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.

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