Rock House Reservation Trail

The Rock House Reservation Trail begins from a parking area on Route 9 in West Brookfield, Massachusetts, and loops through mixed hardwood forest managed by The Trustees of Reservations. From the trailhead, follow Pond Trail east and stay right at two signed junctions to join the Outer Loop. After a gentle incline through wooded terrain, turn right onto Fullam Trail, which skirts the edge of a wetland area before meeting the Fire Road. Turn left on the Fire Road, then take a right onto the Summit Loop—a short, sometimes muddy spur that climbs to higher ground. Once the loop is complete, rejoin the Fire Road and continue downhill, passing Carter Pond on your left. Just beyond the pond, turn left onto Pond Trail to pass The Rock House—an impressive rock overhang—before returning to the trailhead. This route offers a mix of forest walking, glacial boulder fields, and interpretive features like a small cabin and signage. Sections of trail may be wet or eroded after storms, especially on the Summit Loop. During hunting season, hikers should wear blaze orange when exploring areas west of the Outer Loop. Mountain bikes and horseback riders are only allowed on Fire Road. With Carter Pond at its center and a variety of natural and cultural highlights, this is a rewarding and accessible day hike in central Massachusetts.