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Leominster State Forest Ball Hill Loop Hike

Quick Facts

  • Distance: 4.5 Miles
  • Elevation: 1000 feet
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Restrictions: No motorized vehicles

Description

Hike up along the pretty Crow Hill Ponds and then climb and loop around Ball Hill. Continue east to loop around Rocky Pond and return along Rocky Pond Road. There are several witness stones along the route which are interesting to check out.

Trailhead

Hike Details

Starting Point

  • Begin at Rocky Pond Trailhead.
  • Walk along the gravel Rocky Pond Road until you reach the intersection with Wolf Rock Trail.

Wolf Rock Trail

  • Turn left onto Wolf Rock Trail.
  • Pass the Crow Hill Ponds and cross the causeway between them.
  • Optional stop: a picnic area (restrooms available at times).
  • Note: This spot can also serve as a trailhead in winter when the gates are open.

Ball Hill Trail

  • At the swim area parking lot, turn right onto Ball Hill Trail.
  • Climb Ball Hill.
  • Optional detour: bushwhack to the first witness stone near the top of Ball Hill and Red Oak Trail.
    • The stone sits along a wall where it meets another wall, just off Berry Hill Trail.

Red Oak Trail

  • Turn left onto Red Oak Trail.
  • Follow it to the second intersection with Ball Hill Trail.
  • Continue straight for a scenic walk over the hill and through a pine forest.

Return via Ball Hill Trail

  • Head back on Ball Hill Trail along the Leominster–Westminster Line, following a stone wall.
  • Ascend again to the top of Ball Hill.
  • Continue to the intersection with Rocky Pond Trail.

Rocky Pond Trail

  • Turn left and descend toward Rocky Pond.
  • Be prepared: this section can be wet, muddy, and rocky, especially near Muddy Pond.
  • Reward: enjoy beautiful views of Rocky Pond.

Fenton Road and Return

  • After the pond, turn right onto Fenton Road.
  • Take another right onto Parmenter / Rocky Pond Road.
  • Optional stop: a boat launch area off Fenton Road.
  • Follow the gravel Rocky Pond Road back to the starting point.
  • Look for witness stones along the way (on the right).

Other Options

  • Longer hike: Take Sawyer Run Trail from Rocky Pond Trailhead. It winds through pine trees at the south end of Crow Hill Ponds.
  • Shorter hike: Skip the Red Oak Trail loop (stay on Ball Hill Trail) or bypass Rocky Pond by using Limbo Trail.
  • Extra distance: Add about 0.5 miles by taking Black Bear Trail instead of Ball Hill Trail. Loop back via Red Oak to Ball Hill or follow Fenton Road directly to Rocky Pond.

Map of the hike path through Leominster State Forest

Historical Notes – Witness Stones

In the 1700s, Massachusetts law required towns to construct and maintain stone markers to designate boundaries with neighboring towns. This civic task, which was required to be performed regularly by elected town officials, was referred to as “perambulation.”

The stones were generally placed where the town lines change orientation. In Princeton around 25 stones known to exist, five of which can be seen along this route. You will notice years painted or chiseled into the stones going back to the 1800s. With a good GPS it is easy to locate the stones.

LSF Witness stone photos–****************

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