Cuttyhunk Brook Preserve

Trails

From the parking area at Sunderland Road, the yellow loop trail travels east along an old logging road. The property was selectively logged in the past and additional old logging roads crisscross the property. Numerous stone walls are found on the property which is indicative of land that was once pasture. Oak, white pine, huckleberry and mountain laurel are common along the trail. The trail descends and crosses Cuttyhunk Brook arriving at the yellow loop intersection. The left spur travels alongside Cuttyhunk Brook, which is particularly visible in late fall and winter. The trail takes a gradual ascent into the uplands of white pine forest onto additional old logging roads which take various turns throughout. Follow the yellow blazes in order to stay on the correct path. The trail arrives at Stony Lane, an unimproved town road. Turn right onto Stony lane and follow the road east to the trail turn on the right which travels south back to the trail junction.

The right spur passes a historic homestead which is marked by stone foundations. Continuing on, the trail takes a left into white pine forest, through a large stone wall and along a boulder field. Follow the yellow blazes to Stony Lane, an unimproved road, and take a left. Follow the road and turn left at the trail markers. Old logging roads are common throughout this area with some unauthorized vehicle use. Follow the yellow blazes in order to stay on the correct path which will return to the trail intersection at Cuttyhunk Brook.

Please note: Stony Lane is an unimproved town road. Unfortunately, dumping and litter often occur. Please notify us of these problems. Consider joining the Friends of the Cuttyhunk Brook Preserve and help keep the preserve pristine and enjoyable for other visitors.

What to See: Plants

The preserve’s uplands are primarily oak-pine forest with black oak, scarlet oak, white pine and black huckleberry. Huckleberry is very common along old logging roads and on shallow ridge-top soils. Yellow birch occur in moister soils. American beech stands are located along sections of the trail. The trees are of mixed ages and species throughout. Several noticeable outcrops and ridges are present. Some mountain laurel is also present.

The wetlands are primarily red maple swamp along the stream corridors. These are characterized by open stands of red maple with an understory of tall shrubs such as winterberry, sweet pepperbush, and highbush blueberry.

What to See: Animals

White-tailed deer are very common. A variety of birds such as the yellow warbler, Eastern phoebe, ovenbird and Eastern towhee are common in spring and summer. The preserve’s streams and wetlands support numerous frogs, salamanders, dragonflies, and damselflies.

Preserve Guidelines

We hope you enjoy visiting our preserves in any season. We ask that you please observe the following guidelines:

• Stay on marked walking trails.
• Respect preserve open hours (one hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset). Overnight camping is not allowed.
• Do not ride horses, bikes or any motorized vehicle through preserves or on the trails.
• Do not remove any living materials from a preserve or disturb any vegetation.
  
• Remove any trash you create and, if possible, any garbage that you see left by someone else.
• In the spring, summer and fall, dress in long pants and socks to avoid deer ticks. After any walk on a preserve, it is a good idea to check for ticks when you return home.
• Be careful! Your safety is your responsibility.

Thank you for your help.