Indian Hill Farm

Wide Paths, Wildlife Corridor, Reservoir

Indian Hill Farm | West Newbury

Property Description

Step foot on this property and you will find a beautiful and varied landscape. A climb up the hill leads visitors along exceptional dry- stacked stone walls and wide cart paths that meander through the woods and along the edge of the Indian Hill Reservoir. Look for white-tail deer and wild turkey as you walk the trails along its shore. The home on Indian Hill is privately-owned.

As its name suggests, Indian Hill is an Indigenous site. It was the site of an Algonquian agricultural village where The People grew corn, squash, beans, pumpkins, and sunflowers, which are native to New England and have edible tubers. They used juniper berries in fermentation, poultices, and medicines, and they flavored and colored their corn mashes with goldenrod flowers.

Considered to be one of the most important and historic estates in New England, it reached its modern heyday under the ownership of famed newspaper editor Major Ben Perley Poore, who was also a gentleman farmer and avid horticulturist.

Across Indian Hill Street, the Atherton Reservation is a critical link in creating West Newbury’s own 333-acre “emerald necklace” of protected lands and public trails that provide opportunities for walking and riding. As you pass through the grassland habitat with its open meadows of spring wildflowers, look for owl pellets, coyote scat and signs of beaver at its wetlands.

The trail leads to Pike’s Bridge Road, an ancient way that has changed little since colonial times. It is a legendary birding location known as “Warbler Alley.” At dusk, its woods can echo with a symphonic chorus of spring peepers and wood frogs.

Trails

1.5 miles of moderate to difficult terrain.

Conservation History

In 2014, citizens of West Newbury supported Greenbelt’s acquisition of an area known as the “Atherton Trail Connector” by contributing Community Preservation Act funds. The trail provides hikers and equestrians an important connection from Indian Hill Farm Reservation to Pike’s Bridge Road.

Indian Hill Farm is part of the Indian Hill Conservation Area.

Flora & Fauna

Observe mature hardwood stands with towering oak, ash and maples, and open fields full of wildflowers at Indian Hill Farm. Two-hundred-year-old red oak and white ash trees are among the oldest in the region.

Find bufflehead and mallard ducks among other water-fowl along the reservoir, and warblers and other migrants along Pike’s Bridge Road. In spring, listen for the chirps of the woodcock making its courtship flight. White-tailed deer and wild turkey are often spotted.

Location

Indian Hill Street, West Newbury (Opens in Google Maps)

GPS Location

Latitude: 42.785667, Longitude -70.945778

Directions & Parking:

From Route 95/Exit 83/Scotland Road:

Go west on South Street. In 0.4 miles, turn right onto Indian Hill Street. Park in the small lot at the entrance to the property on Indian Hill Street. Parking is limited to four cars.