This moderately difficult hike will appeal to experienced hikers and families with older kids because of the length (about 3 miles), gradual incline to the top of the Bluff Trail, and some steep inclines/declines along the way. We offer two options for this hike. The first we did with our kids, and the second we explored a week later with just adults. The ratings and focus for this post will be on the easier, more kid-friendly route (although there is some info on the tougher trail below).
Overall, this hike has it all: a playground, a maple sugar shack, a story book trail, a cool barn, boardwalks, a cool old cistern that you can actually climb inside (It’s not scary! You have to see it to see why–It’s huge), a really amazing view of Gillette Stadium, great picnic/snack rocks, and an old chimney at the top of a hill (it belonged to a cabin that burnt down many years ago; the stone structure is all that remains).
Moose Hill is free to Mass Audubon members and Sharon residents. Otherwise, it’s $4 for adults and $3 for seniors and kids ages 2-12.
HOW TO GET THERE
293 Moose Hill Parkway.
Sharon, MA 02067
TRAIL DESCRIPTION & MAP
Option 1 (Easier): From the parking lot, head towards the nature playground. Cross the street. Take Wood Thrush Way (an almost immediate left), to the boardwalks of Billings Loop, to the Bluff Trail. After Allens Ledge Chimney, take the Turkey Trail to the right to connect back to the Bluff Trail and head back down the way you came up.
Option 2 (More difficult): From the parking lot, head towards the nature playground. Cross the street. Take Wood Thrush Way (an almost immediate left), to the boardwalks of Billings Loop, to the Bluff Trail. After Allens Ledge Chimney, follow the Turkey Trail to the *left* to get to the Bay Circuit Trail/Summit Trail.. Follow the Summit Trail to top of Moose Hill where the fire tower is. Then follow the Summit Trail down and back to the parking lot.
P.I.N.T. SCORE
Rated on a scale of 1 (difficult/not good) to 5 (easy/awesome!)
*NOTE: these ratings are for Option 1, the easier trail!
P – Parking & Access – 4 (Large lot; two electric charging stations on the Charge Point network!!!)
I – Interest Level – 4 (the playground, sugar shack, storybook trail, old cistern, view of Gillette Stadium, and the old chimney offer plenty of cool landmarks)
N – Navigation – 4 (well marked; however, if you opt for option 2, the second half of the loop is much harder to follow–take a paper copy of the map and use this All Trails map)
T – Terrain – 2 (the gradual ascent to the top of the Bluff Trail and the steep incline after you start to head down from the summit (!) make this a bit tough)
The P.I.N.T. Score represents our opinions of this trail. It reflects our experience, perception, and physical health. Therefore, the scores are not intended to be expert advice, nor will they be accurate for everyone: we cannot judge what may or may not be appropriate for each individual’s different abilities. Consult a physician or medical expert before attempting any new physical activity. Hiking contains inherent hazards, so hike at your own risk. You should always make your own decisions about what level of physical activity is appropriate for you and your family. Weather and other factors may affect trail conditions. Remember, trail conditions may change suddenly and drastically at any time.
Points of Interest
- Nature Playground
2. The story book along Wood Thrush Way and the boardwalk
3. The area around the Billings Barn; the fields are replete with birds and butterflies in the summer!
4. The cistern, from the days when there was an orchard here
5. The summit
6. Allens Ledge Chimney
More Photos…
Nearby
Crescent Ridge offers delicious ice cream and Ward’s Berry Farm has PYO, a great little store, and a playground!