About Elliott Laurel

33 acres

Stone walls remind us that this lovely woodland was once pasture, where today mountain laurel bloom so colorfully in late spring.

What makes Elliott Laurel a special place?
Once pastureland, most of Elliott Laurel is now a quiet woodland traversed by old stone walls. As you follow the scenic foot trail, you’ll cross an open field before climbing a rocky hillside to a lovely overlook. The trail then meanders through a forest of white pine and hemlock before entering a red maple swamp, which lights with radiant color in the fall.

For the return leg of your trek, you’ll pass under a cathedral of pine trees, whose trunks are swathed in thickets of the mountain laurel (Kalmia latifolia) for which the reservation is named. At peak, its flowers emerge first as pink buds that gradually turn to a brilliant white as they open, brightening the shady woodland floor.

Trails
1-mile trail. Moderate hiking.

When to Visit
Year-round, daily, sunrise to sunset. Allow a minimum of 1 hour.

Regulations & Advisories

• Mountain biking is not allowed.
  
  
• Seasonal hunting is permitted at this property subject to all state and town laws. Learn more about hunting on Trustees land.

Directions

Route 101
Phillipston, MA
Telephone: 978.840.4446
E-mail: central@ttor.org

Get directions on Google Maps.

From Rt. 2 Exit 21, take Rt. 2AWest for 1.1 mi. into Templeton Center. Pick up Rt. 101 South and follow for 3.9 mi. to entrance and roadside parking on right. From intersection of Rts. 32 and 101 in Petersham, take Rt. 101 north 3.6 mi. to entrance and roadside parking on left.

Admission

When to Visit
Year-round, daily, sunrise to sunset. Allow a minimum of 1 hour.

Admission
FREE to all

Property History

Property Acquisition History
Original acreage a gift of Frederick W. Elliott in 1941 in memory of his mother. Endowment given by Miss Olive Simes. Additional land purchased in 1975.

Volunteer Opportunities

Work Parties

Maps and Resources

Printed trail maps are distributed free from the bulletin board in the parking area. Please understand that supplies periodically run out. We recommend that you download a trail map before you visit.

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:

Before Setting Out

Enjoying Trustees Reservations

Safety

About Hunting on Trustees of Reservations Land

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