Mansfield's largest block of protected conservation land, split by Route 495 into a southwestern section reached from Oak Street and a northeastern section reached from Judy's Lane. Over 3.5 miles of named, color-blazed trails cross old farm fields, stone walls and forest, following routes used by 19th-century schoolmasters as shortcuts between Elm and South Main Streets.
What to expect
Parking
Free lot free · unconfirmed
Trails
Over 3.5 miles total across five major and three minor named trails: Schoolmaster Bridle Trail (red, 0.77 mi), Scott/Goyea Trail (orange, 0.93 mi), Codding…
Dogs
Mansfield requires dogs to be on a leash or lead no more than six feet long and under the handler's control whenever off the owner's property, which applies on town parks and conservation land. Posted signs at the site take precedence.
Accessibility
All-terrain GRIT Freedom Chairs for the trails can be borrowed free from the Mansfield Public Library's Library of Things
Birdwatching
Allowed year-round; a listed eBird hotspot
Managed by
Natural Resources Trust of Mansfield (NRT) / Mansfield Conservation Commission
508-261-7378 · WebsiteGetting in
Parking
Free lot
Costfree
Details unconfirmed
What's here
On site
Info kiosk
Printable trail map available; described as having a signboard/map at the main Oak Street trail
Common questions
Are there trails, how long and how hard?
Yes, more than 3.5 miles split across five main color-blazed trails plus a few short connectors; most segments are flat old farm paths and old bridle trails rather than technical terrain.
Where do I park, is it obvious?
The Oak Street entrance, at the big bend in the road, is the main and easiest lot to find; the Judy's Lane side only fits a car or two near the Fisher Lane bend.
Where do I park at Great Woods Conservation Area?
Free lot (free).
Is there an entry fee at Great Woods Conservation Area?
Not confirmed; check the town's page before you go.
Can I bring my dog to Great Woods Conservation Area?
Mansfield requires dogs to be on a leash or lead no more than six feet long and under the handler's control whenever off the owner's property, which applies on town parks and conservation land. Posted signs at the site take precedence.
Is Great Woods Conservation Area wheelchair accessible?
All-terrain GRIT Freedom Chairs for the trails can be borrowed free from the Mansfield Public Library's Library of Things