A 1,000-plus-acre Trustees of Reservations property stitched together from more than 40 parcels across three hills, Shrub, Boston and Holt. Holt Hill is the highest point in Essex County and holds the Solstice Stones, a compass-like arrangement marking sunset on the longest and shortest days of the year, and a boardwalk crosses a quaking bog at Pine Hole Pond.
What to expect
Parking
Paid lot $7/vehicle (non-members); free for Trustees members · unconfirmed
Trails
Nearly 15 miles of marked trails, easy to moderate with some strenuous sections; the Bay Circuit Trail passes through the property
Hours
Open daily, 7:00 AM to sunset
Accessibility
A quarter-mile wheelchair-accessible out-and-back trail (aggregate/stone dust transitioning to wood decking) runs to a viewing platform at the Pine Hole Pond bog, with four accessible benches along the way
Managed by
The Trustees of Reservations
617-542-7696 · WebsiteGetting in
Parking
Paid lot
Cost$7/vehicle (non-members); free for Trustees members
Details unconfirmed
What's here
On site
Info kiosk
Map stations at trail intersections throughout the property
Common questions
How long/hard are the trails?
There are almost 15 miles of trail, mostly easy to moderate, with a few strenuous stretches climbing the three hills.
Rugged natural surface throughout, except for the quarter-mile accessible trail to the Pine Hole Pond bog platform, which is stone dust and wood decking.
Where do I park, is it obvious?
One lot at the Prospect Road entrance, with a pay station; it's $7 a vehicle unless you're a Trustees member.
Bow hunting is allowed on designated sections during the state season, by Trustees authorization.
Where do I park at Charles W. Ward Reservation?
Paid lot ($7/vehicle (non-members); free for Trustees members).
Is there an entry fee at Charles W. Ward Reservation?
No, entry is free.
Can I bring my dog to Charles W. Ward Reservation?
Allowed on leash
Is Charles W. Ward Reservation wheelchair accessible?
A quarter-mile wheelchair-accessible out-and-back trail (aggregate/stone dust transitioning to wood decking) runs to a viewing platform at the Pine Hole Pond bog, with four accessible benches along the way
What rules should I know at Charles W. Ward Reservation?
Bow hunting is permitted seasonally with Trustees authorization on designated sections. No motorized vehicles, no metal detectors, no litter left behind.