Miles of hiking trails, paved and graveled mountain roads, and scenic overlooks whichever way you…read moreascend, this is a perfect spot for a quiet weekend getaway, Even on a Sunday morning around peak Autumn foliage you can find many scenic spots no else already found. This can be a quick drive kind of spot or a great morning hike as trails to beaver ponds, glacial erratics, and picnic tables are all within a short distance of the forest roads. The fire tower was out of commission for years but has happily been restored, and interpretive signs at the top show each visible peak including, Mt. Tom and Mt. Monadnock among them, on clear enough days. The only facilities are a port-o-let at the bottom of Soapstone Road, so plan accordingly if you don't want to make the ten minute trip back down to Ellington.

Great views, easy hike through the woods, or up the paved access road, or drive up if you prefer!…read more Awesome local option for some nice views. Tips: Bring lunch if the weather is nice, there are picnic tables everywhere. DON'T MISS THE TOWER. It was repaired (major overhaul) recently and reopened to the public. Can't see it from the end of the access road, but it's an incredibly short walk from there. Go up toward and around the chain fence.

I love love love this particular hike. I would characterize the trails as intermediate with rocky…read moreareas that require you to pay close attention to what you are doing. The trails are clearly marked but I recommend you take a photo of the smaller trail maps posted throughout the mountain for reference. Because the area is so large with many loop- arounds, having a map photo will prove very helpful. There area several areas near the top with beautiful scenic overlooks you just won't want to miss. This is a dandy hike!

This is a beautiful mountain not far from the Connecticut border. We've been here a few times since…read morediscovering it and really enjoy it. It's a gradual incline at first but still gives you a good workout and is steeper then it looks! Down the road there is another little preserve area with a lake that is perfect for an easy run without too much hill. Very beautiful area and perfect for a late summer and/or fall hike!

It's a winner. It's a proper hike with a good incline up to a meadow. If you wanted you could turn…read morearound there, or head to the sunrise view which makes for more incline. There are more options to add trails and make your hike longer or shorter. The views are lovely and the trail was well marked. It was a little muddy on this April Sunday but all in all, not bad. Recommend!

Scenic, relaxing and invigorating. A great escape that I can't recommend enough. My only complaint…read moreis parking is a bit of pain with limited space.

One of my very favorite wild life sanctuaries. The Laughing Brook and surrounding 300 acre parcel…read moreof land is beautiful any time of year but the Fall and Winter months hold a special charm not found any other time of year. There are several hiking trails which traverse the sanctuary and you are sure to see many species if birds and wild life.

How did I not discover this great place before?…read more A close by hike that will make you feel transported far away. The trails were fairly easy but I do recommend bringing a walking stick since the leaves make it slippery and there were a lot of stumps to trip over. It took us about 1 hour and 45 to complete the loop at a leisurely pace taking lots of pictures. Plenty of parking and no admission fee.

Talk about a "Top Notch" place to go hiking!! Complete with a visitor center and everything. The…read moreonly thing I'll say is that I wish the trails would be better marked, but other then that it's a very nice place to stop and walk for a bit in the cool weather; very enjoyable.

Local gem, frequently visited, this place is bustling with college students, families and young…read morepeople on weekends. This is the perfect place for a picnic after a rewarding climb to the top. This place had several trails, longer hiking on the side of the parking spaces and a shorter but steeper hike across the street.

Amazing spot for a winter walk. Home to many species. Keep a sharp lookout for some as you make…read moreyour journey.

Nice views of lakes, wild birds, like swans, geese, ducks, and the beautiful / colorful forrestread more

A short walk from the parking area (equipped w an outhouse). Very well constructed stone and…read morewooden steps / stairways going gradually downhill. Hand railings help. Both upper and lower falls not very forceful in the dog days of summer, especially w little recent rain. Probably a better time to visit is spring. Still, very scenic and well shaded on a hot summer day. And there are many opportunities to cool off in the babbling brook! Note approx 130 steps total, broken off in sections. Not really handicapped accessible.

A gorgeous place to go for a hike, swim or picnic. It is free to enter, has free parking and a…read moreporto potty. The trails are clean. When I went there was a steady stream of people. I saw two small waterfalls. I enjoyed getting my fill for the day of nature here.

This is a beautiful hike/walk! Plenty of scenery to keep your interest. Be aware that a lot of…read morehikers ( rightfully) walk their dogs here, but not all pick up after their dogs. Worth the trip but watch your step.

We're from out of town but we came for a quick jog. The loop makes for a nice three mile run.read more

Great walking trails, that are well maintained and clean. Good locational posts along the way. I…read morelived the meadows and the variety of plants and trees. The wildflowers are beautiful and still in bloom even though autumn is in a couple of weeks.

Norcross Wildlife Sanctuary is education based, with scientific backing. With lectures like…read moreforestry 5 years after the tornado... 85 people showed! They host so many great events and even have school trips to learn about nature. With an outstanding staff of naturalists, great museum / facility, and a gorgeous property of trails, Norcross is tops!

A beautiful place to explore. If you have time take the trail all the way to the end.read more

This is a highly recommended walking/hiking trail right off Rt.21 outside of Ludlow traveling…read moreNorth. The area has a paved and unpaved portion of trail but hikers are asked only to use the paved section, there are many foot paths off the trail leading closer to the water if you wish to fish in season. The total round-trip hike is approximately 6.5 miles; it is a truly a beautiful seclude scenic spot surrounding the Reservoir; particularly interesting are the many boulders at the waters edge and throughout the whole walk evidence of earlier glacier activity. Regardless of the season this location affords you an opportunity to get away and enjoy natures solitude in a secluded pristine wooded environment.