About Petticoat Hill

60 acres

Climb through a restored forest that boasts a rich variety of hardwood species, passing stone walls and cellar holes that reveal the hill’s agricultural past.

What makes Petticoat Hill a special place?
Petticoat Hill is one in a grouping of three hills that rises more than 1,000 feet above South Williamsburg. By the late 18th century, this was the most populous part of town, active with farming families who cleared the area for crops and pasture.

In the 1800s, you could see Mount Tom, the Connecticut River, and the Holyoke Range from the hilltop. The farmsteads have long since disappeared, reclaimed by the forest, which now obscures views that once extended to the Connecticut River and as far south as Mount Tom and Holyoke. The trees themselves are so varied and so healthy that the Eastern Native tree Society has visited to examine the reservation's offerings.

Even if you’re not an expert, you'll be impressed by the sheer diversity of specimen trees, including hemlock and white pine, red and black oak, yellow and black birch, shagbark hickory, and sugar and red maple. Some trees are more than 110 feet high, among the tallest in the region.

According to legend, when the daughters of a family who farmed the hill generations ago hung their washed petticoats to dry, the garments could be seen for miles. Hence, the name "Petticoat Hill."

Trails
1.5 miles of trails. Strenuous hiking in most parts. Allow a minimum of 2 hours. Petticoat Hill Summit is owned by the Williamsburg Water District. The Trustees own Scott Hill Summit on its slope. Locke's Loop, a new trail constructed by the Williamsburg Woodland Trails Committee, begins at the Scott Hill Summit.

When to Visit
Open year-round, daily, sunrise to sunset. Allow a minimum of 2 hour.

Regulations & Advisories

• Mountain biking is not allowed.
  
  
• Dogs must be kept on leash at all times.
  
  
• Seasonal hunting is permitted.

Directions

Petticoat Hill Road
Williamsburg, MA
Telephone: 413.532.1631
Email: pvregion@ttor.org

Get directions on Google Maps.

From Rt. 9 in Williamsburg Center, turn left onto Petticoat Hill Rd. and follow for 0.2 mi. to entrance and parking (2 cars) on left.

Admission

When to Visit
Open year-round, daily, sunrise to sunset. Allow a minimum of 2 hours.

Admission
FREE to all

Property History

The hillsides were cleared and farmed for generations, before forest reclaimed the landscape. The reservation takes its name from the story of a family with seven daughters that settled near the top of the hill. Each daughter wore five petticoats, and, on Monday wash days, people from miles around could see thirty-five petticoats billowing in the breeze as they dried on a clothesline.

Property Acquisition History
Original acreage a gift of Mrs. Edward W. Nash in 1906 in memory of her husband. Additional land given in 1924.

Volunteer Opportunities

Work Parties

Maps and Resources

A downloadable map for Petticoat Hill is not available at this time. 

Planning Your Visit

Travel Links
Hidden Hills of Western MA
Hilltowns of Western MA

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

Tell Us What You Think