Poor Farm Conservation Lands

The trail starts off Ohlin Lane, a private way, and descends steeply to cross an intermittent stream. It passes by rock ledges covered with rock tripe lichen and through hemlocks and witch hazel as it winds to Bowers Brook. The trail then parallels Bowers Brook, featuring large boulders and views across the brook and wetlands. The Hermann Conservation Lands are directly opposite Bowers Brook. Note: there is no connection to the Hermann lands from here.

The Town Forest, which was divided when Route 2 came through, is Harvard’s first conservation property. Three relatively easy loops span this modest-sized parcel and pass mostly through white pine and mixed hardwood forest.  Wide trails make this area good for walking the dog, taking a run or riding your off-road bicycle.  The western secondary trail, which goes behind Village Nursery School, crosses over Route 2 on Poor Farm Road to connect with the northern section a short distance away. There is a historic gravesite to explore too.

Starting opposite the Holy Hill parking lot, the trail winds through oak woods in a gently sloping  area that eventually becomes more rugged. Connection to a secondary trail to the east onto the Russo property leads to the “Bear’s Den” – a remarkable tall granite outcropping deep in the hemlock forest. The Town Forest South trail can be reached by crossing south over Route 2 on Poor Farm Road. For a longer walk to the north, explore the Shaker Conservation Area across from the entrance to Kaufmann.