Mendon Hike Challenge
Nine hikes. 800 acres. One patch.
The Mendon Hike Challenge is a free, self-paced hiking program launched in April 2023 by the Town of Mendon. Complete all nine designated hikes across Mendon's conservation lands and town forest, log each hike, write about your favorite, and earn an official patch and sticker.
How it works
- 1Register online or pick up a packet at the Town Clerk's Office (20 Main Street, Mendon).
- 2Complete all 9 hikes at your own pace. Log each hike date and companions on your MHC Log.
- 3Write a short paragraph about your favorite hike.
- 4Submit your completed log online or drop it off at the Town Clerk's Office.
- 5Receive your official official mendon hike challenge patch and/or sticker.
Before you hit the trails
- Wear good hiking shoes — many trails are rocky with exposed roots.
- Be aware of mosquitoes and ticks, especially spring through fall.
- During deer hunting season, hike on Sundays (no hunting on Sundays in MA) or wear bright orange.
- Follow black-and-white "Mendon Hike" signs and MHC map arrows.
- Stay on designated trails — undesignated paths may lead to private property.
- Do not swim in Inman Pond (muddy bottom, water snakes). Wildlife viewing only.
The nine hikes
The Zoo Loop
1.5 hours6 Southwick Street
Zoo Connector to Smokin' Joe Trail, continue to Mill Trail, Taft Trail, Split Rock Trail, Quarry Trail, and Rio's Run back to start.
Highlights
- Glacial erratics in Elephant Creek channel
- Taft Shingle Mill remnants
- Climbable rock with forest views
- 19th-century stone culvert
- +2 more
Trails on this site
Asylum Street East
2 hours41 Asylum Street
Asylum Trail to Popsy Trail, left onto Taft Trail, Bedrock Trail, Bobcat Trail, back via Asylum Trail.
Highlights
- Pink elephant trail sign (Popsy, Southwick Zoo's first elephant)
- Beaver pond
Trails on this site
Shirley's Trail
2.5 hours203 Millville Road
Shirley's Trail to Red Bat Trail, Holly's Path, Tower Road, Anchors Aweigh, Taft Trail, Quarry Trail, Absalom Trail, Fire Tower, Wigwam Trail, Big Wall Trail back to parking.
Highlights
- Anchor Rock
- The Dance Hall
- Thompson Taft cellar hole
- Fire Tower with views
- +2 more
Trails on this site
Cormier Woods — Red and Blue Trails
2 hours248 Chapin Street
Red Dot Trail to Blue Dot Trail, past Jonathan White homestead, back via Red Dot Trail.
Highlights
- Jonathan White Homestead Ruins
- Boulder Field
- Rock Ledges
- Blueberry Patch
Trails on this site
Cormier Woods to Meadow Brook Woods
1 hour248 Chapin Street
Yellow-blazed trail to Cormier-Meadow Brook Trail (white), White Pine Trail, Wigwam Brook Trail, return past beaver pond through blueberry field.
Highlights
- Beaver pond
- Blueberry field
- Standing Boulder
Trails on this site
Wigwam Brook — Cormier/Meadow Brook Loop
1 hour41 Asylum Street
Wigwam Brook Trail across bridge, Cormier-Meadow Brook Link Trail, Inman Pond Loop (orange blaze), cabin at hilltop, return via white dot trail.
Highlights
- Wigwam Brook bridge
- Multiple bridges across Meadow Brook
- Inman Pond
- Hilltop cabin
Trails on this site
Meadow Brook Uplands
2 hoursKinsley Lane
Old Cart Trail (orange blaze) to Great Blue Heron Loop Trail (blue blaze), past Woodland Connector, return via Old Cart Trail to Kinsley Lane.
Highlights
- Three NHESP-certified vernal pools
- Rock outcrops and standing boulders
- Brook outlet for Lake Nipmuc
- Evidence of beaver activity
- +1 more
Trails on this site
Caleb's Long Trail
2 hours26 Inman Hill Road
Inman Hill Loop (white dots) to East Trail (green dots), Old Quissett Trail (yellow dots), Stonewall Trail (red dots), return via Inman Hill Loop.
Highlights
- Numbered intersection markers on trees
- Multiple blazed trail systems
- Cross-preserve route through Inman Hill WCA and Quissett WMA
Trails on this site
Quissett East Short Trail
1 hour 20 minutes53 Quissett Road
East Trail (green dot) to Inman Hill Loop (white dot, #5), Round Meadow Brook Trail (red dot, #9), return via East Trail.
Highlights
- Shortest of the Inman Hill area hikes
- East Trail and Round Meadow Brook Trail
Trails on this site
Organized by
Mendon Parks Commission and Mendon Land Use Committee
Partner organizations
- Town of Mendon
- The Trustees of Reservations
- Metacomet Land Trust
- MA Division of Fisheries and Wildlife
- Bay State Trail Riders Association
- Central Massachusetts Regional Planning Commission
Ready to start the challenge?
Explore the trails on the map and start logging your hikes today.