October Farm Loop

The October Farm Loop begins at the parking area at the end of Ball’s Hill Road, just off Monument Street in Concord, MA. From the trailhead, head south on the yellow-blazed main trail, staying left at the first Y-intersection. Continue left at the next split to join the Riverfront Trail, which winds through wetland forest and follows the banks of the Concord River for a quiet stretch of river views. This riverside section offers excellent opportunities for birding and wildlife viewing, especially near vernal pools and seasonal wetland areas. Farther along, stay on the main trail or take an optional detour along the red-blazed trail that climbs over Ball’s Hill for a short, wooded ridge walk. Rejoining the yellow-blazed trail, keep left again to skirt the base of Dakins Hill. Continue straight through several intersections beyond Dakins Hill, then follow the red-blazed trail up and over Holden Hill—one of the preserve’s prominent glacial features. From here, descend back to the Riverfront Trail and close the loop by turning left at the yellow-blazed trail between Dakins Hill and Ball’s Hill and returning to the trailhead. This easy forest route blends riverside walking with low hill climbs and traces of Concord’s glacial and historical past.