Willard Brook State Forest and Pearl Hill State Park, Townsend, MA
We've driven by this place quite a few times. A gorgeous brook winds its way around the road, which hugs and curves around the granite walls. Once you enter this part of Townsend, you know that you are leaving civilization and entering something special.
Willard Brook State Forest is located on 119 in Townsend, MA. Almost immediately after you pass the forest headquarters, there is a pull-off on the right with a small sign that says, "Trap Falls."
It's a quick 2 minute walk to the falls, but like Derek says, "Great payoff, little effort." The boys were eager to climb up the sides of the falls and Griffin found a few caves and crevices for hiking. We visited in early spring, and the water was flowing quickly. Later in the summer, it might be fun to wade across the brook .
We then drove up to Damon Pond, which is a part of the river with a dam. There is a sandy shore along the river. Rumor has it that it is very crowded on weekends.
From Damon Pond, we followed the Friends Trail (Orange Trail) which connects with Pearl Hill State Park, another recreation area in Townsend. Staying on the trail proved difficult at times. Although there are markings, sometimes they are not clear.
This was a good hike with some changes in elevation. We saw water, fields, and forest. We saw a beaver pond. There were some impressive granite boulders throughout the forest. Although not as difficult as Monadnock or Wachusett, this trail still proved to be a challenging walk.
At the Pearl Hill end of the trail (4 miles later), there is another swimming hole. We all agreed that a fun day might involve hiking from Damon to Pearl Hill, go for a swim, dry off, hike back, and go for a swim at Damon Pond upon our return.
Round-trip, the friends trail is 8 miles, and it takes approximately 3.5 hours with stops for snacks and lunch. Wear plenty of bug spray, pack enough water and snacks.
In season, there is a parking fee at Willard Brook, Damon Pond, and Pearl Hill, so this may be a good one if you have a Massachusetts Parks Pass. We imagine that this must be spectacular in foliage season.
What are your favorite Massachusetts State Parks?
© Cara Parker, 2015. Photos and text may not be reproduced without the written consent of Cara Parker.
Willard Brook State Forest is located on 119 in Townsend, MA. Almost immediately after you pass the forest headquarters, there is a pull-off on the right with a small sign that says, "Trap Falls."
 |
| Trap Falls: A nice surprise |
It's a quick 2 minute walk to the falls, but like Derek says, "Great payoff, little effort." The boys were eager to climb up the sides of the falls and Griffin found a few caves and crevices for hiking. We visited in early spring, and the water was flowing quickly. Later in the summer, it might be fun to wade across the brook .
We then drove up to Damon Pond, which is a part of the river with a dam. There is a sandy shore along the river. Rumor has it that it is very crowded on weekends.
 |
| Damon Pond |
From Damon Pond, we followed the Friends Trail (Orange Trail) which connects with Pearl Hill State Park, another recreation area in Townsend. Staying on the trail proved difficult at times. Although there are markings, sometimes they are not clear.
 |
| Trail markers are painted on trees. |
This was a good hike with some changes in elevation. We saw water, fields, and forest. We saw a beaver pond. There were some impressive granite boulders throughout the forest. Although not as difficult as Monadnock or Wachusett, this trail still proved to be a challenging walk.
 | ||
| Variety of landscape |
Round-trip, the friends trail is 8 miles, and it takes approximately 3.5 hours with stops for snacks and lunch. Wear plenty of bug spray, pack enough water and snacks.
In season, there is a parking fee at Willard Brook, Damon Pond, and Pearl Hill, so this may be a good one if you have a Massachusetts Parks Pass. We imagine that this must be spectacular in foliage season.
What are your favorite Massachusetts State Parks?
© Cara Parker, 2015. Photos and text may not be reproduced without the written consent of Cara Parker.
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