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Hiking

Muddy Pond Wilderness Preserve

X734+X4 Kingston, MA, USA

Northeast Wilderness Trust: (802) 224-1000

https://newildernesstrust.org/projects/muddy-pond-wilderness-preserve/

Owned By: Northeast Wilderness Trust

The Muddy Pond Wilderness Preserve is a secluded, 322-acre property in Kingston, MA, with 2.8 miles of woodland trails and pond views. Many of the trails are hilly. Hunting is not allowed.

Features

This preserve was established in 2018. Prior to that, it was owned by the Sisters of Divine Providence. Hunting, fishing, trapping, fires, radios, bicycles and motor vehicles are prohibited.

This land is within the region of the Wampanoag. To learn more about local Native American tribes, we encourage you to interact with their members. The Mashpee Wampanoag and the Herring Pond Wampanoag share information on their websites. The Camp Mishannock Tribal Lands are located immediately adjacent to the Muddy Pond Preserve.

Trail Description

From the entrance, follow the maroon blazes into the property. The trail extends along a ridge above the pond, up and down some moderate (and occasional challenging) hills. Toward the end, there is a loop. The entire route, from the parking area, around the loop, and back, is a total of 2.3 miles. Extend your walk, and catch a glimpse of Route 44, by following the 0.5-mile High Point Trail, blazed in yellow. It too features some challenging elevations.

 

Habitats and Wildlife

According to the property’s website, “The Preserve sits at the northernmost reaches of the Atlantic Coastal Pine Barrens. This forest type is globally rare, and found only in New Jersey, Long Island, and Southeastern Massachusetts and its islands. The Pine Barrens are dominated by pitch pine and black, white, and red oak trees.” There are also some maple and birch trees, as well as fern, sweet pepperbush, and viburnum, and several small outcroppings of quartz.

The Muddy Pond Wilderness Preserve abuts Route 44. On the other side of the highway, there are another 775 acres of woodlands, including Camp Nekon and the Kingston Town Forest. A concrete tunnel under Route 44 provides a wildlife corridor.

Waters on this property flow southwest through cedar swamplands and eventually into Doren Brook, which joins with Muddy Pond Brook to form the Winnetuxet River. The Winnetuxet River originates in Carver, near the Cole Mill site, and flows west through Plympton and Halifax to the Taunton River.

  • A photograph of a property sign at a forest trailhead, with an informational kiosk in the background.
  • A photograph of a small trail sign in a forest.
  • A photograph of a trail marker on a pine tree.
  • A photograph of a wide forest trail beside a pond.
  • A photograph of a footbridge crossing a stream with forest in the background.
  • A photograph of a pond viewed through colorful trees.
  • A photograph of a pond reflecting a cloudy sky with trees in the background.
  • A photograph of a steep trail leading downhill through a forest, with a rope railing.
  • A photograph of a pond viewed through a colorful forest.
  • A photograph of a wide trail through a pine forest.
  • A photograph of a pond reflecting a cloudy sky, with grass and trees surrounding it.
  • A photograph of two trail signs in a forest.
X734+X4 Kingston, MA, USA

Historic Site: No

Park: No

Beach: No

Boat Launch: No

Lifeguards: No

Size: 322 acres

Hours: Dawn to Dusk

Parking: The small parking area (3-4 vehicles) is located on Bishops Highway, one mile west of Route 80.

Cost: Free

Trail Difficulty: Easy, Medium, Hard

Facilities:

Bridge, informational kiosk, Rewilding Photo Point.

Dogs: Dogs must remain on leash. Please clean up after your pet!

Boat Ramp: No

ADA Access: No

Scenic Views: Yes

Waterbody/Watershed: Muddy Pond / Doren Brook (Taunton River watershed)

Other Things to Do at This Site

Forest Trails