NEW HIKING TRAIL AT WILLARD BROOK STATE FOREST
Last year, the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) of Massachusetts and the Friends of Willard Brook organization (FOWB), collaborated on a trails grant to build a new trail connecting Damon Pond Campground in Ashby to Pearl Hill State Park in West Townsend. The main effort from the spring to this fall has been spent on trail layout, flagging, cutting and blazing end to end. With assistance from DCR personnel, TRAILWRIGHTS of New Hampshire, the Student Conservation Association workers, and FOWB volunteers, we have opened the trail for all to enjoy.
Starting at Damon Park the trail begins off Rte 119 in Ashby. The yellow diamond blazes for the trail start at the registration building. The first leg utilizes the park access road and proceeds through two fields before entering the woods. Climbing and bearing right, and passing two historic buildings, bear left into a small field and woods before entering a park fire access road at a gate. Follow the blazes bearing right along this scenic road for approximately 3/10 of a mile before reentering the woods. Turning right, we utilized an existing path, soon reaching stone walls. This area is referred to as “the four corners” where two private abutters meet both State Park sections. Following the wall, the trail then bears left through young beeches and loses elevation. As you continue to follow old and new trail sections, you pass over a small stream, past “Rest-Stop Boulder”, a small Cairn marking a left turn, and finally at an open top called “Blueberry Hill”. This should be evident next summer!
After a break here, bear left and downhill past a glacial erratic, past a small cliff view, and into the “Laurel Ravine” crossing. From the exit bear left on an existing treadway, still descending until you exit at the field adjacent to Vinton Pond Road, in West Townsend. Crossing the road and into a young pine forest, begin the last leg through Pearl Hill State Park. You soon pass over a small footbridge and across the camp road. The trail ascends here to a ridge then descends to the right, you pass into a hemlock grove where evidence of deer is present. The trail ascends connecting to two more camp road crossings. Entering the woods again, the trail bears left and soon descends to a junction with a “Look-see” or view, side trail. This is blazed with orange and provides a short diversion to view a Pearl Brook oxbow from above. This area is reported to be excellent for birders.
Returning to the main trail, it ascends slowly bringing you to the park’s height-of-land. The trail parallels the park road and bears right for more views of Pearl Brook before veering left. Using an existing trail section, it forks and continues right through the last woods section before emerging at the Pearl Brook bridge and the campground parking area.
The total length of the trail is approximately 4 miles. Most families and hikers should allow for one mile per hour for scenery viewing, snacks and water breaks. Allow plenty of time for your return trip, unless you have arranged for transportation at the end. Remember the returning hike is a different trail with different views! Watch for the blazes!
Next year, we will layout shorter trail loops at each end, to provide a hiking experience for those with less time.
If you have constructive comments concerning your experience on the trail, you can visit the website at or mail to Friends of Willard Brook, Attn: Ray Jackson, P.O. Box 696, Townsend, MA. 01469