An Amazingly Natural Area in Medfield, Massachusetts - Noon Hill Reservation
Written: Mar 31 '08 (Updated Apr 01 '08)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Natural & wild area, Great view, Walking trails, Charles River, Holt Pond
Cons: Only 4.5 miles of hiking trails
The Bottom Line: Noon Hill is the perfect place to go to after work for an hour or so long walk in an amazingly natural area
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| jps246's Full Review: Noon Hill Reservation, MA |
I'm constantly on the lookout for places to go for a walk or a hike, especially ones that aren't too far from where I live. One pleasant surprise for me has been the Noon Hill Reservation in Medfield, Massachusetts. It is not too much of a drive and it offers several miles of walking trails and even a larger hill that provides a view to the southeast.
Noon Hill Reservation is part of the parkland that is maintained by the Trustees of Reservations. This organization owns and maintains a number of parks throughout Massachusetts. Noon Hill Reservation is just over 200 acres and is adjacent to the Shattuck Reservation, which adds another 245 acres and is to the north of Noon Hill. However most of Shattuck Reservation is composed of wetland areas adjacent to the Charles River so there's not as much recreational opportunity on this acreage.
Where is it?
Noon Hill Reservation is located in the Town of Medfield, Massachusetts in eastern Massachusetts. The Reservation is about 20 miles or so outside of Boston, located between the I495 and I95 beltways. The area is fairly developed, but Noon Hill with its protected acreage is located within an area of the Town that is not as densely developed as other areas.
The best access to the reservation is the official parking area which is located on Noon Hill Road. This parking area is big enough for about 10 or so cars and provides access to the majority of the reservation's trails. From this parking lot you can walk down to the banks of the Charles River and up to the summit of Noon Hill where you can gaze down into southeastern Massachusetts.
There are several other access points where trails intersect with roadways, but the parking area is the only 'official' parking area. In the other areas you may not be allowed to park along the street.
Access
Trustees of Reservations parks are open to the public. There is no day-use or user fee associated with the Noon Hill Reservation.
Recreational Potential?
Okay, it's not really hiking as there is only about 4.5 miles of trails in the park if you were to hike all of them. However Noon Hill does make the best of its size. Not only that, considering its location, it is an amazingly natural area and it really does feel like you are out in the woods.
Besides the walking trails in the Reservation you can fish in the Holt Pond and the Charles River and in the wintertime all of the trails are open to cross-country skiing.
The views from the summit of Noon Hill are pretty impressive. The summit is bare rock with a fairly large cliff facing the southeast. From here you can look towards southeastern Massachusetts. There are also some other views (though not as clear or as impressive) along the spine of Noon Hill where you can get glimpses of Boston to the east.
The vast majority of the trails are easily accessible and easy to walk. The steepest section of trail is the section that goes over Noon Hill, but even that isn't overly steep or difficult. Anyone who can walk shouldn't have a trouble exploring most of the park. You will probably break a sweat, but you shouldn't really strain yourself too much.
If you're looking for a walk that's a bit more relaxing, the loop trail around Holt Pond is a great trip for families and anyone with children. You can go down to the shore of the lake where you'll find frogs and turtles and other wetland creatures.
The park also hosts a portion of the Bay State Trail. This is a trail that will eventually make its way entirely around Boston, mostly through the area between I495 and I95.
My Experiences
I really like this little park. It provides some good walking opportunities and is perfect for a late afternoon or an evening walk during the summer months. In the winter it's a great place to get your cross-country skis on.
I tend to try to create the largest loop possible when I'm walking here, making sure that I get to go over Noon Hill. Not only is it good exercise, but I like the woods around the hill and the view is worth the short climb.
I also like the area of the park down along the Charles River. It is completely different from the area around Noon Hill located along the flood plain of the river. You can access this area either via canoe or kayak on the river or by taking one of the trails down to the river's edge.
In the wintertime I have gone cross-country skiing a few times. The only real problem I've had with that is that there never seems to be enough snow over the last couple of winters.
Final Thoughts
While I don't go here all the time, I do like the fact that Noon Hill is nearby. It's the perfect place to go to after work for an hour or so long walk. I get some exercise, I get to get out into one of the few really wild areas in the region and the view from the top of Noon Hill is quite nice.
Recommended:
Yes
Best Time to Travel Here: Anytime
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