Central MA

Jacobs Hill

Royalston

173 acres

Climb through a forest of beech, hemlock, and birch to reach an unparalleled wilderness vista, then explore Spirit Falls as it rolls down the mountainside.

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Plan Your Visit
  • Overview
  • Ideas for Your Visit
  • Admission & Hours
  • Directions & Contact Info
  • Property Map
  • Regulations & Advisories

Overview

At Jacobs Hill, forest-covered trails connect two spectacular ledges and afford truly unspoiled views of Tully Mountain, Mount Grace, and the Berkshire Hills. Down below, glimpse Long Pond and the East Branch of the Tully River, which winds slowly toward Tully Lake. Little Pond, a classic northern bog whose concentric rings of black spruce and tamarack surround open water and a mat of sphagnum moss, lies at the eastern edge of the reservation.

Ideas for Your Visit

The viewpoints offer great views of the surrounded wooded landscape, Long Pond and Tully Lake.

Moving south along the trail, a stream tumbles and weaves 200 feet down the ridgeline over a quarter-mile, creating Spirit Falls. A section of the trail diverges alongside the streambed to connect with the 22-mile Tully Trail. To reach The Ledges, cross the stream at the top of Spirit Falls.

Admission & Hours

FREE to all.

Year-round, daily, sunrise to sunset. Allow a minimum of 1 hour.

Please note that the parking area is not plowed in the winter.

 

Directions & Contact Info

Route 68
Royalston, MA 01331

Email: info@thetrustees.org

Ger directions on Google Maps.

From Rt. 2: take Exit 77. Follow Rt. 2A into Athol. At the intersection of Rt. 2A and 32 in Athol, cross Millers River Bridge and bear right onto Chestnut Hill Rd. (becomes Athol Rd.) north toward
Royalston.

From Royalston Center:
Follow Rt. 68 North 0.5 mi. to entrance and parking (3 cars) on left.

Property Map

We recommend that you take a photo of the map on your phone so you can refer to it during your visit, or download a trail map before you head out.

Regulations & Advisories

  • Mountain biking is not allowed on the reservation.
  • Dogs must be kept on-leash at all times.
  • Hunting is permitted at this property subject to all state and town laws. It is recommended to wear brightly colored clothing like an orange vest or hat during the hunting season. Hunting is not allowed on Sundays. Learn more about hunting on Trustees properties, and read safety tips for non-hunters.
  • Please note that the parking area is not plowed in the winter.
  • PHOTOGRAPHY: We ask that photographers or their clients become Contributing Level Members before conducting portrait sessions at this property. Click here for more information, and to request permission for any portrait sessions. The Trustees of Reservations reserves the right, and may give permission to its designated photographers and videographers, or to outside media, to photograph or video visitors and program participants at all its facilities and properties.
Before Setting Out
More to Explore

History

Property Acquisition History
Original acreage purchased in 1975 with funds given anonymously. Additional land purchased in 1978 and 1994.

The View From Here
See What People Say

Nice quick hike! Some good views at the overlook and Spirit Falls.

Frank Georges, Google Review

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