About Rock House Reservation

135 acres

Families will enjoy exploring the jumble of boulders that forms this “house,” beyond which you’ll discover a small, serene pond.

What makes Rock House Reservation a special place?
Built by the glacier and blessed by indigenous tribes who hunted and worshiped here, the cave-like shelter and its surroundings are an intriguing blend of geologic and human history. Nature lovers can enjoy expanses of wildflowers, hardwood forests and pine groves, while watching for a wide variety of animals, from wild turkeys to painted turtles.

The centerpiece of the property, understandably, is the massive, 20- to 30-foot-high rock enclosure that stands guard over man-made Carter Pond. But visitors who choose to explore the 196-acre tract will find there’s plenty more to sample from this multi-faceted greenspace. Like much of central Masssachusetts, the history of Rock House Reservation is that of forests transformed into farmlands, ponds and streams turned into mill power, and now all reverting to their natural states.

Over the thousands of years the glacier pushed, pulled, and scraped over the New England landscape, myriad land formations, such as the Rock House, were created. But the movement of the ice sheet also left behind boulders in the most improbable places. A striking example of these “erratics” is Balance Rock, which perches atop a large stone outcrop.

Rock House’s mammoth proportions and southern exposure made it an excellent winter camp for Native Americans. Its location near two long Native American footpaths suggests that it may also have been a trail camp and meeting place.

In the mid-17th century, colonists cleared the forests of West Brookfield for farming. In 1866, pastures around the Rock House were added to a 281-acre farm on Ragged Hill Road owned by William Adams, whose family would tend the land for more than 125 years.

During the first two decades of the 20th century, the Rock House was a popular stop on the “Copper Line,” an electric trolley that ran between West Brookfield and Ware. Visitors came to picnic in the abandoned pastures and explore this historic Native American landmark.

Trails
More than 3 miles of trails and woods roads. Moderate hiking, strenuous in places.

When to Visit
Year-round, daily, sunrise to sunset. Allow a minimum of 1½ hours.

Facilities
Portable toilet (open seasonally) and small trailside museum (nature center) overlooking Carter Pond.

Regulations & Advisories

• Seasonal hunting is permitted. Learn more about hunting on Trustees land.
  
  
• Dogs must be under voice control or kept on a leash at all times.
  
  
• Fishing and swimming in Carter Pond are not permitted.
  
  
• Mountain bikes and horseback riders are permitted on the fire road only.

Directions

Route 9
West Brookfield, MA
Telephone: 978.840.4446
Email: central@ttor.org

Get directions on Google Maps.

From the Mass Turnpike (Exit 8), take Rt. 32 North toward Ware where it joins Rt. 9. Stay on combined Rt. 32/9. When the routes separate, follow Rt. 9 East for 1.1 mi. to entrance and parking (12 cars) on left.

Admission

When to Visit
Year-round, daily, sunrise to sunset. Allow a minimum of 1½ hours.

Admission
FREE to all

Property History

Following the arrival of Colonists in the mid-17th century, the forests of West Brookfield were cleared for farming. In 1866, pastures around the Rock House were added to a 281-acre farm on Ragged Hill Road owned by William Adams, whose family would tend the land for more than 125 years.

During the first two decades of the 20th century, the Rock House was a popular stop on the “Copper Line,” an electric trolley that ran between West Brookfield and Ware. Visitors came to picnic in the abandoned pastures and explore this historic Native American landmark.

Property Acquisition History
Anonymous gift, with endowment, in 1993 in memory of William Adams. Additional land purchased in 2002.

Programs

The Trustees host an annual Benefit Dinner and Silent Auction for the reservation each November in West Brookfield. Find details on this and other events in the Central region.

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 We recommend that you download a trail map before you visit.

A Natural History of Rock House Reservation may also be purchased from the Central Regional Office.

Private Functions

Outdoor functions for up to 50 people may be arranged. For more information, email central@ttor.org or call 978.840.4446.

Planning Your Visit

Community Links
West Brookfield Historical Commission

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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