Devils Den

This 46-acre Francis Small Heritage Trust preserve includes sweeping views from a summit ledge (1,185 feet) and a cleft cut deep into high ledges that gives the preserve its name. (The other name for the chasm is “Devil’s Cart Road,” which I think is even better than den!)

From the medium-sized parking lot, the land trust has made a well-signed (with turtle markers), easy-to-follow half-mile footpath to the summit. While it goes uphill, the incline is not too steep (the elevation gained is 250 feet). About 100 feet from the top, you’ll pass a short side trail to your right that leads to the den. Be very careful! The drop-offs are sudden and steep.

The land trust has plans to renovate the hunting lodge at the top into an environmental education center and create more hiking paths connecting to nearby preserved areas. There is also a snowmobile path leading away from the summit (and one you cross on your way up) providing more walking options. The wide clearing at the top is maintained by the land trust as habitat for birds and pollinators.

Directions: The trailhead and parking area is off Moody Road. You’ll follow unpaved but well-maintained roads for several miles — they’re passable for low-clearance cars. In the wintertime, however, you may want a four-wheel drive. (Directions from the land trust): From Route 160, turn onto Porterfield Road. Drive 1.4 mile north, then turn left onto Norton Hill Road. Continue on Norton Hill Road for 1.4 miles, to a 4-way intersection: Norton Hill Road turns to the right, Moody Road is straight ahead, and Devils Den Road (a very rough, unmaintained road) is on the left. Continue straight ahead on Moody Road for 0.5 mile; the Devils Den parking area will be on your left.