Patrill Hollow Preserve is a beautiful 136-acre woodland preserve situated just southwest of Hardwick center. The Preserve supports a variety of interesting habitats including oak, white pine, red maple, and hemlock forest. An exemplary vernal pool is found along the Preserve’s northern boundary and a perennial stream flows southerly through the red maple swamp and eventually into Danforth Brook off site. A small hayfield is actively farmed along the preserve’s eastern boundary. Topography is variable, rising from central low wetlands to rocky woodland summits in the northeast and southwest.
The Preserve’s outer woodland trail loop is just over 3 miles. The orange and yellow trail sections are cut-off trails and pass additional interesting features of the Preserve. In 2025, a beginner mountain biking trail was built in the northeast corner of the property as part of an Eagle Scout project. Volunteers from Wachusett NEMBA (New England Mountain Bike Association), Scouting America Troop 40 in Orange, EQLT and our 2025 TerraCorps service members helped build this three-quarter of a mile-long trail.
The trails meander through mixed oak and pine forest, circle around the vernal pool, and pass near stone walls and old foundations before climbing in elevation. Several large beech, oak, and white pine trees are found along the dry ridge trail to the east. These large canopied trees and the remnant stone walls remind us that animals once grazed these woodland slopes and sought shade under the very same trees. A large boulder left by the glacier is found along the woodland trail as it winds downslope toward the stone bridge and stream crossing. In the spring, these wetlands are alive with the chorus of spring peepers and wood frogs and a glow with the bright yellow flowers of marsh marigolds. After crossing the stream along the southern border, the trail climbs uphill through oak forest to a lovely hemlock grove on a rocky woodland summit. The main loop trail is a leisurely 1-1.5 hour hike.
The Patrill Hollow Preserve was given to the East Quabbin Land Trust in 2006 by the Thoma Family. With its quiet surroundings and natural beauty, the Preserve offers visitors wonderful opportunities for hiking, picnicking, nature study, photography, bird watching, cross-country skiing, and mountain biking.
Directions: Patrill Hollow Preserve is located ½ mile southwest of Hardwick Center. Information kiosks are found at the two Preserve entrances. The main Preserve entrance is located along Hardwick Road, just ½ mile south of the center of town. Watch for the Preserve entrance sign and trail markers at the bar way to the stone wall and the hayfield. To reach the entrance on the west side of the Preserve, follow Greenwich Road from the town common for approximately ¼ mile west to Patrill Hollow Road. Follow Patrill Hollow Road southwesterly for another ¼ mile. Watch for the Preserve entrance and information kiosk on the left side of the road, approximately 400 feet north of the intersection of Patrill Hollow and Czesky Roads.
The East Quabbin Land Trust encourages visitors to all of its preserves. Please be respectful of the land and other visitors. EQLT has several policies that guide use of the land, including a Dog Policy, Hunting and Fishing Policy and Recreational Trail Use Policy. We encourage you to go explore the Patrill Hollow Preserve.
