Crow Hill, Berry Hill, Ball Hill, and Rocky Pond Loop (Leominster State Forest)

Crow Hill, Berry Hill, Ball Hill, and Rocky Pond Loop (Leominster State Forest)

Hike Type: Lollipop Figure-8 Loop

Distance: 7.56 miles

Elevation: 961 feet

My Time: 2 hours, 56 minutes

Book Time: 4 hours, 15 minutes

Parking: Parking for ~30 cars at Princeton Lot
Hiking Challenges: N/A

The Hike 

I got home from Concord last night after a $40 Uber ride, which was a bummer but also totally fine. I stayed up late writing my sub plans and called out, really hunkering down for whatever mess I was going to get in to. Absolute worst case would be my car was towed, I would need to then get it towed again to a dealership for a new key, they wouldn't have one and wouldn't have any loaners/rentals, so I'd need to then figure out a rental. 

I took a nice morning walk to Forest Hill, took the Orange Line to North Station, did my best to dodge the Friday-in-October Salem crowd, and got on the Commuter Rail towards Fitchburg to get back to Concord! My morning journey was actually delightful and I had another nice walk from the Concord train station back to the scene of the crime...

To my absolute dismay, the streets were swept overnight, really crushing any hopes I had of finding them. I slowly walked to my car to see if it showed up, and no cigar. I was really getting ready to accept defeat. I decided to repeat my walk through town one more time, and then I saw it! Someone found the key and put it on a fencepost next to a pumpkin! I gasped so loudly I think I scared passerbys. The emotional (and financial) relief I felt was spectacular. I texted everyone I knew and took a final, now-joyful romp through town. I had plenty of time left in my day, so I ended up finding a hike in Leominster State Forest! I didn't want to go too far away, and didn't want to do a repeat hike, so it seemed perfect!

I had a nice drive from Concord to the state forest, which was right near Mt. Wachusett. It was super windy with leaves flying everywhere on Route 2. It was just a beautiufl day in the mid-60s and the air was full of falling leaves - just beautiufl! I parked in the "Princeton Lot," which was a paved lot right at the Westminster/Princeton town line. A parking fee is charged in-season, but it was free on this day!

I started my hike on the strip of land seperating the two Crow Hill Ponds. There was some construction being done on the swimming beach on the right, and there was a nice view of both ponds. At the end of this access trail, I turned left onto the yellow-blazed Wolf Rock Trail. There were tree views to Crow Hill and down to the pond - it was quite lovely!

The Wolf Rock Trail ended just before the main beach parking lot, which was closed for construction. I stayed on the right, following the edge of the woods to the parking lot, to avoid being in the way of any work. I followed the parking lot past the Ball Hill Trail, Black Bear Run, and then I turned right onto the red-blazed Crocker Pond Trail. I liked this name, because it reminded me of the Crocker Mountains in Maine.

The footing was pretty wobbly on this flat trail due to the leaves covering roots and rocks. I crossed a stone wall and then two bridges over a swampy area that seemed to be the work of beavers. I then paralleled MA-31 in the sun, passing a trail sign indicating the beach area was closed (there was no sign from the Pinceton Lot, I swear!) and then a sign for Crocker Pond.

The trail did not go around or even to the shore of Crocker Pond, but instead it crossed MA-31 to the Crocker Lot and the Crocker Pond Trail continued, now hiking uphill - it was a calf burner! After the calf burning, the trail followed the contour high above the road through a relatively open forest full of mountain laurel. There was a very welcomed breeze, too. 

At the trail's terminus, I turned left, following a sign "to top of ledges." This stretch of trail was super leafy and unblazed. Just a minute later, I continued left at another junction, which is where the Midstate Trail joined, and it was equally more traveled and more rugged. I steeply climbed up rock stairs and enjoyed increasing tree views. My body was definitely feeling tired after last night's stress sleep. I also had a lot of cheese last night... 

I small ledge provided a view to Crocker Pond, Crow Hill Pond, and more ponds beyond through the little notch, with Ball Hill ahead and whatever quarry situation the town has on the left. My lungs were hurting. The footpath leveled off here along the edge of the grown-in ledges, and I almost slipped on leaves an unfortunately high amount of times. The trail meandered further into the woods and featured another lovely breeze, which was a wonderful treat.

This started a long trend of moving slightly downhill for a while through endless mountain laurel. I skired the bottom of a neat, small, slanted cliff, and then came to a junction with the red-blazed Ledges Trail. Here, I took my first (and only) fall of the day! There were nicer tree views again down to the ponds and I later arrived at the main event - the Crow Hill Ledges! There were wonderful views to Ball Hill, the ponds, and now Mt. Wachusett! The ledges had a lot of climbing infastructure which was fun to see. There was also a rock climber!

I continued along the trail, disappointed at my new hunger pangs, and then I came to an even better view of Wachusett, which was a treat! The Midstate/Ledges Trail had a nice combination of the classic modern yellow plastic triangles that read "Midstate Trail," older, smaller yellow plastic triangles, and painted yellow triangles. That, in addition to the traditional red blazes for the Ledge Trail. 

Once back in the woods, the trail got a bit confusing to follow, but as long as I paused to look around I was able to see the next blaze. There was a leafy, steep descent down to the base of the ledges, which were imposing from below! The base had a picnic table and a few criss-crossing trails. I continued to follow the red blazes and "to parking lot" signs. 

After passing an access woods road, the red-blazed Ledges Trail hiked gently over a lump full of mountain laurel and then began to descend to the road. The trail terminated at the Ledges Lot, and then I crossed MA-31 again!

Now it was a little confusing for the next few minutes exactly which trail I was on, as blazing, signs, and the map were all a little inconsistent. I followed the sign onto Sawyers Run, which was a lovely footpath through more and more mountan laurel. I went straight at a junction with a faded blue blaze and then turned left at another junction at a more recent red blaze. I neared a very muddy pond/swamp situation and told myself that I am celebrating all wins today, and a win I just had was that my arms were looking good! I also continued to process the breakup, which has been getting easier: I thought about reaching out to him yesterday - this was the first "issue" I had since the breakup and it was a bummer to not have him to talk it through with, but I am proud of myself for not reaching out.

I eventually came to the Wolf Rock Trail and turned left, then I turned right "to White Pine Trail," and then I finally turned left onto the White Pine Trail, which was a wide trail with white blazes. This will effectively be my second and final "bigger" climb of the day. I passed a really kind woman and her dog who was truly on a free-ramble. She asked me how close we were to the road and then she made it clear her goal is to stay far away - I repsect it!

I climbed moderately uphill for a few minutes and then the trail leveled out in what I can only assume was a white pine grove, and it was lovely! I crossed a stone wall around some snarled trees and then crossed it again... and then another one soon after. The forest gradually transitioned back to a mixed forest before diving into the land of mountain laurels again.

I got a little thrown-off at an unsigned T-intersection. I think I was supposed to turn left here to stay on the White Pine Trail, but I turned right and followed a series of herd paths that simply did not make sense.

Eventually, I appeared on the red-blazed Berry Hill Trail, where I turned right to the summit of Berry Hill! The summit was just a high point with a sign, nothing too special, but I do love a sign! From the top, I easily descended on the Ball Hill Trail, which followed some old blue/red blazes. At the next junction, I turned left to stay on the Ball Hill Trail, which was a little more difficult to follow now.

In this stretch, I got a text that I won the lottery to see Wicked for $40! I had three hours to decide if I wanted them or not, but for that price, I bought them up and decided I'd figure it out later. The seats retailed for $150 each, so I had to buy them! Another win!

Figuring out how to buy the tickets from the Lucky Seats website brought me right to the top of Ball Hill, which was marked by a nice summit boulder and a sign just after at a hairpin turn. The trail delightfully rambled downhill from this point and I experienced a nice sentimental hiking thought: it is such a joy to priveledge to experience the seasons outside!

This was one of the longer trail segments of my day - I was in and out of the void on this stretch while I crossed endless stone walls and admired the remaining leaves. I eventually turned right onto the red-blazed Red Oak Trail and the trail soon began to level out, which was marked my a crow screaming itself into insanity! The trail had hidden rocks and roots again - I was looking forward to the road walks I had coming up. I could hear a nearby sportsmen's club and that quarry situation from this area.

I hiked through another mountain laurel grove and turned onto an old roadbed that had similar sneaky footing - this was a continuation of the Red Oak Trail. I had just a couple more minutes here until the trail terminated at the delightfully flat Fenton Road. Fenton Road either used to be paved or was made of old crushed gravel. Either way, it was lovely on the feet!

The long straightaway gently rose, passing a trail around it's midway point, and eventually coming to the outflow dam of Rocky Pond, which had a lovely view of Mt. Wachusett from it's shore. I could have done a bonus loop around the pond, but I was feeling satisfied with my day. The lighting wasn't great for photos at this angle, but I still enjoyed it! The pond water was looking surprisingly inviting for a late October day.

I continued on Fenton Road from this point, which was wider now. I passed a cut-through trail that I could have taken, but I was not wanting to deal with any more leaves. I then passed a trail called "Jane Fondas Workout," which is absolutely crazy and I am obsessed with it.

Soon after, I turned right onto Parmenter Street, which did not have a sign. It was much wider, and I took a spur on the right to a great view of Ball Hill behind Rocky Pond, with good lighting, too!

Back on Parmenter Street, I caught up to a person and his dog (both were lovely, the dog's name was Ellie), and I started to power hike to get back to my car. The road eventually rose with rocky footing towards the Westminster/Princeton town line (marked with two monuments), and then easily descended for a few more minutes to the junction with Wolf Rock Trail.

I turned onto Wolf Rock Trail one final time. It wasn't too leafy, which was nice. I crossed over a NEMBA bridge and officially closed my lollipop loop before continuing on back to the car. There were some cool tree views to the Crow Hill Cliffs and then a couple little side trails that made for some nice photos.

I approached the dam/dike/rocky pathway between the two Crow Hill Ponds and happily bailed on marching band for the evening - it was simply time to be home. This day turned out to be so much better than I was ready for! I had a nice walk to Forest Hills, easy time on the Orange Line, delightful ride on the Commuter Rail, found my keys, and had a lovely hike! I was ready for this whole endeavour to cost around $500 with keys, tows, and rentals, and it only cost me a $40 Uber, $10 Commuter Rail ticket, and $2.40 on the T! 

Step-by-Step

- Start hike between the two Crow Hill Ponds.

- At terminus, turn left onto Wolf Rock Trail.

- Walk through parking lot, continue on Crocker Pond Trail.

- Cross MA-31, continue on Crocker Pond Trail.

- At terminus, turn left onto Crow Hill Trail.

- Continue left as Midstate Trail joins Crow Hill Trail.

- At jct., continue onto Ledges Trail/Midstate Trail).

- At jct., turn left to follow Ledges Trail.

- At Ledges Lot, cross MA-31 onto Sawyer's Run.

- At jct., turn left onto Wolf Rock Trail.

- At jct., turn right onto "to White Pine Trail."

- At terminus, turn left onto White Pine Trail.

- Get a little off trail on herd paths, and eventually turn left onto Berry Hill Trail.

- Summit Berry Hill, continue right onto Ball Hill Trail.

- At terminus, continue right onto Red Oak Trail.

- At jct., turn right to stay on Red Oak Trail.

- At terminus, continue onto Fenton Road.

- At terminus, turn left onto Parmenter Street.

- At jct., turn right onto Wolf Rock Trail.

- At jct., turn left to hike back to car between the two Crow Hill Ponds.

Map of Leominster State Forest (2018)

Photo Album

Pine Hill, Emerson's Cliff, Walden Pond Loop (Pine Hill Conservation Area/Walden Pond State Reservation)

Pine Hill, Emerson's Cliff, Walden Pond Loop (Pine Hill Conservation Area/Walden Pond State Reservation)

Hike Type: Snowman Loop (OOO)

Distance: 3.97 miles

Elevation: 410 feet

My Time: 1 hour, 23 minutes

Book Time: 2 hours, 11 minutes

Parking: Limited roadside parking along Sandy Pond Road.
Hiking Challenges: N/A

The Hike 

Trying something new! I am meeting Kaitlyn for dinner and a show (Bat Boy) in Concord tonight, so I had a couple of hours to kill. I looked over the map, and decided to check out Walden Pond. I didn't want to pay the $8 for parking (which I'm not even sure if they charge for in October), so I extended it a little and parked at the Pine Hill Conservation Area trailhead in Lincoln off of Sandy Pond Road (free!). Temperatures were feeling a bit warm in the mid-60s and I had an ANNOYING day at work, which made me even happier to be in the woods. 

I started my hike past Gate 24 (I'm calling it a gate, but it was just a pipe sticking out of the ground. There were blue and yellow blazes marking the clear path. I didn't have much of a plan beside seeing Walden Pond and maybe Emerson Cliffs? I realized a minute in that I was already hiking in the wrong direction - oops! I was in the Flint's Pond Conservation Area and heading toward Flint's Pond. Thankfuly, at junction FP1 I could turn right to make it back where I needed to be. The woods were delightfully flat and lovely to walk through with tree views on the left to Flint's Pond. I crossed over a stone wall, hiked over a bridge and some boards, passed a human, and then crossed Sandy Pond Road.

This brought me back to the Pine Hill Conservation Area, where I planned to be. The leaves were looking past-peak, but still lovely, even if a little brown. I noticed the yellow blazes continued, which might just be marking that I am on a trail, not marking any specific trail. At the next junction, I turned right towards PH3, which brought me slightly uphill to PH3 proper. Here, I continued straight, noticing the Bay Circuit Trail and a blue trail that said "Bike Trail" went left. With how much wandering I felt like I was doing, it felt like it would be a miracle if I ever make it to Walden Pond!

The trail rose a bit more to a nice plateau and then opened up to a grassy area with MANY security cameras and a fenced-off field situation at a high point - it was pretty interesting up here. It was clear I was not to be snooping around, so I looked and kept on moving! [EDIT FROM FUTURE: The top of a hill was an underground water supply for the Town of Concord]

I circled the high point counter-clockwise and continued onto the access road, which was a paved straightaway down and back up. There was a lovely breeze on this side of Pine Hill, and partway down the hill I turned left to continue on a woods path (I think if I kept going around the top I would have been able to actually follow the trail-trail and skip the road). I snacked on a protein bar and enjoyed the scenic woods. I didn't care for the roar of MA-126, but beggar's can't be choosers!

I turned right at PH2, noticing Bay Circuit Trail signs again. I hiked through some uncomfortably warm pockets of air, soon crossing MA-126 and crossing the comically large Gate 8. I followed the path past the gate, and then at a T-intersection, turned left onto Heywood's Meadow Road.

The old road was just a delight full of tall pines and high banks on either side. At the mouth of a beaver pond, I turned right onto Heywood's Meadow Path, which provided some nice views of the beaver pond (signifiantly dried up) and passes many trees that have been gnawed down by the beavers. Their lodge was big!

Next, I turned right again onto Emerson's Cliff Trail at a classic DCR junction sign. It was decently steep for a few minutes and a bit tricky to follow beacause of the leaf cover and lack of blazes, but I made it up with only mild huffing and puffing. I was much sweatier than I wanted to be, but oh well! The trail's final push was around the cliff band, and there was a grown-in view of nothing on top of it. Just after, there was a "summit" sign. I noticed two paths diverged here, I followed the one labeled "lookout" on AllTrails, and to no surprise, it did not lead to a lookout and rejoined the main path just after. 

Descending, I could begin to see the pond through the trees. The trail leveled out, and at a T-junction I turned left onto the Esker Trail, which was also the Bay Cirucit Trail (again). There were a LOT of people on the Pond Path (EDIT: it was just the pond's shoreline), which was a bummer for my future. I did pass a black squirrel, which felt like a slightly better omen! At a split in the trail, I continued right along an old wire fence, and soon came to the commuter rail tracks. I made a right here and descended to the shoreline. I could have turned onto the Pond Path, but the water levels were so low that I could comfortable walk along the pond.

There were a LOT of people out and about. I was immediately approached by a trio of teens asking if I could answer a few questions, but I was on the verge of running late I so said that an ran away. I passed a ton of other teens doing similar things. Many were filming themselves talking about being phoneless at Walden Pond, while filming on their phones? It was fascinating! I wondered if it was a school-sanctioned thing, or if they all just decided this was the spot. 

There were a few people swimming and a guy in the Oru Kayak, along with one sunbaither and a many fishermen. It was so beautiful out! I also passed two guys fishing in their full business attire - I respect it. At a sign for the pond path, I turned sharply right and followed some footpaths back to the Esker Trail.

I descended down to the road on a hardly discernable footpath and crossed MA-126 and reentered the Pine Hill side at Gate 7. I passed a spooky old shed/garage situation (it reminded me of some of the abandoned homes in Allamuchy State Forest) and I was soon back on the Bike Trail/yellow blazes, and then PH2. I continued straight at this junction towards PH5, where I turned left. I was absolutely loving this walk in the woods, especially as the sun was casting a wonderful orange glow. I passed an old foundation and went straight through PH4. The trail started a wide left turn here and began to descend through a lovely breeze to PH3, closing the figure-8 loop. I descended some more past someone's back yard, and then was back at my car! I changed my clothes at the car and finished my drive to Concord!

I was about 10 minutes ahead of Kaitlyn, so I parked by Umbrella Arts and waited for her, listening to Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins (a prequel to the Hunger Games). We met up, walked over to the Colonial Inn for dinner, and I realized I dropped my car's key! Just the car key, interestingly. I told her to get the table as I ran back to retrace my steps - no luck! Ah!

I wasn't going to let that ruin the night, so I made my way back to the labrynth that is the Colonial Inn, we had a lovely dinner, and had another search on the way to the theater. No luck. I left my number with the Concord Police and the Umbrella Arts box office, and we watched the show (it was insane, we loved it!). We searched again after the show to no avail. Ugh. I took a $40 Uber home and decided I'd figure it out then... TO BE CONTINUED...

Step-by-Step

- Start hike on Gate 24.

- At FP1, turn right.

- At jct., cross Sandy Pond Road.

- At jct., turn right towards PH3.

- At PH3, continue straight.

- At Pine Hill summit, round high point on right and follow road.

- Partway down road, turn right onto trail.

- At PH2, continue straight.

- Cross MA-126 and continue past Gate 8.

- At jct., turn left onto Heywood's Meadow Road.

- At jct., turn right onto Heywood's Meadow Path.

- At jct., turn right onto Emerson's Cliff Trail.

- At terminus, turn left onto Esker Trail.

- At railroad tracks, turn right to pond.

- Turn right to follow pond's edge.

- At Boat Parking, follow footpath into woods and rejoin Esker Trail.

- At unmapped jct., turn right to descend to MA-126.

- Cross MA-126, pass Gate 7, and veer right past old building.

- At PH2, continue straight towards PH5.

- At PH5, turn left.

- At PH4, continue straight.

- At PH3, continue straight.

- Complete hike at Gate 23. 

Map of Walden Pond State Reservation (2019)

Map of Lincoln Conservation Area Trails (2023)

Photo Album

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