             
 | Property Description | 3,108 acres | Established 1965 | Stone walls and cellar holes tell a story of hope and disappointment as European settlers cleared this windy upland for farming during the early 19th century. Rocky soils and a short growing season soon forced them to farm elsewhere. By 1900, the farms within Notchview were consolidated into larger estates. Lt. Col. Arthur D. Budd merged these holdings into the 3,000-acre Notch View Farm, which he bequeathed to The Trustees of Reservations in 1965. The 93-acre Smithers Woodland Preserve was added to the Reservation in 1993. Notchview is a part of the Hoosac Range, an extension of Vermont's Green Mountains. Much of the Reservation is above 2,000 feet, with Judge's Hill the highest point at 2,297 feet. Although some fields are kept open, most of the Reservation is covered with a red spruce and northern hardwood forest. Poorly drained areas support a spruce and fir forest that lends a boreal appearance. The landscape has been influenced by years of timber, fuelwood, and charcoal production. In winter, Notchview is one of Massachusetts' premier nordic cross-country ski destinations, also offering ski skating and snowshoeing. |
| | Hiking and Skiing Trails | Hiking: 25 miles of trials. Skiing: 19 miles (30 kilometers) of cross-country ski trails. Of 30 kilometers, 18 km are groomed and track set for classical cross-country skiing. There's 5km of skating trails and an additional 10km of back-country trails. 
Click here for information about skiing at Notchview! |
Notchview is adjacent to Snowmobile Association of Massachusetts (S.A.M.) Route 91 that links snowmobile trails from CT to VT. Please: - Know where you are going and avoid hiking alone. Take the time to study the map and determine a route. Much of Notchview is gently rolling, so landmarks can be deceiving. Sign in at the Visitor Center so we know who you are. If you get lost, there are houses at the ends of Shaw and Bates Roads; stay on the trail if possible; or follow a stream downhill to a road. After dark, seek shelter and stay put; people will come looking for you.
- Take care of your feet. A well-fitting pair of hiking or ski boots will keep your feet (and you) happier throughout the day. Even in the driest summer months, Notchview's trails can be wet, so hiking with sneakers is not advised.
- Be aware of the weather. Skiers know that Notchview gets more snow than the valley towns (an average 45" more snow each year than neighboring Dalton). The average temperature is 10 degrees colder than the valleys, and temperatures tend to drop quickly after sunset. Frosts can be expected in June and August. So, dress appropriately by bring layers of clothing in the winter months and, at minimum, a windbreaker or sweater in the summer.
- Carry a day pack. A soft day pack is a convenient way to carry a lunch, water, and extra clothing while keeping your hands free.
- Drink water. Avoid the risk of dehydration. In all seasons, a well hydrated body functions more comfortably. Do not drink from the streams; potable water is available in the Visitor Center.
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| | Facilities | Colonel Arthur D. Budd Visitor Center open year-round. Public restrooms (year-round). Two trail shelters. Picnic tables. Private functions may be arranged. E-mail or call 413/684-0148 for further information. |
| | Tours | | Self-guided tour (1½ hours) of forest management practices on the Hume Brook Interpretive Trail. Ask for a trail guide at the visitor center. |
| | Special Events | Consult the Events Calendar for details. |
| | Literature | Printed trail maps are distributed free from the visitor center and bulletin board outside the visitor center. One map is for hiking (spring, summer, fall) and the other is for cross-country skiing, ski skating, and snow shoeing (winter). Please understand that supplies periodically run out. You may also download trail maps from this web site or mail order trail maps in advance of your visit. |
| | Hunting Advisory | | Seasonal hunting is permitted only north of Bates Road and south of Route 9. Only bow hunting is permitted on the Smithers Woodland Preserve within the reservation. Hunting is subject to all state and town laws. Click here for further information. |
| | Property Acquisition History | | Original acreage a bequest, with endowment, of Lieutenant Colonel Arthur D. Budd in 1965. Additional land given by F. Sydney and Rosamond J. Smithers in 1993. |
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Telephone:
413-684-0148 E-mail:
notchview@ttor.org When to Visit:
Year-round, daily, sunrise to sunset. Given size of reservation, allow a minimum of 3 hours. Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing available early December to early April, daily, 8am to 4:30pm. Admission Fees & Permits:
General admission: Trustees members free. Nonmembers: adult $2, Child (12 and under) free. Cross-country ski day pass: Trustees members free weekdays, 1/2 price weekends. $40 ski sticker allows unlimited free skiing. Nonmembers: adult $10, child (6-12) $3. Cross-country ski half-day pass (after 2pm): Trustees members free. Nonmembers: adult $7, child (6-12) $2. Cross-country ski day pass for scheduled groups of 10+: Adult groups $9 per person, grade school groups $2 per child, high school groups $3 per student. Regulations / Advisories:
Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times.Mountain biking is allowed only on town gravel roads within the Reservation.Seasonal hunting is permitted. See details below left. How to Get There:
From the intersection of Route 8A and 9 in Windsor center, take Route 9 east and follow for 1 mi. Entrance and parking (100 cars) on the left. Parking area regularly plowed in winter for cross-country skiers and snowshoers. Road Map:
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