A former dairy farm turned state wildlife management area on the Ashfield-Conway line, with upland hardwood and softwood forest, old fields, apple orchards, and beaver impoundments along Poland Brook. Developed parking and the commonly used access roads are on the Conway side; the property extends into Ashfield.
What to expect
Trails
WMAs are intentionally left wild; no maintained/marked trail network, access is informal via old farm roads and fields
Dogs
Dogs must be leashed statewide on all Massachusetts WMAs (effective January 11, 2019); off-leash only for licensed hunters actively hunting or hunt training, or in permitted field trials
Fishing
Allowed per state freshwater fishing rules; Poland Brook holds native brook trout and stocked trout
Birdwatching
Allowed year-round
Managed by
MassWildlife (Division of Fisheries and Wildlife)
WebsiteCommon questions
Is Poland Brook WMA in Ashfield or Conway?
Both. MassWildlife lists it as spanning Ashfield and Conway, but the documented parking and access roads are on the Conway side.
Is there an entry fee at Poland Brook Wildlife Management Area?
No, entry is free.
Can I bring my dog to Poland Brook Wildlife Management Area?
Dogs must be leashed statewide on all Massachusetts WMAs (effective January 11, 2019); off-leash only for licensed hunters actively hunting or hunt training, or in permitted field trials