

Book Time: 2 hours, 3 minutes

Parking: Very limited parking at trailhead off of Pine Street.
Hiking Challenges: Massachusetts Fire Tower Challenge 45

The Hike 

October is such a complicated month. On one hand, it's my busiest month and I am typically fighting to stay afloat, but on the other, it's ridiculously beautiful in both weather and leaves! This was no exception. I left work at a normal time and started a journey to my friend Nikki's house in Medfield for a fall fire and movie night! The drive was painful, but I found a fire tower on the list just 10 minutes away from her! I parked at a very easy to miss pull-off just before the access gate. There was a sign for the fire tower at the gate, indicating I was in the correct spot and allowed on the land! There was a dog barking it's life away at me as I got ready, and I was off!

The walk along the access road is nice and easy. Another unsigned road (turns out everything is unsigned here) branched off on the right a couple minutes in and then I passed a footpath on the left. I saw a sign prohibiting motorized vehicles by the Dover Land Conservation Trust. The lollipop on the original AllTrails route began at 0.3 miles, but I wasn't married to anything in particular beside following the road all the way up. I passed a handful more junctions with old roads and trails along this delightful ramble, eventually climbing up a comparatively steep stretch that was paved.

The road swung to the right after the short, steep spot (to the right was a herd path to what must have been a view many, many years ago) and followed the ridge right up to the top, passing some tin-can lid blazes on the left with no discernable foot path?

I passed a locked porta potty up top and came to the tower, which was fenced off with no discs to see. The fence was a bummer, becuase there definitely is a view from the tower! A footpath continued into the woods over what looked like the high point to a nice, open area. I lost the AllTrails trail here, but was able to find it a few minutes later. The footpath turned into a trail that descended off Snow Hill to a four-way junction right at the 1.0 mile mark. I noticed horse prints, and I decided to head straight towards "Oak Hill" according to AllTrails - I was officially in exploring mode!

I paralleled a stone wall that marked the boundary of the Preserve and was happy that the exertion to temperature ratio was perfect to keep me from sweating too much. I passed an old metal rusted something off in the woods on the left, and then came to a three-way junction at an opening in the stone wall. I turned right here.

This brought me into the Snow Hill Conservation Area, which is still public land, just owned by a different organization, I think? I passed a hunter's blind high on the right which is never fun to see, but it was thankfully vacant. I continued to follow the horse prints worrying about being on private proterty, but I was definitely still fine.

I hiked near someone's back yard and their absolute palace of a home before continuing on, hiking over some horse poop and see more palaces across the road! The trail eventually descended to its terminus at another road, which marked my turn around point. Somewhere along the trail I noticed a partially hidden sign that read: "HUNTING SEASON October 20 through December 31, 2014 Monday - Saturday, No hunting on Sunday. BY BOH PERMIT ONLY. To help reduce th erisk of tick-borne disease and insure a healthy deer population, bow hunting is permitted on some town lands by hunters authorized by the Dovere Board of Health (BOH) through its Deer Management Program. Hunting takes pace primarily from tree stands located well away from marked trails. Unauthorized tree stands or ground blinds will be confiscated. Please stay on Designated Trails. DOVER BOARD OF HEALTH. LYME DISEASE COMMITTEE."

The return trip felt signifcantly faster and once back in the Glidden Land Preserve, I continued right/straight at the three-way junction and then I continued on a faint footpath up Snow Hill, which was marked wtih old can lids. This trail was steep and to-the-point, passing a rock that had the closest semblance to a view I could manage along this hike. 

This footpath popped out of the woods at the porta potty, and I saw a biker at the fire tower. I turned left here and then right to follow another footpath to descend - the biker rang his bell when he crossed me. I crossed the road again and continued on this trail, whcih was simply lovely! The trail passed some nice boudlers back below the hill. 

I later turned right onto another old road, crossed the four-way junction that marked the beginning of the previous steep climb, and hiked along a narrower old road back to the original four-way junction that I passed coming down from my first climb up. I had an absolutely delightful walk along this old road to the property's boundary. 

At the boundary line, one small sign said "reservation boundary please respect the proeprty rights of our neighbords" while another just below had the Dover Land Conservation Trust logo, name, and an arrow pointing to a footpath on the right. I followed the footpath, which was a little challenging with the leaf cover, up and into the woods.

This footpath was simply a delight to hike. It meandered up, down, and around through scenic woods. This is a really wonderful hike if you're happy getting zero views and just spenind some time in the woods! I eventually crossed the power lines and rejoined the road.

I could have continued from here back into the woods to check out a camping area I noticed on AllTrails, but I was right on schedule for movie night and didn't want to risk it! I followed the road down, eventually exiting the conservation land and hearing that dog barking up a storm yet again.

I took a trip to Shaws for snacks and wine, got the snacks and spent too long at self-checkout becuase it wouldn't process my card. Shwas without wine, so I drove to the nearby wine shop, but the parking lot was gated off, so I had to park at Chipotle and awkwardly walk to get the wine... Eventually I was at Nikki's house and had a lovely night - even if she had us watch a horror movie ("The Univited")!

Step-by-Step

- Start hike on old road (Fire Tower Trail on AllTrails).

- Summit Snow Hill and continue on Footpath over the summit (Fire Tower Trail on AllTrails).

- At jct., continue straight on Fire Tower Trail (on AllTrails).

- At jct., turn right to cross stone wall, entering Snow Hill Conservation Area Land, contniue on Fire Tower Trail (on AllTrails).

- At terminus on Centre Street, turn around.

- At stone wall, veer left.

- At jct. soon after, steeply climb up Snow Hill following tin blazes.

- At summit, turn right onto Fire Tower Trail/road (on AllTrails).

- At jct., turn left onto footpath.

- Cross Fire Tower Trail/Road, continue on footpath (Snow's Hill Trail on AllTrails).

- At jct., continue straight on Snow's Hill Trail (on AllTrails).

- At jct., continue straight on Snow's Hill Trail (on AllTrails).

- At property line, follow arrow to stay on trail, now a footpath (not on AllTrails).

- At terminus, turn left onto Fire Tower Trail/road.

- Return to car.

Photo Album

Autumn 2026 Goals Update!

Oh my goodness I'm FINALLY caught up with journaling for the first time since June! Maybe even May?! Either way, It's late October and time to check-in with my goals. Since I turned 31, my life has gotten REALLY difficult. The two major players are the murder of my cousin and my first breakup of adulthood, both of which come with their own sets of "what." I've unpacked those, plus other ailments in my posts, but I wanted to take a moment to check in with my goals and see how I'm doing:

Here is the list of goals I set in January:

1. 100 hikes, 500 miles, 100,000 feet

           COMPLETE: 127 hikes, 715 miles, 157,408 feet.

2. 52 Hike Challenge

            In Progress: January - October all complete.

3. Hike at least two new trails in the Belknap Range.

            Complete! I hiked around Mt. Rowe on 4/23, Piper on 4/25, and Straightback 5/3.

4. Hike at least two new Terrifying 25 Trails.

            Complete! Castle & Castle Ravine 8/15, Carter Ledge 8/27, Subway, Great Gully, Chemin des Dames, King Ravine 9/7, and Desolation 10/7

5. Hike at least two Maine 4,000 Footers.

            Complete! I hiked 10 of them in June!

6. Hike at least two Downstate New York peaks.

            I hiked Round Hill on 6/14, but still need another. In fairness, I pivoted to the Catskills at the end of the summer. 

7. Complete either the winter or 3-season map of the Blue Hills (again).

            Complete! I finished the Trail Trace on 5/26.

8. [NEW] Complete the MA/NY/CT peaks on the Taconic 12er challenge.

            I got a little crazy in June and finished the whole challenge in June!

9. [NEW] Hike a MA Fire Tower hike in Hampshire County.

            I did it! Columbus Day weekend I hiked Mt. Lincoln.

There's just a little over two months in the year, and I'm hoping to somehow avoid the usual November/December slump. It's always hard with the time change and short days and busy schedule, but it would be nice to keep finding ways to get out! I am also curious to see if I will beat last year's stats, which is something I didn't think I would be able to even come close to... We'll see!