Dry Hill The Trustees of Reservations Dry Hill Reservation

Old North Road (Harmon Road), New Marlborough, MA

About Dry Hill Reservation

Dry Hill Reservation, managed by The Trustees of Reservations, is a picturesque 206-acre forest best known for its moderate hike up Dry Hill. The one-mile Dry Hill Trail meanders to the 1,750-foot peak, and it only requires a 250-foot climb since the trailhead is already at high elevation. This trek is highlighted by the diverse landscapes that it passes through. The short journey winds through wetlands with streams and vernal pools, dense forests with large oak and maple trees, and open areas with shrubs like blueberry and starflower. All these different environments in such a small space allow for a flourishing ecosystem of mammals, birds, amphibians, and reptiles, which excites wildlife viewers and birding enthusiasts.

At the summit, distant views of the Berkshires to the southwest dominate, while a rocky outcrop provides space to sit and take in the beautiful surroundings before returning to the trailhead. In the fall, this area offers excellent foliage that Western Massachusetts is known for, while in the spring, mountain laurel colors the trails in white, pink, and purple. When snow falls, Dry Hill's moderate elevation variance makes it an ideal spot for a rejuvenating snowshoeing trip. Hence, Dry Hill is an excellent space to explore at any time of year.

Visitors are welcome to bushwhack off the hiking trails and into the reserve but should be mindful of property boundaries. The most common place to explore is the swamp that rests just a few hundred feet northeast of the lower section of the hiking trail. Around the swamp, red maples and hemlocks tower above, while a diverse collection of ferns and herbs cover the forest floor.

A large parking lot is available on Old North Road, where a trailhead with an informational kiosk marks the beginning of the Dry Hill Trail. Veer left at the fork half a mile in to reach the summit.