Gardner Hill Conservation Area - Nature preserve in Stow - Parking lot, 98 Bradley Ln, USA

When you enter the property from the parking lot at the end of Stow, MA's Bradley Lane, you'll cross Elizabeth Brook, a tributary of the Assabet. Ducks swim through the brook, and you can see them if you're there at a "right time" moment. From there, you'll see the conservation land is riddled with vernal pools, ponds, and northern temperate forest. Gardner Hill itself is a prominent peak in the town, though the foliage obscures what you can see at the summit; plus, be careful what trail you use to ascend it, for at least one is steeper than you'd expect given the area's low hill geography. The southern border of the conservation land is along the Assabet river. I recommend going to that section since the view of it is gorgeous. That, and swans, like at Elizabeth Brook at the northern edge, are visible at "right time" moments. The bogland and low terrain translate to muddiness on wetter or post-rain days, but planning beforehand means minimizing or avoiding that issue. If woodland hikes are a favorite pastime of yours, head to Gardner Hill Conservation Land.

Wide, clear and easy to follow trails. Nice view of the lake. Looks like it would be a good place to kayak. There was even a little picnic area by the river.

Great place to hike, bike walk a dog. Must important to pickup after your pet. Fine $200.

Beautiful space, ideal for exercising active dogs, gentle hikes, mountain biking, and just re-immersing in nature.

Very well groomed paths, it's a great place to take your dog. The paths are pretty poorly labeled, however, with color markers that don't match the map, and maps that don't match each other. But if you stick to the main (blue) trail, it's very easy to follow.

This is a very beautiful area that features some water. The trails are always very well groomed in the parking lots are easy to access. There's a few different routes you can choose from.

Wide trails. Lots of bikers although I never ran across one. Big place and sort of easy to take the wrong trail. Got dark on me fast and had to run from the mosquitoes cuz I don't like DEET. Take about 50 minutes to walk fast the blue trail. Perfect

Lots of trails in a lovely, thick forest, but does get quite a lot of traffic, including lots of dogs.