Difficulty: Easy

Round-trip Distance: 1.60 miles

Trail Markings: Yellow Blazes

Trail Directions:

Main Kiosk Parking Area

This beautiful, easy walk begins at the kiosk parking area on Heald Road. (If the kiosk parking area is full, there is additional parking on the left-hand (western) side of Heald Road, approximately .4 miles past the kiosk parking. Park in front of the log barrier.) Please do not park in front of any of the gates.

Walk north along Heald Road about 1/10 of a mile until you see the yellow blazed trail entering the woods on the left. The trail winds through hemlock, red maple, and white pine forest and skirts along the northern shore of Heald Pond. There are several opportunities for excellent views of the pond – look for wood ducks, herons, frogs, and turtles in the emergent vegetation along the shoreline. In late summer, King Brook Reservoir is blanketed with a stunning carpet of blooming waterlilies. Near the eastern end of the pond, the yellow-blazed trail turns sharply to the right and continues northeast along an old woods road to the Fisk Hill-Spring Trail. Unless you are continuing up Fisk Hill (see below), turn around and retrace your path back to the parking area. This is an excellent hike for families with young children. You may want to wear waterproof shoes, however, as a few sections can be quite wet during spring.

"Help us care for this property by following these guidelines during your visit:

• This property is open dawn to dusk
• Carry out all trash
• Dogs must remain under control and owners must pack out all dog waste
• No motorized wheeled vehicles
• No camping
• No campfires
• Hunting and fishing are allowed
• Leave natural and cultural features undisturbed”