Follow miles of footpaths and old farm roads through a massive expanse of diverse forest, pristine streams, and wetlands.
An undisturbed forest of towering red oaks, hemlocks, and white pine provides more than 13 miles of trail passing the old stone walls of six early-19th-century farmsteads. Beavers have created wetlands by damming parts of the rivers and brooks, and porcupines den among a cascade of glacial boulders near outcrops of granite ledge.
The preserve is named for James Wilson Brooks, who set aside more than 2,000 acres of Petersham’s forest for conservation purposes, including Harvard Forest with its renowned research center. The 1,500-acre Rutland Brook Sanctuary of Mass Audubon is also adjacent to the preserve.
Take advantage of hiking, mountain biking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing on 13-plus miles of trails. The 1,500-plus-acre Rutland Brook Sanctuary of Mass Audubon is adjacent to the preserve.
WHEN TO VISIT
Daily, sunrise to sunset. Allow a minimum of two hours.
ADMISSION
FREE to all.
Please note that parking lots are infrequently plowed in the winter.
East Street (Roaring Brook Tract)
Quaker Drive (Swift River and Connor’s Pond Tracts)
Petersham, MA 01366
E-mail:info@thetrustees.org
Get directions on Google Maps.
To Roaring Brook Tract: From Rt. 2, take Exit 75 to Rt. 32 South towards Petersham Center. From Petersham Center, travel 0.8 mi. on East St. to entrance and roadside parking on left.
To Swift River and Connor’s Pond Tracts: From Rt. 2, take Exit 75 to Rt. 32 to Petersham Center. Continue on Rt. 122 South/Rt. 32 South for 1.5 mi. Turn left onto Quaker Dr. and follow for 0.5 mi. Entrance and roadside parking on both sides of road.
There is a trail map posted on a kiosk in the parking area. We recommend that you take a photo of the map on your phone so you can refer to it during your visit, or download a trail map before you head out.
In the 19th century, much of the forested landscape seen today was cleared for agriculture; the stone walls and woods roads that lace the again-forested landscape echo this agricultural past.
The Preserve is named for James Willson Brooks, who set aside more than 2,000 acres of Petersham’s forest for conservation purposes, including Harvard Forest with its renowned research center. Adjacent to the Preserve is the 1500+ acre Rutland Brook Sanctuary of the Mass Audubon.
Property Acquisition History
Original acreage was a gift to The Trustees of Brooks Wildlife Sanctuary (Mr. and Mrs. John Fiske and John Fiske, Jr.) in 1975. Additional land given by John Fiske, Jr. in 1978, 1980, and 1990; Rosalie Fiske in 1989; and Rosalie Johnson in 1999. Additional land purchased in 1994.
Woodlands contiguous with Harvard Forest lands. Access near Petersham center, so you can enjoy a New England village when you visit. Harvard Fisher Museum nearby as well.
– A7155SNthomasj, TripAdvisor
