Estabrook Woods Loop

Estabrook Woods is a scenic and peaceful nature preserve in Concord, Massachusetts with multiple lakes, beautiful forests, and a surprisingly large and well-maintained trail network that stretches from Concord all the way to Carlisle. This 3.3-mile loop takes hikers and runners past some of the best scenery in the conservation land.

The loop begins off of Estabrook Road, where there are two small pulloffs, providing space for around half a dozen cars. Following the trail along private property between two farms, hikers soon reach the entrance to the park; the loop continues straight along the Esker Trail until 0.7 miles. Turning right onto the Spruce Trail, hikers head east towards Hutchins Pond, then turn south to pass the old ski slope on Punkatasset Hill (with the option to follow an additional loop trail to the top and back down). Near the Monument Street entrance, the loop heads along Two Rod Road back towards Hutchins Pond. Here is one of the most scenic views in the park; on a calm day the pond has perfect, still reflections of the pine, maple, and beech trees that surround it - especially beautiful in autumn.

Following the Red trail around the pond, turn right onto the West Hubbard trail. At 2.4 miles this trail meets the Estabrook Trail, which is a wide carriage road. The Estabrook Trail leads past Mink Pond, home to a variety of bird wildlife. The trail again meets the Esker Trail at the entrance to the park at 3.3 miles.

This loop can also be done from the Monument Street entrance to Estabrook Woods, which similarly offers only a few parking spots that fill up on weekends. Although the parking does fill up sometimes, the fact that there is so little of it means that the entire nature preserve is nearly empty and very peaceful and serene. During your visit, please be courteous to the landowners whose land abuts or forms part of Estabrook Woods, as much of the park is on private property.