About Dry Hill |
206 acres |
Wander across more than 200 acres of forest and through a maze of thickets on a trail that traces a small brook and passes vernal pools and other wetlands.
What makes Dry Hill a special place?
This wooded reservation is part of a complex of rocky summits, ridgelines, and valleys that are known collectively as Dry Hill. It’s part of a larger landscape of contiguous forest that serves as critical habitat for large mammals as well as many species of woodland birds, including the black-throated blue warbler.
You can follow a mile-long loop trail that encircles a shallow stream, several vernal ponds, and a red maple and hemlock swamp with a diverse mix of ferns and herbs. An oak forest covers the upper slopes and ridge tops. Dense thickets of mountain laurel, which bloom in late June, alternate with more open areas featuring lowbush blueberry, sheep laurel, starflower, bellwort, and Canada mayflower.
Trails
1.5 miles of trails, generally moderate.
When to Visit
Open year-round, daily, sunrise to sunset. Allow a minimum of 1 hour.
Regulations & Advisories
- Seasonal hunting is permitted, subject to all state and town laws. In addition, a Trustees of Reservations permit is required. Call 413.298.3239 x3020 for information. Wear bright colors when hiking during the November-December deer hunting season. Learn more about hunting on Trustees properties.
- Mountain biking is not allowed.
Directions
Harmon Road
New Marlborough, MA
Telephone: 413.298.3239 x3000
E-mail: westregion@ttor.org
Get directions on Google Maps.
From the intersection of Rts. 23 and 57 in Monterey, follow Rt. 57 East for 5.5 mi. to New Marlborough Center. Turn left onto New Marlborough-Monterey Rd., follow for 0.6 mi., and bear left onto Harmon Rd. (unmarked). Proceed 0.1 mi. to entrance and parking (8 vehicles) on left.
Admission
When to VisitOpen year-round, daily, sunrise to sunset. Allow a minimum of 1 hour.
Fees and permits
FREE to all. On-site donation welcome.
Property History
The land which is now the Dry Hill Reservation was once part of a farm. Logging and marble quarrying also took place here; much of the stone was used locally for building foundations.Prior to The Trustees' acquisition in 2000, the land which is now Dry Hill was part of a larger parcel of 388 acres owned by Sydney and Jeanne Weinstein of New Marlborough. They used this property to operate a private school, the New Marlborough Academy, a campus of the Kolburne School in the southern part of town.
Property Acquisition History
Original acreage a gift of Sydney and Jeanne Weinstein combined with land purchased in 2000.
Volunteer Opportunities
There are no volunteer positions at this reservation at this time; please check again later or click here to find other opportunities near you.
Work Parties
There are no work parties at this reservation at this time; please check again later or click here to find other work parties near you.
Maps and Resources
We recommend that you download a trail map before you visit.
Planning Your Visit
Before You GoWe encourage you to visit as many Trustees properties as you can.
Wherever your travels take you, please observe all posted regulations, follow special instructions from property staff, and keep in mind the Stewardship Code:
- Protect wildlife and plants.
- Guard against all risk of fire.
- Help keep air and water clean.
- Carry out what you carry in.
- Use marked footpaths and bridle paths.
- Leave livestock, crops, and machinery alone.
- Respect the privacy of neighboring land.
- Enjoy and share the landscape with others.
Click on links below for further visitor information:
Tell Us What You Think
Announcements & Alerts
No advisories at this time.
Upcoming Things To Do
Other Trustees Properties You Might Like:
Bartholomew's Cobble
Sheffield, MA
Questing
New Marlborough, MA
Tyringham Cobble
Tyringham, MA
