Ford Glen Brook Trail

Northwest Hill Road, Williamstown, MA

About Ford Glen Brook Trail

This is the trailhead for hiking trails on the eastern edge of Hopkins Memorial Forest. These trails are ideal for a short hike through a Western Massachusetts forest ecosystem. The Ford Glen Brook Trail, which leaves directly from the road, will take visitors alongside a small creek. Though the hiking trail begins as a wide pathway, it gradually narrows as it continues east.

On the left, visitors will eventually encounter the Hoosic River Trail: a 1-mile hike leading to the northeast corner of Hopkins Forest. Hikers on this trail will weave through large fern meadows, and they will soon be able to see the Hoosic River below. There are also plenty of wildlife-viewing opportunities along this pathway. During the springtime, this section of the forest becomes populated by spring wildflower species. Visitors will also hear many bird species singing in the forest canopy. Ultimately, the Hoosic River Trail ends at Wire Bridge Farm (still part of HMF), and visitors must return the way they came.

Visitors should park in the parking spaces available at the Hopkins Memorial Forest entrance, and walk 0.1 miles north along NW Hill Road to the Ford Glen Brook Trail entrance. Both paths are available for horseback riding between July 1st and October 15th, and only during dry conditions. While some other portions of HMF are open for deer shotgun season each fall, hunting is never permitted in the areas of HMF north or east of NW Hill Road (i.e., areas accessed by the Ford Glen Brook Trail and the Hoosic River Trail.