This hike was designed for smaller kids because it stays on the carriage trails. However, if an adventurous child wants to wander off with a parent, there are plenty of side trails that will always lead back to larger ones. A nice feature of these trails is that it’s hard to get lost, there are plenty of roads around the trails and large buildings, but no one should ever walk in the woods alone and without a map.

The land was originally owned by General Charles Jackson Paine. He was the grandson of Robert Paine, who was a signer of the Declaration of Independence. General Paine bought land in Weston for a farm. He had 700 acres from Boston Post Road to Highland Street and even to Wellesley Street. He was even able to have two half-mile racetracks for his horse. About 200 acres were later bought and added to Weston Town Forest.

Recommended Hike
For a pleasant hike, park at a turn-off on the western side of Highland Street, about a mile south of Route 20. Just across the street from this parking spot is the start of this hike. Cross the street (be careful because Highland Street is busy) and you will see the trail entrance into the woods. Soon after you start up the trail, there is a right turn. If you want to see a great view, turn right and head diagonally uphill. There is a great view to the west.

This spot is a lovely place to view the sunset at dusk. You can see Reeves Hill, Nobscot Hill, Mt. Wachusett and even Mt. Monadnock in clear weather. This is a place where the sky is as beautiful as it can be right before the sun goes down. It’s a good thing the Paine family decided to donate this viewpoint to the town so that the view could be enjoyed by us!

After you’ve had enough viewing, turn around and descend back to re-join the main trail on which you started and turn right. Walk up towards intersection G.

Some of the wildlife found in these woods is typical to the North Eastern US area. There are Oak, Maple and Birch trees. An interesting plant that can be found in these woods is the Royal Fern. From far away it looks like a typical fern, but up close you can see that it has actual leaflets, which make it look more like a locust tree. You have to look carefully because from far away it’s hard to tell the difference between the two and maybe you’ll get lucky to find the Royal Fern.

There are also many animals in the Highland forest. The shy deer may cross your path if you are quiet and in winter you can see their footprints in the snow. Tracking the animal’s footprints can be a really interesting way to find out what the animals do in the woods and what kinds there are. Who knows? You may discover something new!

January Deer

I am a January deer,
so swift and light
the hardpacked snow does not even crunch
beneath my hooves.
While others around me
sleep in silent caves,
I run
through the white world
with wide-open eyes.

Marilyn Singer

About the Author
Lindsay Jarrett is a freshman at Weston High School and a member of troop 3064. She likes to play sports. Her favorites are soccer, field hockey, skiing and lacrosse.She likes to hike in the mountains during the summer when she’s at camp. She likes to be with her friends and her family and enjoys participating in town activities.

She is an avid member of her school and participates in many teams. She partakes in SADD and this year played on the freshman field hockey team during the fall, winter track team and the lacrosse team. She also participates in Weston Indoor Soccer outside of school.