Roughly 22 acres of town conservation land off Hardscrabble Road, named for Jack Gaylord, a Sterling State Police detective and hog farmer who sold and swapped land here with the town before his death in 2014. The Gaylord Trail follows an old road through swamp and mature forest, with a steeper extension reaching the historic Fitch Basin gatehouse and dam.
What to expect
Parking
Free lot free · unconfirmed
Trails
About 1.5 miles round trip, rated easy, with about 150 ft of elevation gain; a steeper 1.9-mile round-trip extension reaches the historic Fitch Basin…
Dogs
Dogs are allowed; owners are asked to pick up after their pet for the health of other pets, wildlife and people.
Fishing
Allowed in season, with proper license
Managed by
Sterling Conservation Commission
978-422-8111 · WebsiteCommon questions
The main loop is 1.5 miles round trip and easy; a moderate 1.9-mile extension climbs to the old Fitch Basin gatehouse and dam.
Yes, and the brochure specifically asks owners to pick up waste.
Hunting is listed as an allowed passive-recreation activity on the trail, in season.
Where do I park at Hardscrabble Road Conservation Area?
Free lot (free).
Can I bring my dog to Hardscrabble Road Conservation Area?
Dogs are allowed; owners are asked to pick up after their pet for the health of other pets, wildlife and people.
What rules should I know at Hardscrabble Road Conservation Area?
Watch for poison ivy where the Fitch Basin extension narrows and becomes overgrown near the old gatehouse. Motorized vehicles are prohibited.