Moore State Park - October 22, 2023

Artist Overlook on Turkey Hill Brook

My original plan was to do a Tville run with the CTAMC, but with yesterday’s rain the river rose from 2.5-feet to 4.5-feet overnight. I knew it was too high for me, and wasn’t surprised when I got an email that the trip was cancelled. Fortunately, Papa Joe was doing a hike at the Moore State Park.

Moore State Park (290 Sawmill Road, Paxton, MA) has 400-acres of well-maintained trails through open fields and woodlands.The section along Turkey Hill Brook, which falls 90-feet in less than a quarter mile, was once the home to at least five 18th and 19th century mills. Old foundations and a restored sawmill stand on the site today. In the early 20th century, the property became a private estate and was heavily planted with azaleas, rhododendrons, and mountain laurels.

The crew

We started on the Davis Hill Field and Laurel Loop Trails, which wind through the fields and woodlands across the street from the parking lot. From there we headed up the Azalea Path to the restored sawmill on Turkey Hill Brook, and then up the Old Bringham Road, Secret Garden Loop and Stairway Loop Trails.

We ended up doing 4.6-miles. The leaves were just about peak. I also hear that it is beautiful here in June when the azaleas, rhododendrons, and mountain laurels are in bloom. 

Links:
My Pictures
Moore State Park