Split Rock Trail

Dogs No Dogs

Features Fall Colors · Lake · Swimming · Views · Wildflowers

The trail system at Hale Reservation consists of primarily four independent loops: Storrow Pond Trail (blue blaze), Page & Sadie Trail (red blaze), Strawberry Hill Trail (yellow blaze), and Oak Hill Trail (green blaze). Blazing follows the common vertical rectangle paint marks on trees, with offset rectangles indicating turns in the trail. However, blazing is sporadic and is not done at every trail crossing or within sight of a crossing. Know the system before you go, unless you enjoy wandering.

Like most of Hale Reservation, the trail is a mix of rocky/root technical terrain and pine needle-covered smooth terrain. The loop begins and ends at Cat Rock parking lot and is blazed with orange paint. It offers access to Page & Sadie Trail (red blaze) and Storrow Pond Trail (blue blaze).

Going counterclockwise, the trail weaves its way to Noanet Pond North Beach where it connects with the Page & Sadie Trail and starts to cross the levee. Midway across the levee, the trail turns right and heads down the levee and into the woods. This is marked by a wood pole with trail names listed vertically. The trail weaves its way through the woods and is moderately well marked (a common problem in Hale Reservation).

The trail ties in with the Storrow Pond Trail at the north end and follows the blue blazes to a campground. At the campground, the two trails diverge. To stay on Split Rock, hike through the campground, cross Carby Street, and the trail weaves over level terrain back to the Cat Rock parking lot.

There are wildflowers throughout the trails, including a variety of orchid.