Central MA

Elliott Laurel

Phillipston

33 acres

Richard Cheek

Stone walls serve as reminders that while this lovely woodland now bursts with color, it has a pastureland heritage.

Share

Plan Your Visit
  • Overview
  • Admission & Hours
  • Directions & Contact Info
  • What You'll Find
  • Property Map
  • Regulations & Advisories

Overview

At the peak of spring, the flowers of Elliott Laurel emerge first as pink buds that gradually turn to a brilliant white as they open and brighten the shady woodland floor.

As you follow the scenic foot trail through a landscape traversed by old stone walls, 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.

Admission & Hours

FREE to all

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

Please note that roadside parking is not plowed in the winter.

Directions & Contact Info

392 Queen Lake Road/Route 101
Phillipston, MA 01331

E-mail:info@thetrustees.org

Get directions on Google Maps.

From Rt. 2: Take Exit 83 and follow Rt. 2A West 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: Take Rt. 101 North 3.6 mi. to entrance and roadside parking on left.

What You'll Find

Trails
1-mile trail. Moderate hiking.

Property Map

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.

Regulations & Advisories

  • Dogs are welcome, but must be leashed.
  • Hunting is permitted at this property subject to all state and town laws. It is recommended to wear brightly colored clothing like an orange vest or hat during the hunting season. Hunting is not allowed on Sundays. Learn more about hunting on Trustees properties, and read safety tips for non-hunters.
  • Please note that roadside parking is not plowed in the winter.
  • PHOTOGRAPHY: We ask that photographers or their clients become Contributing Level Members before conducting portrait sessions at this property. Click here for more information, and to request permission for any portrait sessions. The Trustees of Reservations reserves the right, and may give permission to its designated photographers and videographers, or to outside media, to photograph or video visitors and program participants at all its facilities and properties.
Before Setting Out
More to Explore

Property Acquisition History

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

The View From Here
See What People Say

This is a mix of open field (mowed) and woods. There is a bit of a hill but nothing too strenuous. The hemlock stand is nice with beautiful open woods. This is a nice spot for a short hike. There is a little less than a mile of trails.

dave d, TripAdvisor

Discover More Places

Join the Trustees

Enjoy 120 sites featuring inspired trails, historic homes, beautiful gardens, farms, summer camps and more.
Become a Member

Lend a Hand

Join a community passionate about a sustainable future and engaged in diverse projects across the state.
Volunteer

Support Our Work

We rely on your generous support to protect the irreplaceable landscapes and landmarks of Massachusetts.
Donate