
About Quinebaug Woods |
36 acres |
Trace the banks of the serene Quinebaug River before ascending a ridge that offers uncommon views of the central Massachusetts countryside.
What makes Quinebaug Woods a special place?
When you trek the short loop trail here, you’ll go north along the Quinebaug River before turning west and heading up and over a steep hillside with rocky outcrops. Oak, hickory, white ash, and white pine make up the open canopy along the top of this “hogback” ridge, while hemlocks dominate below the ridge, forming dense stands. On the exposed ridge you’ll find a stone chimney and foundation steps – all that remain from a cabin built in 1932. From this and other vantage points, you can take in views of Blake Hill to the east and Hamilton Reservoir to the south.
Near the ridgetop, a large, shaded vernal pool supports wood and pickerel frogs, American toads, and spotted salamanders. Along the banks of the Quinebaug River, beavers have taken down trees and constructed a lodge. Kingfishers and great blue herons hunt along the river’s banks and shallows, sunfish and bass can be seen from the shore, and cardinal flowers bloom in late summer along the river’s edge.
Located next to the 575-acre Army Corps of Engineers Holland Pond Flood Control and Recreation Area and near the 518-acre Leadmine Wildlife Management Area, Quinebaug Woods is a valuable addition to the broader ecological landscape.
Trails
1.1 mile loop trail. Moderate walking.
When to Visit
Year-round, daily, sunrise to sunset. Allow a minimum of 1 hour, 2 hours if also visiting Tantiusques.
Regulations & Advisories
- Mountain biking permitted only on designated trails. Trails are closed to mountain biking March 1 to April 30 during muddy season.
Directions
Dug Hill Road
Holland, MA
Telephone: 978.840.4446
Email: central@ttor.org
Get directions on Google Maps.
From the Mass Turnpike (I-90), take Exit 9 to I-84 South. Take Exit 3 to Rt. 20 West. At the intersection with Rt. 148, turn left onto Holland Rd. Follow Holland Rd into Holland, where it becomes Sturbridge Rd. Look for the dam at the Hamilton Reservoir on your left. Immediately after passing the dam, turn right onto Dug Hill Rd. The entrance and parking (3 cars) is on the right.
Admission
When to Visit
Year-round, daily, sunrise to sunset. Allow a minimum of 1 hour, 2 hours if also visiting Tantiusques.
Admission
FREE to all
Property History
Property Acquisition History
Gift of Benjamin and Margaret Haller in 2001.
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
At present, a downloadable map is not available for Quinebaug Woods.
Planning Your Visit
Travel Links
Sturbridge.com
Sturbridge.org
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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