MHC Trail System

Long
Farm Trail (1.6 km)
Enter
this trail from the opening behind the Equestrian Center. This
trail takes you through some forested wetlands, hardwood forest
stands, and pine plantations. The Long Farm, a pasture, can be
reached by either crossing Stony Brook (not recommended during
spring or other times of high water) or, if on foot, by taking
the southern part of the trail toward Morgan Street. Where the
trail intersects the road, take a left and walk across the bridge
above Stony Brook. The pasture will be on your left. Enter the
pasture by the area nearest an old barn. One end of the Stony Brook
Trail enters from the northwestern part of the Long Farm pasture
(See description below).
Upper Lake Loop (1.63 km)
The
main campus end of this loop is located where Park Street crosses
Stony Brook. This end of the loop is by the dam and waterfall on
Upper Lake. You can either begin your walk along the side adjacent
to Torrey Hall or next to Ham Hall. The other end of the loop is
a footbridge that crosses Stony Brook near the inlet of Long Lake.
You can also enter the loop by a small trail that runs from the
Equestrian Center down to the bridge.
The loop will take you past the lake and its bordering wetlands
and some stands of upland hardwood forest. Wetlands along the lake
border include marsh, scrubby wetlands, and some small stands of
forested wetlands. In addition, a vernal pool borders the trail
just above MacGregor Hall.
Upper and Lower Stony Brook Trail (0.7 km and 0.9 km)
Two
trails run parallel to the eastern side of Stony Brook. These trails
can be entered from several locations off of the Long Lake Loop
and from the Long Farm. The lower trail runs near the stream and
affords several views. Between the two trails are stands of Red
maple, Hemlock and several other species of trees.
Prospect Hill Trails (1.6 km of trails)
 |
 |
There are several trails winding through the forest covering Prospect
Hill. These trail winds through some mature hardwood forest,
mixed conifer and hardwood forest, and Hemlock stands. The main
trail
can be entered by the guard rail behind Prospect Hall. This path
winds up the hill in front of a Hemlock and Pine stand and then
curves around where the trail diverges. At the point where the
trail sharply turns go right to the field behind Mandelle Hall.
If you bear left and stay on the main trail you will shortly
encounter another split in the trail. Bear right here to stay on
the main
loop and continue your ascent of Prospect Hill or bear left for
a trail that parallels the top of the Hemlock stand. The main
loop will take you to the crest of Prospect Hill and though some
grassy/herbaceous
openings and past one of the two town water supply tanks. On
either side of the water tank are areas of blowdown (trees toppled
during
windstorm). This trail and the trail parallel to the Hemlock
stand exit in the opening by the Ham Hall parking lot.
Return to Homepage >>
|