Burns Hill Loop (2x) (Westford Conservation Trust)

Burns Hill Loop (2x) (Westford Conservation Trust)

Hike Type: Lollipop Loop

Distance: 2.64 miles

Elevation: 381 feet

Time: 55 minutes
Hiking Challenges: N/A

The Hike 

Now for something completely different! I enjoyed the Grassy Pond loop from last week, but it was time to try a new trail in Westford. This one I tried last week, but didn't see a parking lot. A friend said to just park on the residential road, so I did! Burns Hill Conservation Area within the Westford Conservation Trust. I went in with my normal clothes on since it was a neighborhood and I didn't feel comfortable changing. The entry path was a little overgrown, but it had a sign and a hard-to-read kiosk. Thankfully, it was super nice out!

The trail crossed a stone wall and continued on, with a few old woods roads around. The trail then crossed a pleasant power cut with a large swampy area on the left (which I would latern learn is the "Heron Roostery," and on the right were rolling hills. After the power cut, the loop officially began.

I turned left and followed the semi-regular but faded yellow blazes, which meandered through the woods. The trail eventually dipped to a rocky low point where there were a good amount of gnats buzzing about, and the trail here was a little tricky to follow. There were some narrow boardwalks and then a ferny area with yellowing birches - probably still due to the drought. The trail crossed another stone wall and then zig zagged up Burns Hill, which had a bench at the "summit" (pretty inconsequential). The loop turns left here, but more trails are on the right.

The trail followed the spine of the ridge back down and then turned sharply with the sound of I-495 present for company. I meandered some more, passing another seasonably wet spot (dry on this day), and noticed a sign for the "Heron Rookery" down a side trail - I had to take it! It led me to a viewpoint of the swampy area that I saw from the power cut - no herons to be seen, though. Lots of beaver evidence!

Back on the loop, I took a second lap since I had plenty of time. I got a little sweatier than expected, but I was just happy to be out and about. My brain was mostly off for lap two, and soon enough I was back at the car! I didn't see a single other human - I will definitely be back!

Step-by-Step

- Start hike at Burns Hill trailhead.

- Cross power cut, turn right at loop split.

- Follow loop two times with optional visit to Heron Roostery.

- When complete, return via power cut.

Burns Hill Map

Photo Album