A Braintree couple have made a donation of more than 1500 acres of well-managed forest land along the crest of the Braintree Range between Braintree and Rochester. In doing so, Paul Kendall and Sharon Rives have secured to posterity a good portion of Randolph’s westward view, as seen from Exit 4.
The property, which is now being called the Braintree Mountain Forest, is located off of Riford Brook in Braintree and extends to the ridgeline above, including four peaks and reaching an altitude of 3030 feet.
These are the peaks known informally as (south to north) Round Top, Double Top (or Twin Peaks), Skidoo, and 30-30, which is the highest peak in the range.
At the owners’ request NEFF will continue to manage the forest in the same manner and ensure that the ridgelines remain undisturbed by any form of visible development for a period of at least 50 years. Productive, managed forestry will be permitted.
Recreational Trails
However, that doesn’t mean that the 1547 acres will be a preserve just for trees. The forest has an excellent internal road system and is interwoven by many trails for hiking and skiing; a designated VAST snowmobile trail also crosses the property.
“Braintree Mountain Forest now is open to everyone for passive recreational purposes,” the release from the NEFF said.
In general, motorized uses, including ATVs, will be prohibited except for the existing VAST trail, which may not be expanded.
Dedicated hikers and crosscountry skiers themselves, they have led numerous treks through the forest and up the ridges, and have hosted ski trips of the Catamount Trail Association.
In fact, the agreement with NEFF stipulates that Kendall and Rives may continue to maintain the trail system.
Part of the protected mountain range.
Views to the East
