Explore Upton’s Natural Areas!
Peppercorn Hill Conservation Area
The Peppercorn Conservation Area is located on the east side of town near North Pond. The 283 acres area is largely forested with oaks, maple and pine. It features cold water streams, wetlands, vernal pools, scenic vistas, and stone walls. The western slope of Peppercorn Hill is a remarkable jumble of boulders deposited by glaciers more than 10 thousand years ago. A National Grid powerline easement passes through the property and shrub habitat maintained by the easement provides excellent songbird and butterfly habitat. Trails can be accessed from Crocket Road and from Taft Street via the Snow Family Conservation Area. Trail Map
Warren Brook Watershed Conservation Area
Located in the northern part of Upton on the Grafton Town Line, this 230 acre wooded area offers opportunities for hiking, horseback riding, and cross-country skiing. Access is available from a parking area on Grafton Road and a trail head on Oak Knoll Road. A trail connecting this area with the Eleanor T. Howarth Glen Conservation area is under construction. Trail Map.
Stefans Farm
This 116 acre town owned property bordered by Mechanic and Orchard Streets includes forested uplands and wetlands, meadows, hedgerows, streams and vernal pools. Deer, fisher, wild turkey and numerous songbirds have all been observed on the property. Much of the property is on George Hill and there are nice views of Pratt Hill. Parking is available off Mechanic Street. Trail Map
Snow Family Conservation Area
This 10 acre parcel donated to the town by the Snow family contains 2 vernal pools and provides access to the Peppercorn Hill Conservation area from Taft Street. Trail Map
Eleanor T. Howarth Glen Conservation Area
This 27.4 acre wooded parcel along was acquired by the town as part of the Glen Echo Open Space development. The parcel provides habitat for several rare species and includes forested wetlands along Warren Brook and a vernal pool. Trails link this parcel to the Warren Brook Conservation Area. A parking area on North Street is planned. Trail Map
Pratt Pond Conservation Area
This 10 acre wooded parcel north of Pratt Pond was donated to the Conservation Commission in 1972. It abuts the town’s Kiwanis Beach Recreation Area.
Lake Wildwood Park
This 4.5 acre park includes a picnic area and canoe launch on Lake Wildwood. Access is via a private road off Williams Street. The entrance to the park is gated and locked after dark.
West River Canoe Access
Access to the West River is available at the Pleasant Street Bridge. An upstream paddle leads to Old Zac, a pond owned by the town of Upton. Traveling upstream may mean navigating around several beaver dams and its best to undertake the paddle in late spring or early summer.
Upton State Forest
The Upton State Forest is comprised of 2,660 acres, including 2060 acres in Upton. The State Forest is owned by the Commonwealth and managed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation. Trail Map. Friends of Upton State Forest website.
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