Red Fox Farm Trails Hike
Quick Facts
- Distance: 1.5 miles
- Difficulty: Easy
- Location: Princeton, MA
- Restrictions: No motorized vehicles, dogs must be leashed on the private property at the start of the hike.
Trailhead & Parking
- Park at the corner of Ball Hill Road and Worcester Road (Route 31) in Princeton.
- Do not park along Route 31.
- The trailhead is on the east side of the road, just north of the intersection.
Description
This easy, mostly flat hike begins on private land, crossing two wetland areas before entering the Princeton Land Trust’s Red Fox property. The main loop travels south along the property boundary, then turns north and west to return to the starting point. Spur trails connect to additional paths on Nimrod Hunt Club land, which are open to the public. Total elevation gain is about 100 feet.
Route Details
1. Start at the Kiosk
- Keep dogs on leash through the initial section.
- Follow the trail through a field and around a stand of pines. Follow the blue blazes.
- Cross the first wetland area. on a small bridge and turn right.
- Continue straight, then cross a second wet area using the small bridge.
- Stay to the right to skirt the wetland, then bear left to reach an intersection. Take the right to enter Princeton Land Trust property.
2. Enter PLT Red Fox Property
- The trail leads to a rocky outcrop where the loop begins.
- Take the right-hand path toward the stone wall marking the boundary between PLT land and DCR land.
- Continue until you reach a wider, more established trail.
- Turn left on the wider trail and then in a short while turn left again to complete the loop back toward the trailhead.
- Optional: Turn right on the wider trail instead to continue onto Nimrod land toward Mason Field.
Additional Hiking Options
1. Spur to Mason Road (2 miles from trailhead)
Trails to the southeast pass through Nimrod and DCR land to Mason Road. Highlights:
- A high meadow with scenic views
- Especially beautiful in fall and winter
- Often wet in spring; mowing may be delayed until summer
2. Access to Trout Brook Conservation Area
From Mason Road, it’s less than 0.25 miles to Sterling Road in Holden. Both directions lead to trailheads for Trout Brook Conservation Area.
Distances from the Red Fox Trailhead:
- To Manning Street via Trout Brook: 4 miles
- To River Road parking on the CMRT: 5 miles
- To Oakdale via CMRT: 8 miles
This makes a great one‑way, mostly downhill hike from Princeton to Holden or West Boylston.
3. Exploring Nimrod & DCR Trails
Nimrod also maintains trails connecting to Coal Kiln Road and back through DCR land to the Princeton Land Trust Russell Corner area. These routes are intentionally undocumented at the landowners’ request, but hikers are welcome to explore respectfully.
