West Hill Dam — Attraction in Uxbridge

Excellent place for hikes and picnics/cookouts. The trails are varied unlike some parks where sometimes it feels like all you see are trees. It starts out by the dam, where great views are to be had on the dike. It's always a good sign when it starts at a point of interest, but it continues to excite/awe when you go on the various trails. You will see all kinds of ecosystems, including meadows, hardwood or evergreen forests, wetlands and bodies of water in the form of river, streams, ponds or vernal pools in the spring. I don't do much birding but it looks like a great place for it. There is ample parking and a ranger station by the entrance with a map. Trails are well maintained (and well marked, which is sadly not common in many parks). There are facilities for doing picnics or grilling and I believe you can camp there. A short hike brings you to West Hill Park which has even more facilities and a small playground. Due to access disputes, you cannot drive into and park in the park side anymore, so you would have to lug all your cookout materials on the trails until you get to the park (about 1 mile or so). Would still highly recommend the West Hill...

One of the most beautiful spots in Worcester County to walk (dogs welcome), hike, run or mountain bike. Hunting season just started so break out the orange vest and maybe a bandana for your dog(s). There are a couple of port-a-lets near the main entrance / dam, along with a fair amount of parking. There's also a posted trail map at the main entrance gate (rake a picture of needed... Enjoy! Oh, only a 5 minute drive from here is 'Lookout Rock' (Quaker St., Northbridge). Only a few parking spots available. A short walk brings you to one the best views in the Blackstone Valley. Alternatively, park at 'Rice City Pond' ( 390-286 Hartford Ave E, Uxbridge), then hike about 25 minutes to...

Massachusetts has only 2% of grasslands remaining and the west hill dam area is one of them. It offers all kinds of trails and mountain bike. Dogs are welcome. Ample place for picnic and grill if you are in mood for a relaxed afternoon.

West hill river is 20 miles long and there is a 48 ft high west hill dam built in 1960.

I visited during first week of September 2021 and some parts of yellow / red trail that I took was closed due to recent flood 💦 - overall a nice experience. I wish I had my mosquito repellant so that I would have spent some more time sitting 🪑 calmly on the benches placed at the...