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Major Trail SystemsAndover Conservation Commission Land
AVIS ReservationsMassachusetts dcrTown of Andover LandTrustees of the ReservationsOther Land |
Wood Hill/Bald HillFeatures:Wood Hill and Bald Hill are glacial formations known as drumlins, smooth rounded hills composed of clay, sand, gravel, pebbles and boulders. They formed when the moving ice sheets pushed together and molded masses of sticky glacial till. They are characterized by an oval, lens-shaped outline, oriented in the direction of glacial movement. Bald Hill is not really bald; small white pines, birches and juniper cover the summit. Healthy sumac bushes and interesting small evergreens grow on the grassy eastern side. Farther down Bald Hill and on Wood Hill, tall pines and oaks flourish. Look for American chestnut saplings growing from rootstock of pre-1930s blight chestnut trees. The northern descent from Wood Hill passes through large areas of ferns and blueberry bushes. History:Although Wood Hill Road is now little more than a trail in some places, the stone walls on either side, the occasional ruins of a building and some very large trees that once shaded the front yards of the houses nearby are evidence of its former importance. Back from the road, a few stone walls suggest that the area may once have been used as pasture land. It is also likely, however, that these forests provided woodlots for farmers along the Merrimack River and people in town, thus producing the name Bald Hill. The prime blueberry picking area at its summit was helped by occasional fires in the 1930s that kept the tree growth down, ensuring a steady supply of sturdy young blueberry bushes.
Suggested Walks:From the composting area parking lot an old woods road leads southeast to the Bald Hill trail. The trail descends south to old Wood Hill Road. A right turn will take you back to High Plain Road. For a longer walk, cross Wood Hill Road to climb Wood Hill. These trails are for the more adventurous (a compass would help); recent land transactions have both helped and hurt the original trails layout. Plans are in place to deal with gaps and some poorly marked sections. Follow the stonewall northward to reach Wood Hill Road again, just south of its junction with High Plain Road. To complete the loop, cross Wood Hill Road again and follow the winding trail to the northwest side of the compost area.
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