Cat Rock and the 80 Acres Conservation land border the neighborhood up near Dairy Joy and the baseball field on Drabbington Way. One entrance to the conservation land is right next to the road to the Cambridge School of Weston. You can also access the Cat Rock area by going through the Dairy Joy neighborhood to Bradford Road.

The actual hill of Cat Rock can be very steep and somewhat terrifying (especially in the winter when it can be slippery and icy). Even though the hill may seem scary, the top is an excellent viewpoint of forest down below, and you can even see buildings in Waltham, the town next to Weston. Yet the other areas are quite flat.

The other areas of the walk are filled with beautiful New England trees. In these New England forests, there is a pond and stream called Hobbes Brook. The pond and its surroundings make the New England scenery an even more delightful experience, both in the cold, snowy winter, and the warm, joyful summer. Even though it is as beautiful in the winter; it can also be much more cold and dangerous. In the winter, the pond freezes and ice may seem to cover the pond. No matter what, DO NOT GO PLAY ON THE ICE! Even if it looks safe, do not try it. Trust your instincts! In addition to being safe, be sure to dress warmly in the winter with extra layers of clothing.

Cat Rock is famous for its old ski area. The town purchased the area in 1957, and until its closing in 1978, the Cat Rock area was a thriving ski hill. On the side of the big hill, you can still see separate posts that were once connected together to tow skiers up to the top of the hill so they could ski down the gigantic hill. Today, the posts are all that are left of the ski area on Cat Rock.

For experienced mountain bikers, this area becomes an enjoyable trip and experience (only accessible in the warm, non-snowy or non-slick weather). Sledding is also a big hit at Cat Rock, and it is fun for all ages.

For experienced skiers or snowboarders, the Cat Rock hill is still conquerable in winter months, but be careful of rough conditions, since there are no maintenance services to take care of the snowy and icy hill.

The next area on the walk is near Drabbington Way, famous for the Little League Baseball field. It is the area that is filled with New England trees and leaves. From the summit of Cat Rock, you can walk down the hill, but be careful! At the bottom of the hill, turn right (Southeast) onto the marked trail. This will then lead you down to the baseball field. Once at the baseball field, go across to the parking lot, where there will be another trail opening to the left. Once on the trail again, continuing in a straight, easterly direction, you will come to a bridge that lets you cross Hobbs Brook.

Continuing straight on the same trail for approximately 1,200 feet, you will eventually come to the edge of the area, near Lexington St. You may be able to hear the cars from Lexington St, but take a left down a trail for about 400 feet. When coming to the next intersection, turn left again. Stay straight on this path for about 500-600 feet. When coming to a big intersection of four trails, go right towards Hobbes Pond for about 200 feet. Then take another right and follow that path. It will present you with a beautiful view of the pond through the trees. Coming out the woods, cross the bridge below the small dam.

In the summer months, the pond is used as a fun source of fishing, and swimming (for dogs!). The whole area of Cat Rock and 80 acres is a great place to walk your dog(s) and they have a blast when you take them to the pond.

Spruce Trees:
Spruce Trees are very common in the northern states and regions of the United States. Their needles are really stiff and hard, and spiky! The keep their dark green needles through the cold winter, like the other pine trees in the area. They call also grow into enormous trees, towering over the open plains of the 80 Acres.

Frozen World,
by Sarah Smith

The bitter cold bites the bone
Yet the beautiful view warms the ground
It is calm, no busy noise
No trucks or cars are found

The snow is falling
Some ice is cracking
Oh, the sound of whistling wind through the trees
There is no one here
No one but me