Murray Lane Lands

This is a small property with an unmaintained trail that ends in a stand of hardwoods. The trail has potential to be a vital link to nearby conservation areas.

This set of interconnecting trails offers lots of options. Begin with a short walk over the former Burgess farmland that passes through an old apple orchard. The trail continues into piney woods and winds past a spectacular, 15-foot-tall glacial structure that lore claims was a sacred spot for native american shamans frequented. Mysterious stone piles and stone walls along the way are reminders of how this forest was once farmed land.

A secondary trail branches off the loop at its southernmost point and provides access to the Great Elms and Brehm loops with an option to extend the walk to the Williams Land. The Eastern Greenway Central trail runs along the eastern edge, providing more connections and longer walking options. The Eastern Greenway Central trail is steep in sections and winds through a forest and two vernal pools.

This valley is one of the most picturesque areas in Harvard. The property consists of rolling fields, including a prominent drumlin known as Round Hill and approximately 30 acres of forested land in the rear. When snow conditions are good in the winter, Round Hill is a favorite spot for sledding.

The loop is moderate in length with access to Williams Pond and a secondary trail that passes through an old field, crosses Murray Lane and connects to the Burgess-Brown /Great Elms trail, providing the option to cover a lot of ground.