Echo Pond at Rocky Woods
Enjoy expansive views from atop Cedar Hill, amble along a trail to a former quarry site, or explore five ponds that dot this woody landscape.
With six and a half miles of trails winding through 491 acres of varied terrain, Rocky Woods is a year-round destination for outdoor lovers and a prized habitat for songbirds, bullfrogs, beavers, and painted turtles.
Rocky Woods has one foot within the Charles River watershed and the other foot within the drainage of the Neponset River. The area’s high water table forms wetlands throughout the reservation, and these varied habitats attract songbirds, particularly the towhee, with its “drink-your-tea” call.
Hike the three-quarter-mile loop around Chickering Pond—the largest of the reservation’s five man-made ponds, which offer catch-and-release fishing—for a family outing. For a longer trek, take the Mine Hill Loop, which circles 420-foot-high Mine Hill Ridge.
Rocky Woods campsites are closed to the general public for 2023.
*Snowshoe rentals are not available at this time
Parking: Members: FREE. Non-members: $6 parking fee.
Open year-round. Rocky Woods closes at sunset, except during ticketed programs.
38 Hartford Street
Medfield, MA 02052
Telephone: 508-785-0339
charlesrivervalley@thetrustees.org
Get directions on Google Maps.
From I-95/Rt. 128: Exit 31B onto Rt. 109 West. Rt. 109 West for 5.7 mi. Turn right onto Hartford St. and follow for 0.6 mi. to entrance and parking (100 cars) on left.
From Intersection of Rts. 27 and 109 (Medfield): Take Rt. 109 East and bear left onto Hartford St. Continue as above.
Relax by the water or get out on it. A limited number of canoes, kayaks and fishing poles are available to rent when a weekend ranger is on duty. Cash only. Prices: Canoes/Kayaks – Trustees Members $30 for two hours. Non-Members $40 for two hours. Fishing poles – Trustees Members free for one hour. Non-Members $10 per hour.
Bring the entire family – we offer family-oriented programs throughout the season.
Rocky Woods campsites are closed to the general public for 2023.
Visitor center, restrooms, terrace, campsites, picnic shelter rentals, volleyball court, horseshoes.
Accessible features
Accessible fishing platform, picnic tables, accessible restrooms.
We have a Social Story available to better prepare you for your visit to Rocky Woods and Echo Pond, which can be viewed as a web page or downloaded.
Private Functions
Rocky Woods is an ideal casual outdoor venue for corporate events and picnics, children’s birthday parties, reunions, group campouts, weddings and celebrations, scouting activities and more. A large pavilion, log cabin visitors center, open mowed grass field for games or event tents, wooded campsites, ponds for fishing, kayaking and canoeing, horseshoe pit, volleyball court, and scenic overlooks are all featured at Rocky Woods.
Children’s Bird-day (Birthday) parties include a guided hike and nature craft back at the log cabin – fairy houses and bird feeders are favorites – followed by birthday cake and festivities.
To check date availability, or to schedule a tour of Rocky Woods, please contact:
Tel: 508.785.0339
Email: charlesrivervalley@thetrustees.org
We recommend that you download a trail map before you head out.
on this page
In the 18th century, Rocky Woods was common land that the Town of Medfield later divided into woodlots and parceled out to residents. They used sleds to haul out felled trees for cordwood and building timber. In the early 19th century, this network of logging roads was used to haul away high-grade slabs of granite that were quarried from a hillside west of Chickering Pond. Rocky Woods granite was reportedly used to build the 1825–26 Dedham Courthouse.
Rocky Woods Reservation is peaceful, quiet, and just plain beautiful. It is such an asset to the Town. Hiking is always enjoyable, no matter the time of year.
– 455luannem, TripAdvisor
