Welcome to Mandell Hill. This is conservation land owned and managed by the East Quabbin Land Trust. The property is a working farm for cattle and haying operations. Due to this please be sure to read the regulations posted at kiosk. Kiosk is located at parking area provided under waypoints. Immediately after parking you will see foundations for the farmhouse and barn the land was originally a part of. Depending what time of year it is you may see cattle or Alpacas grazing nearby. There's also a wide variety of birding opportunities including a wonderful elevated platform offering unobstructed views of the surrounding landscape. Mt. Wachusett will be visible in the East as well.
Mandell Hill has a well marked loop trail which travels around the perimeter of the property. The trail begins at the parking area and shortly after splits into two directions. No matter which direction you go you will return to the parking. There is a smaller spur trail specifically intended to give mountain bikes more terrain to cover. The trail traverses pasture, woodland and timber harvesting areas. It changes from wide grassy lanes to old cart roads to single file forest paths which should only take about an hour if done in its entirety. There are a couple picnic areas. One immediately near parking area, the other is located beneath the European Beech tree visible from parking area.
The EQLT encourages the use of their properties by the public. Hunting is allowed so be aware of the season and dress appropriately. Dogs, mountain bikes and geo caching are all allowed. Please be sure to read regulations and close all gates behind yourself. Check out the elevated platform and be sure to bring the kids over to use the fun contraption built onto it.
You are searching for an ammo can which will not be winter friendly. It contains a FTF geo coin which is not activated and other swag items. Please be sure to replace as found.
Check out eqlt.org for more information about this great group. You can find a map of the property on the Mandell Hill information page