RIDGE HILL RESERVATION
Ridge Hill Reservation is 352 acres of forests, wetlands, meadows, and more. It's a great place for a jog, walking your dog, and exploring interesting ecosystems.
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Although you can enter the trail system from Beard Way, the most convenient way to enter (especially if you are driving) is through the main entrance on Charles River St. At the third parking lot (its on the right just before the big house) you can enter the "Fit Trail" trail system.
Loop: 1 mile, with many other trails to explore
30-60 min walk (you could easily spend 2 hours on the trails)
10-30 min jog – easy
Dog friendly!
Not bike friendly
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*Click the map to access our interactive google map and find out how to get there.
Another Useful Map thanks to the Town of Needham
This fun trail was built years ago, but many of the hurdles, step-up logs, and more are still in place. There are also two small trails going off to East of the fit trail that lead to the Nike Missile Site. Nike Missile Sites were created during the Cold War as last-resort anti-aircraft defense... who knew we had one right in our backyard!
Wander up to the Esker Trail and walk on top of the ridge formed by deposits from a retreating glacier. The "Ridge" in Ridge Hill, perhaps?
Just think: you're standing in the same place a glacier once did.
Just think: you're standing in the same place a glacier once did.
These numbers are super helpful on the many intertwining trails.
Take a left onto the Swamp Trail. Despite its off-putting name, there is a lovely boardwalk to walk on. Look for signs identifying the moss and trees. Keep your eye out for butterflies, too.
Lily goes off the beaten path
So many shades of green in this swampy environment
Past the Swamp trail the many intertwining trails get a little confusing, so we advise having a map pulled up on your phone. Explore the funky trees and climb on the many fallen logs. This part of the reservation was once a farm — see if you can spot the tell-tale rock walls.
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Look for the young American Chestnut growing along the trail. It might not look all that special, but the American Chestnut is really a phoenix rising from its ashes. These trees used to number in the billions and used to be the most important source of food for many organisms. But in the early 1900's, a fungus that killed American Chestnuts was accidentally imported from Asia. Now, volunteers work to return a blight-resistant Chestnuts to American forests. Invasive species really are awful. We're happy to see a healthy little Chestnut growing here!
Trees will grow around just about anything in their way.
Trees will grow around just about anything in their way.
Don't worry, no swarming bees in sight.
We're glad Needham is protecting their home!
As you walk out of the trails back towards the entrance road of Ridge hill, you'll come to the picnic tables near the big house. Some of them have checkerboards! Walk back down the road to the parking lots.
Clovers vs. Dandelions?
We hope you enjoy Ridge Hill as much as we did!