         
 | Property Description | 135 acres | Established 1993 | Glaciers created the rock shelter that gives the Reservation its name. Its large size and height and its southern exposure made the Rock House an excellent winter camp for Native Americans. The site was also located near two long Native American footpaths, suggesting that it may also have been a trail camp and meeting place. Following the arrival of colonists in the mid-seventeenth century, area forests were gradually cleared for farming. In 1866, pastures around the Rock House were added to a 281-acre farm on Ragged Hill Road owned by William Adams, whose family would tend the land for many generations. Today, a forest of pine and mixed hardwoods has reclaimed the landscape. More than three miles of trails take in spring-fed Carter Pond, the Rock House, and Balance Rock; a butterfly garden planted along a power line; stands of red pine and spruce planted in the 1930s and 1940s; and a steep hill that offers easterly views over rolling hills and westerly views of farmland. Across Route 9 lies the birthplace of pioneer American suffragist Lucy Stone (1818-1893). The Trustees are currently working to protect this important landmark (click here to learn more about this project). |
| | Trails | | Over 3 miles of trails and woods roads. Moderate hiking, strenuous in places. |
| | Facilities | Portable toilet (open seasonally) and small trailside museum (nature center) overlooking Carter Pond. Private outdoor functions (50 people max.) may be arranged. For more information, /1613_e-mail or call 978/840-4446. |
| | Special Events | | The Trustees host an annual Rock House Reservation Benefit Dinner and Silent Auction each November in West Brookfield. |
| | Literature | Printed trail maps are distributed free from the bulletin board in the parking area. 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. A Natural History of Rock House Reservation may also be purchased from the Central Regional Office or mail ordered in advance of your visit. |
| | Property Acquisition History | | Anonymous gift, with endowment, in 1993 in memory of William Adams. Additional land purchased in 2002. |
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Telephone:
978-840-4446 E-mail:
central@ttor.org When to Visit:
Year-round, daily, sunrise to sunset. Allow a minimum of 1½ hour. Admission Fees & Permits:
Free to all. On-site donation welcome from nonmembers. Regulations / Advisories:
Dogs must be under voice control or kept on a leash at all times.Fishing and swimming in Carter Pond are not permitted.Mountain bikes and horseback riders are permitted on the fire road only. How to Get There:
From the Massachusetts Turnpike, take exit 8 and pick up Route 32 north towards Ware. Route 32 joins Route 9 in Ware. Stay on combined Route 32/9 and, when routes separate, follow Route 9 east for 1.1 mi. to parking area (12 cars) and entrance on left. Road Map:
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