Fourth of July Fun in Town at Rocky Woods

Are you looking for a quiet Fourth of July weekend opting out of hectic family BBQs and local fireworks celebrations? Head over to Rocky Woods in Medfield, a 419-acre nature’s paradise right on Hartford Street.

The land is owned by the Trustees of Preservation and includes trails and paths that wind around five man-made ponds, a 435-foot hill, hay fields and wetlands.

The varied terrain makes it possible to spend hours meandering with your family on a weekend afternoon and not get bored. There are 6.5 miles of trails, but there are delineated loops allowing families to take a leisurely stroll without taking up the whole afternoon. One popular trail is a 0.75-mile loop around Chickering Pond, the largest pond in Rocky Woods.

The property includes a picnic area so you can pack lunches and take a respite while hiking.

The protected land is also fertile ground for bird-watching and there is also catch-and-release fishing at the five ponds.

There is a $4 admission charge for adults and all children under 12 are free. Mountain-biking is permitted on designated trails and dog walking is also allowed but owners must obtain a free permit.