Westminster – High Ridge Hike WMA

Quick Facts

• Distance:  4 Miles
• Difficult: Easy
• Restrictions: No motorized vehicles

Trailhead

• Westminster. There is a parking area just before the gate at the end of Overlook Road. Google Map

Description

• High Ridge is a Wildlife Management Area in north Westminster, near the Gardner line (up by the prison). While some of the trails are actually paved roads, the route goes through some pretty fields and nice forest, and there is a fine walk down to a large pond and dam.

Route Details

1. Start at the Gate

• Walk counterclockwise around the loop. The route follows an old, paved road through fields, and then curves down through the woods and along a brook, which can be a nice cascade when the water is running.
• There are bluebird nests along the way through the fields.
• The paved road goes down and around a corner and past the North Gardner Road trailhead and parking area, an alternative starting point.

2. Out and Back to the Dam

• Shortly after passing the parking area, there is a trail to the right that is worth taking out and back….it goes down to a dam and a large pond.
• There is also a pine grove with a small trail running around the perimeter…a nice option when conditions are dry.
• There are many trails on the other side of the dam, as the Wildlife Management Area continues over to Oakmont High School and along Whitmanville Reservoir.

3. Return to the main road and turn Right

• he paved road then goes up a hill through a pretty forest, and at the top opens up into to a small field.
• The gravel road continues straight, but to make the 4-mile loop you must turn left on a narrow trail through a small field.
• This turns into a wood trail skirts the Gardner prison grounds, and proceeds for about a half mile before reaching a trail on the left.

4. Return on the Gravel Road

• Turn left on the trail through a field and back to a gravel road.
• Gunfire from the prison firing range can often be heard throughout this area.
• Turn left on the gravel road. From there the gravel road is lovely, going through large open fields with bluebird nests and chestnut trees.
• Return down the hill to the parking area.

Other Options to Consider

• There are some other options at the far corner, where the path goes left…if you continue on there is another loop to the right (North and East) that can be walked to add a couple of miles to the hike.