PUBLIC FOREST LANDS
Reservoir Road Closed to Vehicles
Due to work occurring on the Ellis Lot to improve the town's drinking water and fire prevention capacity, Reservoir Road will be closed to general vehicle access from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday from May 29th through the end of December. Pedestrians and bike riders should seek alternate points of entry, as construction vehicles and equipment may be entering and leaving the site.
For trail users, the work will affect sections of at least two of the trails (Reservoir Loop and Slippery Elm) for the project’s duration. There will also be some loss of access to a small section of Apple Core for well-related work, but that is expected to be a limited duration.
For Your Enjoyment, Family Recreation and Learning
Please read our Town Forest Policy (pdf)
SOUTH PLEASANT STREET WOODS
Located in a bowl behind the Southview Cemetery off Pleasant Street, this 10 acre woodlot between the cemetery and the railroad offers a quiet retreat in the heart of Randolph Village. Walk the paths, take a picnic, and even sleep under the trees, all within walking distance of downtown.
SAYWARD FOREST ON TATRO HILL
About 1.25 miles up Tatro Hill Road (parking is available in a lot at 1467 Tatro Hill) on the left, this 73 acre parcel of Northern Forest offers a wilderness experience. Climb the trail to the top of the ridge. Enjoy the view when the leaves are off and watch for bears. Enjoy a picnic or a camp-out. Just leave it as you found it or better. Hunting in season is permitted.
THE ELLIS RESERVE
Up Reservoir Road off Greenhouse Avenue, this 38 acre parcel offers spectacular southern views. Great spot for a picnic. Enjoy a walk across a hay-scented fern carpet among aging maples. You may enter the property by car and park only along the roadway. Leave it as you found it, or better.
THE RABBIT TRACK OFF OF FERRIS DRIVE IN EAST RANDOLPH
This 55 acre forest parcel offers a wilderness experience far from town. Enjoy the stream and waterfall, but take precautions on the slippery rocks. Also hike to the top of the property, or walk the Rabbit Track. Pay particular attention to the old stone bridge which we believe was the site of a former mill. Picnicking and camping are permitted, just carry out your waste. Leave it as you found it or better. Hunting and fishing, and mountain biking on the roadways are permitted. Campers, please check in with Randy Ferris who owns the farm at the entrance. He may lock the gate at night.
OTHER FOREST OPPORTUNITIES
RANDOLPH VILLAGE FLOOD PLAIN FOREST
This unique forest parcel, open to the public, entrance adjacent to the right of the bowling lanes on Prince St. is owned in part by Randolph Area Community Development Corp. This parcel contains rare tree and plant species native to the mid-U.S. coastal region. Walk the paths; enjoy views of the 3rd Branch of the White River only a 10 minute walk from North Main St.
A COUNTRY WALK: ROGERS/ CURTIS/ N. RANDOLPH/BEDOR ROADS
Length: 3.4 Mi. Park @ Neighborly Farms or along Rogers, Curtis or Bedor Roads. Directions: Left off Rte 66 onto Rogers Road to Curtis Road, or take Ridge Road to N. Randolph Rd. right and continue to Neighborly Farms on the left. Enjoy walking through high farm country along quiet back roads. Great views, little traffic, wonderful variety of things to see.