Henry S. Hunnewell Town Forest - Natick, MA - Public Access Lands on Waymarking.com

In the town of Natick there is a 100 acre preserved woodland area known as the Henry S. Hunnewell Town Forest. The preserved natural space includes swampy lowlands, varied woodlands and a hill topped by a water tank. Within the park is a network of paths that take you through a variety of habits, and is a great place for a stroll.

There are several entrances to the park. The waymark point is at the parking area off Oak Street. It is about 1/4 mile south of the intersection with Mass. Route 9.

The path from Oak Street runs along Jennings Pond, a narrow, shallow pond that is partly covered by wetland plants. At points, you can see duck houses on or nearby the water. The path arrives at an intersection where you can either continue along the wetland to the northern edge of the forest, or left through a mixed forest. If you turn right, you will encounter another intersection where you can continue straight along the wetland or left toward pine and hemlock groves. Paths also climb (gently) to the top of Pleasant Hill where there is a large concrete water tank, as well as remnants of an hourly and a monthly sundial (very poor shape).

At the northern end, by Route 9, is a tablet about the forest. The land was donated by the wife of Henry Sargent Hunnewell in 1932 in recognition to beautify Natick. The Hunnewell family donated many things to both Wellesley and Natick.

Additional Article - WickedLocal.com:
(visit link)

Estimated size of the public land (in regional measurement standard: hectares, acres, kms, etc.): 100 acres Is there a trail system?: Yes If there is a trail system, please describe length, terrain, etc.: There is a branching trail system that goes along wetlands, deciduous/mixed forests, hemlock and pine groves, and up a low hill. What points of interest are there?: Jennings Pond, various eskers, Pleasant Hill. What activities are available?: There are no official uses other than hiking. List of known hazards (cliffs, snakes, poison plants, etc.): Poison Ivy is always around. Dogs Allowed?: Yes Is a permit/fee required?: No If a permit/fee is required please describe in detail how to get one, how much, etc.: No fee required. Please supply the website of the land if available: [Web Link] Hours of accessibility?: Not listed

Visit Instructions:
Visitors are encouraged to supply a picture of either themselves or their GPS at the trailhead and/or signage of the public access lands - describe your experience there and what you saw - tell us why other folks should come visit!

Recent Visits/Logs:

There are no logs for this waymark yet.