About Cormier Woods |
175 acres |
Explore a beautifully preserved farmstead that dates to the 17th century and wander trails that lead past stone walls through restored woodlands.
What makes Cormier Woods a special place?
We think it’s the way this farmscape represents three centuries of people dedicated to working the land. By the mid-1700s, settlers had cleared forest for crop fields and livestock pastures. Only 50 years later, their enterprising descendants were transforming the Blackstone River Valley into our young nation’s first industrial center.
You first see Cormier Woods, a farmstead on a small, intimate scale, as you arrive at a bend on a narrow, stonewall-lined road. The 18th-century house, barn, and sheds are well-preserved examples from more than 300 years of agriculture and the labor of generations of several families.
Today, you can explore the reservation’s varied habitats along three miles of easy-to-moderate trails that loop through the farmstead and surrounding forest and wetlands. In spring, vernal pools nurture salamanders and wood frogs.
Pass beneath evergreens and hardwood species including oaks, maple, and birch. If you think you’re seeing a lot of acorns during the fall, you’re right. Oaks are the dominant tree species seen from the trails. You’ll pass several species, each with their distinct leaves and acorns, especially as you venture away from the farmstead. On the 1.5-mile loop trail leading toward the reservation’s northwest border, look for groves of 80- to 100-foot white pines.
Look and listen for bluebirds at field edges, warblers in the thickets, and melodious thrushes, their flute-like song echoing across the woodlands. You’ll also wander through fields of native grasses and flowers, and, deeper into the woods, past brooks and giant boulders, rock outcrops and cellar holes.
Cormier Woods lies within what is now defined as the Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor. The designated area extends from Worcester to Providence and celebrates the historical and cultural importance of the river, birthplace of America’s Industrial Revolution.
Today, the property’s well-cared for buildings, fields and stone walls are a legacy of that industriousness, and pay tribute to donor James Cormier’s longstanding sense of stewardship.
Trails
Three miles of connected loop trails pass through easy-to-moderate terrain, including pastures, woodlands, and a boulder field.
When to Visit
Year-round, daily, sunrise to sunset. Allow a minimum of 1 hour.
Regulations & Advisories
- Dogs must be kept in sight and under voice control at all times or kept on a leash. Please remove their waste properly.
- Mountain biking is permitted except where posted.
- Seasonal hunting is permitted.
Directions
217 Chapin St.
Mendon and Uxbridge, MA 01569
Telephone: 781.784.0567
E-mail: greaterboston@ttor.org
Latitude: 42.069
Longitude: -71.594
Get directions on Google Maps.
From Rt. 495: Take exit 19 and follow Rt. 109 West. Take a left onto Rt. 16 West and follow for 7.4 mi. through Milford. Take a left onto Blackstone St. (at island with Uxbridge sign) and follow for 0.6 mi. Take left onto Chapin St. and follow for 0.7 mile. Parking near barn.
Admission
When to Visit
Year-round, daily, sunrise to sunset. Allow a minimum of 1 hour.
Admission
FREE to all
Property History
This rustic farmstead dates to the 1700s and represents three centuries as an agricultural landscape. The cellar holes and stone walls you'll see here remind us that the zeal of colonists to literally carve a life from the landscape was at first primitive, but then powerful. By the mid-1700s, settlers had cleared forest for crop fields and livestock pastures. Only 50 years later, their enterprising descendants were transforming the Blackstone River Valley into our young nation’s first industrial center.
Property Acquisition History
Gift, with endowment, from the estate of James Cormier in 2005.
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
Printed trail maps are available for free in the bulletin board in the parking area. Please understand that supplies sometimes run out. We recommend that you download a trail map before you go.
Planning Your Visit
Before You Go
We 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
We’d love to hear about your visit. Click here to take our visitor survey. If you have a question for us about this reservation, you can use this form to send it to us, too.
Share your experiences with other visitors! Simply fill out the form below and we’ll post your comment here on this page.
Announcements & Alerts
No advisories at this time.
Upcoming Things To Do
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