Thousands of students have returned to the Bay State to start another year at their colleges and universities. Our Trustees’ special places offer the perfect place to unwind after a long week of classes, get fresh air during a study break, and to connect with the natural world around Massachusetts’ many institutions of higher education. Check out the round up below for the best places to visit close to your college town.

Amherst

Students who attend college in the Amherst area have easy access to several Trustees properties close to campus, including Mount Warner in North Hadley, Little Tom Mountain and Dinosaur Footprints in Holyoke, and to the North, Bear’s Den in New Salem.

Mount Warner is closest to the bustling college town of Amherst. It stands amid a 500-acre swath of protected land linking nearby Lake Warner to a range of conservation treasures. On the two-mile Salamander Loop, follow the trail through oak, beech, and other hardwoods, home to many birds and small mammals. Evergreen groves begin further upslope, and along the way, visitors can find vernal pools that shelter and nurture an array of animal and plant species.

About a 20-minute drive south of Amherst, and in close proximity to the Springfield metropolitan area, find Little Tom Mountain and Dinosaur Footprints. Both offer unique experiences for visitors. Little Tom—part of 2,500 acres of contiguous, conserved open space—supports intimate forests, open fields, and one of the most notable concentrations of rare species and natural communities in the state, specifically reptiles and amphibians. Dinosaur footprints is the Trustees’ smallest reservation and features the first dinosaur prints ever scientifically described. Paleontologists believe the prints were left by some of the earliest known dinosaurs, from small plant-eaters to large meat-eaters up to 20 feet long.

North of Amherst, venture to Bear’s Den. There visitors will find a quarter-mile trail, offering two choices: go left and explore the enchanting waterfall, or head right to follow the stream as it tumbles through large boulders past the site of an old mill.

Boston & Metro West

Escape the hustle and bustle of city and campus life by taking a day trip to a Trustees property, easily accessible by the commuter rail for students who are at school without a car.

On the North Shore, take a day trip to the Crane Estate in Ipswich, where film favorites like Little Women were shot, and where the grounds feel like an escape to another world. Whether you spend a day at the beach, gather friends to head on a kayaking adventure, or opt for a tour of the Great House, the experience is sure to transport visitors.

To the south, take a short train or car ride to World’s End in Hingham. Visitors can see the city from a new vantage point on the carriage trails that wind through the property and enjoy miles of hiking through greenery surrounded by the sea.

Dartmouth

Dartmouth is home to two former farms that offer unique escapes into nature. Slocum’s River Reserve and Cornell Farm are both located directly in Dartmouth, a short distance from the local UMass campus.

Slocum’s River Reserve was a longtime coastal farm and is one of many such agricultural tracts that define South Dartmouth. The reserve, which is jointly owned and managed by The Trustees and Dartmouth Natural Resources Trust, offers a glimpse into the town’s rural heritage while affording spectacular views of the South Coast and Buzzards Bay.

Cornell Farm was a family agricultural enterprise for five generations. It’s among a cluster of historic salt farms that have earned treasured status along Buzzards Bay and the South Coast. The Trustees with our partner the Dartmouth Natural Resources Trust, has preserved Cornell for the community and general public.

Lowell

Both just a 20-minute drive from Lowell and local campuses are Ward Reservation in Andover and Malcolm Preserve in Carlisle. Each offer protected landscapes perfect for a walk in nature.

Malcolm Preserve is jointly owned by The Trustees of Reservations and the Carlisle Conservation Foundation. At the Preserve, visitors can trek along a short, wheelchair-accessible trail that winds through a portion of the reservation, or hike a trail that connects with Two Rod Road, leading three miles through historic Estabrook Woods to the Town of Concord’s Punkatasset Reserve.

Ward Reservation offers almost 15 miles of trails and climb a hill for great views from the Merrimack Valley toward the Boston skyline. It’s an emerald quilt of fields, forests, and uplands, stitched together from more than 40 distinct parcels across three hills—Shrub, Boston, and Holt. Looking out from their summits, you can see how the property melds with the surrounding landscape. On top of Holt Hill, the highest point in Essex County, you’ll find the “Solstice Stones,” a compass-like arrangement of stones set up to mark the sunset on the longest and shortest days of the year.

North Shore

On the North Shore, students can explore the coast by visiting Gerry Island or Crowininshield Island in Marblehead, or can venture to Long Hill in Beverly, all short drives from local campuses.

Gerry Island, Crowninshield Island offer unique views of coastal Marblehead and are accessible on foot at low tide. Visitors can get to Gerry on foot by walking across a rocky tombolo (or spit of land), which is accessible only around low tide, or can journey by watercraft and duck into picturesque coves on either side of the island, exploring the intertidal zone. Crowninshield is also accessible by foot at low tide, and while visiting, visitors can peek into tidal pools full of interesting shells and creatures, and wander along a short loop trail. A south-facing lawn is a go-to spot for a mid-day picnic.

For those at Salem State: Catch the 455 bus heading towards Wonderland at Lafayette Street at Loring Ave. Enjoy a ten minute ride before switching to the 441 or 442 bus by departing at the Loring Ave at Vinnin St. stop and walking down the road to the Paradise Road at Vinnin St. stop. Ride the 441 or 442 to the end of the line opposite 27 Washington Street and follow Orne Street down to an access point on Harding Lane. On your way back detour down Gas House Lane to visit Gerry Island.

Long Hill in Beverly offers a wide array of experiences – from walking the Summer and Sedgewick Gardens to touring the Main House, and venturing around the grounds and trails, there’s something for everyone. And don’t forget about the Pumpkin shows, which offer the perfect spooky celebration at Halloween.

Worcester

20 minutes from Worcester campuses are both Chestnut Hill Farm in Southborough, and Dexter Drumlin in Lancaster.

Chestnut Hill Farm boasts a few miles of trails including several loop trails through scenic woodlands and rolling fields. The farm transforms in the fall with stunning foliage, offering a beautiful escape from city and college life.

Dexter Drumlin is an open meadow with a one-mile trail offering scenic views from the top of a glacial hill. It also offers a loop trail to experience the rest of the property. As it gets colder and snow begins to fall, pack up some sleds (or pieces of recycled cardboard if you don’t have one) and experience fan-favorite sledding.