Walnut Hill

While a walk in the woods is always enjoyable (well, maybe less so when it’s buggy), this forested area might appeal more to the species its protection is meant to support, like the rare Blanding’s turtle and racerback snake. Which is fine! Better in fact. The parcel is located within the Walnut Hill Focus Area, a place of statewide ecological significance.

It’s significant because of its densely forested, rolling uplands that are interspersed with many stream drainages, wetland mosaics, pocket swamps and vernal pools — together forming habitat for a diversity of plant and animals.

The preserve itself offers a choice of two walks: the there-and-back main trail (Walnut Hill Trail) and the Hickory-Oak Trail that connects to Breakneck Trail, for a loop. The main trail follows an old wide woods road for a bit longer than 0.7 miles. As you approach the end, it climb moderately steeply to the preserve’s boundary. The walking is easy and pleasant.

You can also branch off of it to follow the Hickory-Oak Trail, a narrower blazed footpath that emerges onto another old woods road for a 1.1-mile loop.

Directions: From Springvale, follow Elm Street, which will turn into Walnut Hill Road. Continue on the road after the pavement ends. A trailhead and gate will be on your left in less than 200 feet. There’s room in the small turn-in for about two cars.