Hike of the Month: Arthur Iversen Conservation Area
By now, we’d usually have dusted off our snowshoes and skis, ready to embrace winter. This year, we’ll have to wait a little longer. But when that first snowstorm arrives, grab your jacket, lace up your boots, and head to Arthur Iversen Conservation Area for some fantastic winter recreation!
In the east shadow of nearby Mount Grace, the Arthur Iversen Conservation Area (AICA) is within the Hodge and Rum Brook watersheds. Pieced together with the help of eight landowners, the nearly 600-acre natural mosaic encompasses an ecosystem supporting several threatened birds and plants and has inspiring landscape features like a stunning waterfall, beautiful brooks, and wonderful wetlands. This CA is perfect for hiking, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
Two hiking trails to explore: Washbowl Falls Trail and Rum Brook Trail
The 2.3-mile Washbowl Falls Trail begins on the west side of Gale Rd. From the kiosk, the trail goes through the hemlock hardwood forest to a small beaver pond on Hodge Brook. A variety of flora and wildlife can be found here, including colorful late summer wildflowers. Continue along the rim of the brook basin to view the Washbowl and a seasonal waterfall. The trail continues through the woods back to Gale Rd. Take a right (south) onto Gale Rd to return to the trail head.
A second trail begins on the east side of Gale Rd, beginning at a gate. An easy northeast walk leads to a foot bridge for an open view of the Rum Brook wetland and a view of a habitat management conducted in 2016 to create early successional habitat for birds that prefer young forest to nest, forage, and breed.
- Distance: 2.4-miles
- Type: Loop
- Elevation Gain: 315 feet
- Distance: 1.2-miles
- Type: Out-and-back
- Elevation Gain: 95 ft
Directions
67 Gale Rd, Warwick, MA 01378
From the junction of routes 2A and 78 west of Orange center, follow Route 78 north to Warwick center. Turn right on Athol Rd, and follow it 0.8 miles to another right on Gale Rd. Continue along Gale Rd for 1 mile to the kiosk for the Washbowl Falls trail on the right, and another 0.1 miles to the Rum Brook trail on the left.
Note: The AICA is only accessible from Athol Rd by car as the bridge to the south on Gale Rd is closed.
Parking is available on the side of Gale Road in front of trail heads.