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LSF Notown Reservoir Hike

Quick Facts

  • Distance: 4.1 miles
  • Difficulty: Easy–Moderate
  • Elevation Gain: ~400 feet
  • Restrictions: No motorized vehicles

Trailhead

  • Location: Parmenter Road Trailhead, near 1000 Elm St, Leominster, MA
  • Parking: Large gravel lot available
  • Access: Parmenter Road runs east–west through Leominster State Forest, turning into Rocky Pond Road in Princeton.
  • Note: Road past the parking lot is gated and closed to vehicles.
  • Trailhead Google Map Link

Hike Overview

  • Mostly level terrain with gravel roads and wooded paths.
  • Leads to the south end of Notown Reservoir with scenic water views.
  • Wildlife: Bald eagles have been spotted here.
  • Trail conditions: Can be wet year-round.
  • Winter use: Excellent for snowshoeing or cross-country skiing.
  • Navigation tip: Use a GPS app—many trails intersect, and not all are marked despite recent signage improvements.

Route Details

  1. Start at the parking lot

    • Pass through the gate and follow the gravel road.
    • Continue past two small trails until you reach Split Rock Trail on the right.

  2. Split Rock Trail

    • A bike trail that passes through an actual split rock.
    • Follow until it meets a larger trail, then turn right.

  3. Notown Trail

    • Continue through the woods to the south end of Notown Reservoir.
    • Look for an obvious side trail leading to the water.
    • Explore the building ruins near the reservoir.

  4. Return via Notown Trail → Notown Road

    • Turn right onto Notown Road.
    • This winding path passes through scenic forest.
    • Connects to Organism Trail on the left.

  5. Organism Trail

    • A dry, winding bike trail through beautiful forest.
    • Exits near Split Rock Trail.

  6. Finish

    • From here, either:
      • Take Split Rock Trail back, or
      • Bear right to Parmenter Road, then left to return to the parking area.

Notes

  • Trail map available: LSF Trail Map
  • Be prepared for wet conditions and multiple trail options.
  • Great for hiking, biking, snowshoeing, and skiing.

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Other Options to Consider

  • Skip the Organism Trail You don’t have to take the Organism Trail. Instead, you can explore other LSF trails just north of Parmenter Road.
  • Path to Rocky Pond If you’d like a slightly longer walk, follow the trail that leads to Rocky Pond. The pond is visible on the left side of the map.
  • Extend on the Notown Trail The Notown Trail continues past the viewpoint and climbs into the Monoosnoc Range. Near Notown Reservoir, you’ll find a power line corridor that offers higher views of the area.
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