Mountain Meadow Preserve

Mountain Meadow Preserve: Your Gateway to Nature's Splendor

Welcome to Mountain Meadow Preserve, a captivating natural haven straddling the Massachusetts-Vermont border. Located at Mason Street, Williamstown, Massachusetts, this enchanting park and tourist attraction offers a delightful blend of forest, field, wetland, and wildflower meadow, perfect for both novice hikers and seasoned naturalists.

Explore Diverse Habitats and Wildlife

Rising from 690 feet at the Williamstown parking lot to over 1,100 feet, the Preserve boasts diverse natural habitats and rich ecology. It's a sanctuary for a wide array of wildlife, including bears, coyotes, bobcats, foxes, and deer, along with wetland amphibians and numerous small mammals and reptiles. The meadow's vibrant mix of flowers and grasses, like aster, little bluestem, and fringed gentian, attracts a variety of butterflies, offering a kaleidoscope of colors and life.

Scenic Trails and Breathtaking Views

Embark on four miles of picturesque trails and create unforgettable memories as you witness butterflies dance on wildflowers or hear the iconic cry of a red-tailed hawk soaring above. From the broad meadow, just beyond the parking lot, enjoy stunning views of the Hoosac Valley, showcasing Williamstown's church spires and the majestic Mount Greylock.

For those seeking adventure, climb the half-mile loop trail to a hilltop, or continue your journey into the Pownal, Vermont side of the reservation. Prefer a leisurely stroll? Enter from the Pownal parking lot and wander along flat trails leading to the historic ruins of Mausert’s Camp, a rustic family getaway from the 1970s.

Plan Your Visit

Please be aware that parking lots are infrequently plowed in winter, making access challenging after a storm. We recommend photographing the map on your phone or downloading a trail map before your visit.

Williamstown, MA parking area: From the intersection of Rts. 2 and 7 in Williamstown, take Rt. 7 north for 1.7 miles. Bear right onto Mason Street (a steep dirt road) and follow to the entrance and parking for up to 10 cars.

Pownal, VT parking area: From the intersection of Rts. 2 and 7 in Williamstown, follow Rt. 7 north for 1.7 miles. Turn right onto Sand Spring Rd., then bear right onto Bridges Rd. Follow for 0.3 miles, turn left onto White Oaks Rd., and continue for 1.1 miles. When the road becomes dirt, continue for 0.4 miles, bear left at the fork onto Benedict Rd., and continue 0.1 miles to the entrance and parking for up to 8 cars on the left.

Join the Adventure

Participate in The Trustees Hiking Challenge and explore over 100 places with hundreds of miles of trails. Whether enjoying a vinyasa yoga class amidst stunning sunsets or observing the changing seasons at Bartholomew's Cobble, there's something for everyone.

Mountain Meadow Preserve is not just a place; it's an experience steeped in history and natural beauty. Once a vital hunting and living space for Native Americans, its remote location delayed colonial settlement until the mid-1700s. Today, it stands as a testament to nature's resilience and a cherished part of Massachusetts' ecological heritage.

Visit Mountain Meadow Preserve and immerse yourself in the serenity and splendor of nature's masterpiece.