Gardner Hill Conservation Area — Attraction in Stow

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...

Gardner Hill Conservation area also known as Stow Town Forest is a nice place to walk. I had my dog with me and saw others walking their dogs off leash as well. The main trail, the blue trail is wide and easily traversed. There are few rocks and roots so tripping hazards are minimized.

My major criticism is that the trails are not well marked. They have blue, white, and yellow rectangles of wood at most trail intersections but they are not always very evident. I had to search a few times to verify I was on the correct trail. At one juncture I could not find a blaze at all. Luckily the map posted helped me determine whether I should turn right or left. I will definitely go back especially now that I am a bit more familiar with...

1ST TIME! we have hiked here and people we came across greeted us...anyways we have been to many hikes and this is the one we got lost twice! possibly my fault when i didnt see any more blue post we just kept walking and took us another hour lucky i had my phone and watch compass made it back to the parking lot safe SO YEAH KEEP YOUR HEAD UP AND STAY ON TRAIL IF YOU GET LOST TURN AROUND AND GO BACK SAME WAY YOU...