Chestnut Hill Farm
One of the last working farms in the town of Southborough, Chestnut Hill Farm is a living tribute to the town’s rich agricultural past.
The scenic woodlands and rolling fields of Chestnut Hill Farm are true to its heritage as a working farm, saved from development in the 1960s through the dedication of a local family. Stone walls frame fields and pastures across 170 acres. Loop trails wind through upland forests and along the edges of freshwater wetlands. Meanwhile, designated bird reserves allow for safe nesting habitat for Bobolinks, Eastern Meadowlarks, and other ground-nesting species beneath a wide-open sky.
Follow a gentle cart path from the parking area through the fields into woods dominated by oak, red maple, and white pine to the covered embankment of the Hultman Aqueduct, which provides a backup route for Boston’s water supply from the Quabbin and Wachusett Reservoirs.
The farm offers self-guided opportunities and guided programming with a focus on connecting families with nature and agroecology. Visit our events listing for current and upcoming events and programs.
FREE to all.
Open year-round, daily, sunrise to sunset. Allow a minimum of 1 hour.
Chestnut Hill Road
Southborough, MA 01772
Telephone: 508.785.0339
E-mail chestnuthillfarm@thetrustees.org
Get directions on Google Maps.
From I-495: Take Exit 59A (old exit 23A) for Route 9 East. Follow for approx. 2.3 mi., then take a right-hand ramp to bear North on Rt. 85 (Cordaville Rd.). Follow 1.2 mi., then turn left on Rt. 30 West (Main St.). Follow 1.2 mi., then turn right onto Chestnut Hill Rd. Follow signs to the parking areas on the right side of the road, past the long grey barn. The first parking area is for general visitors, the Farm Store, CSA pick-up, programs and events. The second parking area is for visitors hiking or walking the trail system.
Trails
Two miles of trails. Easy walking. Please remember this is a working farm landscape. Please stay on marked trails and away from any equipment or livestock you may see. Fences should be presumed to be electrified.
Chestnut Hill Farm’s historic, restored Deerfoot Barn may be rented for private events including community activities, birthday parties, celebrations and gatherings with friends and family. As well, outside areas including a 20’x40’ tent space are available to rent for private events. Chestnut Hill Farm’s bucolic setting is the perfect backdrop for special occasions.
Note, weddings are not permitted at the farm.
For information on private events or renting the Deerfoot Barn, please click here or contact us chestnuthillfarm@thetrustees.org
There is a trail map posted on a kiosk in the parking area.
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.
on this page
In 2006, Southborough voted to purchase a conservation restriction on the unprotected portions of Chestnut Hill Farm. Thanks to the vision and the generosity of the Beals family, The Trustees were able to care for and protect this community treasure in 2010 by expanding trails and managing the field and forest habitat.
In 2018, The Trustees acquired 39 acres across the street, reconnecting the farm’s original parcels and enabling The Trustees to connect the farm’s trail system with the Sudbury Reservoir Trails, the Boroughs Loop Trail, and the Bay Circuit Trail.
This has become one of my favorite hiking or snow shoeing spots, a beautiful meadow overlooking farmland with woodland trails to explore in several directions. Feels miles away!
– leslea13, Trip Advisor
