The best walks and hikes around Medfield
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Hikes around Medfield MA explore a landscape of rolling hills, dense woodlands, and numerous ponds. The area is characterized by well-maintained conservation lands, including Rocky Woods and Noon Hill Reservation. These trail networks offer routes through forests and wetlands, with some paths forming part of the larger Bay Circuit Trail system.
Best hiking trails around Medfield
- The most popular hiking route is Noon Hill Lookout via Bay Circuit Trail — Noon Hill Reservation, a 4.2 mile (6.7 km) trail that takes about 1 hour 45 minutes to complete. This route leads to a lookout point with views across the surrounding area.
- Another top favourite among local hiking enthusiasts is Cedar Hill, Echo Lake & Chickering Pond loop — Rocky Woods Reservation, an easy 3.7 mile (5.9 km) path. The trail navigates through forest and passes several of the reservation's ponds.
- Local hiking enthusiasts also love the Shattuck Reservation & Holt Pond loop, a 3.1 mile (5.0 km) trail leading through woodland and wetlands, often completed in about 1 hour 20 minutes.
- Hiking around Medfield is defined by forested reservations, pond-side paths, and rolling hills. The interconnected trail network provides options suitable for various ability levels.
- The routes in Medfield are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.9 stars from over 50 reviews. More than 450 hikers have used komoot to explore Medfield's varied terrain.
Last updated: May 2, 2026
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Embark on the Noon Hill Loop, an easy hike that guides you through a landscape shaped by ancient glaciers. You will cover 1.3 miles (2.1 km) with an elevation gain of 190 feet (58 metres), which typically takes about 36 minutes to complete. Along the way, you will discover exposed bedrock, dense forests of pine, beech, and hemlock, and the tranquil waters of Holt Pond before reaching the Noon Hill Lookout for panoramic views of the surrounding rolling hills.
This route is part of the larger Noon Hill Reservation, where you will find ample parking available right at the trailhead. The trails are welcoming to dogs, but please remember to keep your canine companions on a leash throughout your visit. This makes the Noon Hill Loop a great choice for a quick outdoor escape or a family-friendly outing.
Beyond the scenic views, the area holds remnants of 19th-century pastureland, visible in the old stone walls you will encounter. For those looking to extend their adventure, the Noon Hill Loop also offers connections to the adjacent Shattuck Reservation, providing options for longer hiking experiences in this historic New England setting.
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Enjoy an easy 0.5-mile hike to Holt Pond in Noon Hill Reservation, gaining 10 feet of elevation in just 11 minutes.
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This easy 3.7-mile hike on the Ridge and Cedar Hill Loop offers scenic views, lake access, and a dog-friendly experience in Rocky Woods Rese
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This easy 4.2-mile hiking loop in Noon Hill Reservation offers varied terrain, Holt Pond, and panoramic views from Noon Hill Lookout.
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Hike an easy 2.0-mile loop around Chickering Pond and Echo Pond in Rocky Woods Reservation, enjoying woods and wetlands.
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Other adventures around Medfield
Tips from the Community
Holt Pond was created around 1764, when Sawmill Brook was dammed to create a mill pond. After the land became stonewall enclosed pasture the forest reclaimed the old farming land. Now it is a beautiful tranquil pond area with an abundance of easy well marked walking trails.
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Holt Pond was initially created in 1764 by damming Sawmill Brook to construct a mill pond. Over time, the land was transformed into a stonewall-enclosed pasture, but eventually, the forest reclaimed the old farming land. Today, the pond is a tranquil and stunning area that offers many well-marked trails for short or extended runs in this picturesque setting.
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Noon Hill is the highest point in Medfield, standing at 358 feet (0.11 kilometers) tall. It is situated in the picturesque Noon Hill Reservation, which boasts a network of fantastic running trails. At the lookout point, you can see a rocky outcrop and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding forest.
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This area offers miles of rocky and dirt trails in this expansive 500-acre park, where you'll navigate through elevation changes, discover scenic viewpoints, and encounter several ponds
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A little south from the actual Cedar Hill peak is this small trail that leads to a rocky outcrop where you can enjoy expansive views across the Rocky Woods Reservation and surrounding area.
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A little south from the actual Cedar Hill peak is this small trail that leads to a rocky outcrop where you can enjoy expansive views across the Rocky Woods Reservation and surrounding area.
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Chickering Lake Pond is the largest of the five lakes found within the Rocky Woods reserve. The quiet shores of the lake provide a wonderful location for an enjoyable stroll.
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Noon Hill stands at 358ft high and is the highest spot in Medfield. It is located within the beautiful Noon Hill Reservation and is connected to a series of walking trails. The lookout features a rocky outcrop and provides far-reaching views across the surrounding forest area.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are the hiking trails in Medfield dog-friendly?
Yes, most trails in Medfield's conservation areas, including Rocky Woods and Noon Hill Reservation, are dog-friendly. However, dogs are generally required to be on a leash at all times. Please be sure to clean up after your pet to help keep the trails enjoyable for everyone.
Are there any easy, family-friendly hikes?
Absolutely. For a gentle and scenic walk suitable for all ages, consider the Chickering Lake & Echo Lake loop. This short, 2-mile (3.2 km) trail in Rocky Woods Reservation is relatively flat and passes by two of the area's picturesque ponds.
Which trails offer the best views?
For panoramic views, the summit of Noon Hill is the place to go. It offers a rewarding vista over the hills of Walpole and Norfolk, and you can even spot Gillette Stadium in the distance. The trails here can be a bit more strenuous but the payoff is worth it.
How difficult are the hiking trails around Medfield?
Medfield offers a good mix for different fitness levels, but the majority of trails are rated as easy. Out of more than 75 routes, 65 are considered easy, featuring gentle slopes and well-maintained paths. About 10 trails are rated as moderate, often involving steeper climbs like the ones found at Noon Hill.
What's the difference between hiking at Rocky Woods and Noon Hill?
Rocky Woods is known for its varied terrain that includes forests, wetlands, and five different ponds, offering a very scenic and diverse experience with many gentle trail options. Noon Hill, on the other hand, is more focused on the climb to its summit for expansive views and features more moderately challenging, and sometimes strenuous, trails.
Are any Medfield trails part of a larger trail network?
Yes, Noon Hill is a key part of the Bay Circuit Trail, a long-distance trail that connects parks and open spaces in 37 towns across eastern Massachusetts. This makes it a great starting point for hikers looking to undertake a longer, more extensive journey beyond Medfield's borders.
Where can I find parking for the main hiking areas?
Both of the main reservations have designated parking areas. For Noon Hill, there is a popular trailhead and parking lot located on Noonhill Road. For Rocky Woods, you can find parking near the main entrance off Hartford Street, which provides easy access to the visitor center and trail system.
Can I go for a long circular hike?
Yes, there are several excellent loop hikes. For a route that combines varied scenery including ponds and a gentle climb, the Cedar Hill, Echo Lake & Chickering Pond loop is a great option. It covers about 3.7 miles (5.9 km) within Rocky Woods Reservation.
Are there any hikes that go through wetlands or by ponds?
Many trails in Medfield feature wetlands and ponds. A great example is the Shattuck Reservation & Holt Pond loop. This 3.1-mile (5.0 km) trail takes you through peaceful woodlands and alongside the marshy areas of Holt Pond, offering good opportunities for birdwatching.
What do other hikers say about the trails in Medfield?
The trails around Medfield are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.9 stars. Hikers frequently praise the well-marked trail systems, especially at Rocky Woods, and the beautiful, rewarding views from the Noon Hill summit.
How many hiking trails are there around Medfield?
There is a wide variety of options to explore, with over 75 different hiking routes mapped around Medfield. These trails wind through the region's beautiful conservation lands, offering something for every type of hiker.
Can I hike around the old Medfield State Hospital grounds?
Yes, the grounds of the former Medfield State Hospital are open to the public and feature a network of walking paths. These trails offer a unique walk through a historic landscape, with paths that loop around the campus and along the Charles River.
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