Discover Nature - Rutland Brook

Activity Type: Hiking, Local Walks, & Trail Running | Hiking
Difficulty: 3 - Easy
Trip Leader(s): Marty Jo Henry, Joseph Abbascia Jr.
Registration Type: Application
Please Click Here to RSVP: https://activities.outdoors.org/a5UVX000001Dps9
Register By: 7/31/2026
Audience: Everyone

Description: The MA Audubon’s Rutland Brook’s Rum Rock Trail in Petersham has an amazing array of interesting historical stops with large old farm stonework, foundations, overlooks, and unique rock formations. On the hike we will go through varied terrain with wetlands, beaver pond, and changing forest. This Discover Nature will focus on experiencing an early farming site and how it was used then regenerated, this trail is a very favorite of mine.
Pace: moderate, 1.5 - 2 mph stopping at interesting sites on easy trails
Rum Rock Trail: Length - 3.5 miles Elevation - 246 ft
All are welcome to join me to hike me afterward traveling to the adjacent Rutland Brook property to add another 2.5 miles. This trail has its own personality with farm ponds, some elevation and ending with a walk along a beautiful brook in a pine forest
Rutland Brook: Length - 2.6 miles Elevation - 377 ft
Afterward there is the option to get a beverage at the Petersham Store AND the Harvard Fisher Museum is a couple of miles down the road in Petersham. The museum has a famous series of internationally acclaimed dioramas depicting how the local countryside has changed over the years with farming, regrowth, and forest management. This is incredibly interesting and the artistry that went into making them back in the 30’s is fantastic, free to visitors.
Bring A minimum of 1 liter of water Lunch and snacks Ticks are active and we will be going through brush to look at foundations and a dam so insect repellant and clothing selection is important protection. We will also be going through areas that may have poison ivy, long pants and hiking boots are advisable
Extreme heat/thunderstorms cancels and all participants will be notified the day before This is a MA Audubon property so no dogs are allowed.

Reminder: Please click the RSVP link above to register!