Rocky Woods
Terrain
Rocky Woods contains rugged, granite hills and knolls with occasional scenic vistas, boulder caves, rock formations, narrow ravines and defiles, glacial erratics, and local boulders. Six pondlets (originally constructed as fire suppression pump ponds) are located on the property: Chickering Pond, Echo Pond, Notch Pond, June Pond, Little Chickering Pond, and part of an unnamed sixth pond. The rugged, rocky terrain of Rocky Woods was formed via glacial action during the last ice age through glacial plucking and scouring.
History
During the colonial 18th century, Rocky Woods had been divided into common land woodlots. A network of logging roads, paved with asphalt shingle scraps, were cut through the property in the 19th century and used to transport granite quarried on site.
The property was originally preserved by Dr. Joel Goldthwait in the 1920s, who donated the original parcels to The Trustees of the Reservations in 1942. Additional land acquired by other donors from 1946 through 1983 through more than ten gifts.
Rocky Woods reservation in Medfield once had a rope tow ski area near Chickering Pond. The area had one steep slope that was just a bit too steep for beginners. Also, the area faced southwest, receiving much sunshine, which melted the snow quite often. Today, the area is growing in but is still visible. The old rope tow lift line clearing is still visible today, located just north of the north end of Chickering Pond.
Recreation
A network of trails span the property and connect with the abutting Fork Factory Brook reservation. The property contains a number of scenic vistas; most prominent is Cedar Hill, 435 feet (133 m), which offers views to the east from eastern red cedar clad ledges. Dog walking is permitted on selected trails with designated on- and off-leash zones. Swimming is prohibited. Preserve amenities include picnic tables and pavilion, off-street parking lots, and restrooms. A visitor center also offers canoe rentals, fishing gear, snowshoe rentals and small concessions on weekends. Fifteen camping sites are available from spring through early fall.
Rocky Woods shares a trailhead with Fork Factory Brook, located on Hartford Street in Medfield.
Image gallery
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Cedar Hill
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Echo Pond boardwalk
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Echo Pond
References
- ^ "Rocky Woods". The Trustees of Reservations. Retrieved June 28, 2021.
- ^ Burk, John S. (2021). Massachusetts trail guide : AMC's comprehensive guide to hiking trails in Massachusetts, from the Berkshires to Cape Cod (11th ed.). Boston, Massachusetts. p. 369. ISBN 978-1-62842-130-9.
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: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link) - ^ "Rocky Woods". New England Lost Ski Areas Project. Retrieved June 28, 2021.
- ^ "Rocky Woods Campground". The Trustees of Reservations. Retrieved June 28, 2021.
External links
- Rocky Woods The Trustees of Reservations
- Map of Rocky Woods and Fork Factory Brook.
- Fork Factory Brook is adjacent