A roughly 291-acre state wildlife management area next to Southbridge Municipal Airport, split into a southern section reached from Plimpton Street and a northern section reached from Pleasant Street. There are no maintained trails, just unmarked hiking through mixed hardwood forest and along McKinstry Brook.
What to expect
Parking
Free lot Free · unconfirmed
Trails
About 1.4 miles of walking, mostly unmarked woods paths rather than a maintained trail system; a 2011 hurricane blowdown split the route so it can no longer…
Dogs
Not specifically posted; dogs are generally allowed on MassWildlife WMAs, leashed or under control, consistent with statewide WMA norms
Hours
No posted gate hours; WMAs are generally open dawn to dusk
Accessibility
Not developed for accessibility; unmarked natural-surface woods paths
Fishing
Allowed Fly fishing available in the brook
Managed by
MassWildlife, with assistance from the Southbridge Trails Committee
(508) 389-6300 (MassWildlife Central District) · WebsiteGetting in
Parking
Free lot
CostFree
Details unconfirmed
Common questions
Can you hunt at McKinstry Brook WMA?
Yes. It's managed as a wildlife management area with mixed hardwood habitat noted for deer, gray squirrel, and raccoon hunting; check current MassWildlife season dates before you go.
Where do I park at McKinstry Brook Wildlife Management Area?
Free lot (Free).
Is there an entry fee at McKinstry Brook Wildlife Management Area?
No, entry is free.
Can I bring my dog to McKinstry Brook Wildlife Management Area?
Not specifically posted; dogs are generally allowed on MassWildlife WMAs, leashed or under control, consistent with statewide WMA norms
Is McKinstry Brook Wildlife Management Area wheelchair accessible?
Not developed for accessibility; unmarked natural-surface woods paths
What rules should I know at McKinstry Brook Wildlife Management Area?
The trail was split by 2011 hurricane blowdown and cannot be hiked end to end between the two trailheads.