Tree Farm Trail

Tree Farm Trail is a 2.75-mile loop beginning at Horseshoe Pond Trailhead. It circles old farm fields and returning woodland, passing near the pond. Plan on about 1½ hours. The park rates it moderate and lists about 80 feet of elevation change; the route is mostly flat. Choose it for an easygoing walk whose interest comes from the changing landscape, not a dramatic overlook.

Begin at the trailhead bulletin board in the parking lot, then follow the marked Tree Farm loop. The route threads across old fields and through recovering forest before returning to the lot. At forks, check the posted map: some visitors have taken the wrong branch. Nearby Heritage Farms is private, so stay on the signed public trail.

This was Bishop Farm. The family worked the land from the 1840s, first raising dairy cows, then beef cattle, and by 1955 growing Christmas trees. Look for old fencerows and rows of evergreens that still show the farm's layout. Forest is taking back the fields, so the walk shifts between open edges and wooded stretches. The oddly shaped farm pond was built in the late 1900s and gave Horseshoe Pond its name.

The unpaved trail is mostly dirt and gravel, with tree-rooted sections and gentle rolls. Spring thaw and heavy rain can leave it muddy; reports vary on how long wet patches last. Allow extra time when the ground is soft. The park also recommends this route for cross-country skiing and birdwatching. Leashed pets are allowed, with a leash no longer than six feet.

Parking, restrooms, the trailhead board and a picnic shelter are at Horseshoe Pond. A separate short paved path and boardwalk lead to a wheelchair-accessible fishing pier; the incline can challenge some manual wheelchair users. If you want a brief waterside stop, take that access path instead of the full loop. The pond edge and planted evergreen rows make the strongest photo subjects.