Maple Hill WMA Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife Maple Hill Road Parking

Maple Hill Road, West Stockbridge, MA

About Maple Hill Road Parking

The Maple Hill Road Parking area provides access to the Maple Hill Wildlife Management Area, which is a large, forested space with excellent hunting and wildlife viewing opportunities. This parking area enters the forest from the northwest corner of the property, extending along the face of Maple Hill. This former pasture land can be tricky to navigate as it is overgrown with invasives and prickers, but with a little effort, the land is passable and entertains visitors with excellent hunting of black bears, white-tail deer, and turkeys. Descending down the slopes of the Wildlife Management Area feeds into wetlands that provide habitat for beaver, river otter, mink, muskrat, and waterfowl. Climbing up the hill leads to less dense tree and plant cover and provides occasional openings for excellent views of the Berkshires. Near the summit, a blueberry clearing offers an ideal place for birding as they swoop down and grab a snack, and it is also a good place to locate black bears.

Since the Maple Hill Road Parking area is located on the side of the property furthest from the summit, exploration of the area is best suited for experienced hikers who can navigate the rugged terrain of Western Massachusetts for multiple miles without trail markings or amenities. Multiple small peaks act as checkpoints throughout the site, while Maple Hill is the primary peak at around 1,750 feet. The parking area is at an elevation of 1,000 feet, while the lowest areas of the property drop to 850 feet on the property's eastern edge, which is traversed by the Williams River.