Hamlen Woods,

196 Rice Road, Wayland, Massachusetts 01778, United States

Welcome to Hamlen Woods, a serene park and tourist attraction located at 196 Rice Road, Wayland, Massachusetts. Nestled within a complex of conserved lands, Hamlen Woods offers a tranquil escape with its extensive network of trails and rich natural beauty. Accessible from two convenient parking areas on Rice Road, the park's trails provide a range of loops for both leisurely strolls and invigorating hikes.

As you explore the color-blazed trails, you'll encounter picturesque old reservoirs along Snake Brook, teeming with wildlife such as ducks and herons. The surrounding forests echo with the calls of pileated woodpeckers, while outcrops and stone walls reveal the area's fascinating geology. For bird enthusiasts, the fields near the upper parking area offer prime bird-watching opportunities, especially in the spring.

Please be mindful that Mainstone Farm is privately owned, and certain areas are not open to the public. We kindly ask that you stay on designated trails, as indicated on our map. In celebration of the Fifth Anniversary of Mainstone Farm's conservation, we developed an audio tour and special trail route in Fall 2022. While the signposts have been removed, you can still engage with the narrative online.

Hamlen Woods, together with Mainstone Farm, highlights the efforts of the Town of Wayland, Sudbury Valley Trustees, and other private entities to conserve this treasured landscape. The interconnected lands, including Mainstone Hills, Reeves Hill, and Turkey Hill, form a vital network of wildlife habitats and public trails.

Within Hamlen Woods, you'll find an upland forest and an old reservoir with active beaver habitats. The adjacent Mainstone Farm Conservation Restriction spans 218 acres of agricultural fields and woodland, linked by an extensive trail system managed by SVT and the Town of Wayland. The trails are clearly marked with colored diamond-shaped signs, corresponding to lines on the map. The blue trail offers a 1.75-mile one-way journey to Reeves Hill Conservation Land, while the red trail provides a 4.5-mile circuit through the connected areas.

For your safety, please use caution when walking along Rice Road if connecting your walk between the Mainstone Farm parking area and Turkey Hill Road. Detailed directions are available to ensure easy access to our parking areas.

Experience the natural beauty and tranquility of Hamlen Woods, where every trail leads to discovery and wonder. We look forward to welcoming you!