          
 | Property Description | 217 acres | Established 1951 | Concealed within a dense forest, the rushing waters of Royalston Falls have carved a deep gorge out of granite. Here, Falls Brook plunges forty-five feet into a basin. In summer, ferns cling to the chasm's walls; in winter, freezing spray creates a fantastic landscape of ice. Upstream, the swirling brook has carved natural bridges through the bedrock. The wild and undisturbed appearance of the area today belies the landscape's history. For many years, the land was cleared and farmed. A farmer named Calvin Forbes owned the property in the 1840s, and, for a number of years, the cascade was known as Forbes Falls. During the 19th century, Royalston Falls was also the site of town picnics and gatherings in the summer months. Picnic tables, swings, and a staircase leading to the base of Royalston Falls once graced the area. Histories of the area even record the existence of a casino building at the top of the falls, where bands played music for dancers. |
| | Trails | | 1.5 miles of trails. Moderate hiking, strenuous in places. The Reservation is a link in the Tully Trail and the Metacomet-Monadnock Trail. |
| | Facilities | | Interested in camping near Royalston Falls? Check out the Tully Lake Campground in Royalston. |
| | Literature | | Printed maps of the Tully Trail 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. |
| | Hunting Advisory | | Seasonal hunting is permitted at this property subject to all state and town laws. Click here for further information. |
| | Property Acquisition History | | Gift of Mr. and Mrs. George L. Foote in 1951 and 1954. 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 1 hour. Admission Fees & Permits:
Free to all. Regulations / Advisories:
Dogs must be under voice control or kept on a leash at all times.Mountain biking is permitted only on designated trails.Seasonal hunting is permitted. See details below left. How to Get There:
Main entrance via Route 32: From the intersection of Routes 68 and 32, proceed north on Route 32 to the Newton Cemetery on the right side of road. Park on the roadside and hike in 3/4 mile downhill to falls along the yellow-blazed Tully Trail (Metacomet-Monadnock trail is marked with white blazes). Alternative entrance via Falls Road(Requires off-road vehicles with high clearance): From Royalston center, take Route 68 north 1.4 mi. past The Trustees' Jacobs Hill Reservation. Bear right onto Falls Road and continue for 3.2 mi. Please note last 0.8 mi. is not maintained by the town; as such, the road is very rough and only four-wheel drive vehicles with high clearance are recommended. Entrance and roadside parking are on the left. Falls is 1/4 mile away. Road Map:
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