Hopkins Memorial Forest

Northwest Hill Road, Williamstown, MA

About Hopkins Memorial Forest

This is the primary trailhead for Hopkins Memorial Forest, a 2600-acre hiking area managed by Williams College. Leaving the parking lot, visitors will see the Rosenburg Center—which has bathrooms and information about the forest—along with a small garden. Then, visitors will find the Lower Loop Trail.

Going counterclockwise on the loop, visitors will gradually climb through a Western Massachusetts forest ecosystem. On the left side of the pathway, the trail passes the sugar shack that makes Hopkins Forest's fresh maple syrup.

Eventually, after traveling by an open field used for biology research, hikers will climb through the forest to a trail junction. The Upper Loop Trail leaves from this junction, providing visitors with scenic views of Hemlock Brook. This pathway ultimately connects to the Taconic Crest Trail via the Birch Brook Trail, where visitors can reach a scenic overlook and "The Snow Hole."

In the early spring, Hopkins Memorial Forest annually holds a free MapleFest for visitors and community members. There is also a Fall Festival when the trees change color in autumn.

Visitors will find a small parking lot off Northwest Hill Road, just after the intersection with Buckley Street. Portions of HMF are open for deer shotgun season each fall. During this time, the forest is closed to all other users. Hunters must obtain a special no-fee permit to hunt in the forest.