North Common Meadow - Petersham, MA
North Common Meadow: A Dog-Friendly Trail in Petersham, Massachusetts
North Common Meadow, managed by the Trustees of Reservations, offers dog owners free access to peaceful meadows and pet-friendly trails in Petersham, Massachusetts. This open meadow provides scenic views, lightly wooded areas, and access to more extensive hiking if you and your dog are feeling adventurous. The park is open from dawn to dusk, and its well-groomed paths make it inviting for dog walkers seeking a tranquil nature spot.
The park is not a traditional fenced-in dog park, but it is a favorite for off-leash hiking (where permitted) and dog-friendly adventures. Visitors should take note that parking is not available directly onsite; instead, you can park on the street at the town common or along East Street, both just a short distance from the trailhead. Since the area is natural and grassy, be aware of ticks, especially in the summer months, and use precautions for both pets and humans.
FAQ
- Are there walking or hiking trails connected to the park? Yes, North Common Meadow features pet-friendly hiking trails and connects to a wooded property for longer walks.
- Where is the best place to park? There is no dedicated parking area at the trailhead. Visitors can park on the street at the town common (about a quarter mile away) or along East Street.
- Is the park open year-round? The park is open to the public from dawn to dusk year-round.
- Are ticks or other pests common in the area? Yes, ticks can be common, especially in summer. It’s recommended to take precautions before and after your visit.
- Is the park muddy after it rains? Some areas may be squishy or wet after rain, but board planks are provided over the wetter sections, and most of the trail remains dry.
Reviews
Nice place. It was not too buggy when I visited (mostly because it was not near a lot of water). July 2024 Sunday afternoon hike #3. I parked “off the road” on East Street (no real lot at this trailhead), then hiked to the Brooks Law Office and back. Only a few spots were “squishy”, but the wetter areas had good board planks. For the most part, it was dry as there is very little tree cover. This site marks my 41st Trustees location (nearly 1/3 of all of their places).
Managed by the Trustees of Reservations, this park has no parking area, but the on street parking at the town common is only a quarter mile from the trailhead. The trails are free and open to the public from dawn to dusk. I also enjoyed the little former law office of Aaron Brooks, who according to ample signage was a conservationist. I would walk here again while visiting Petersham.
Nice walking trail. Not too exciting, but in a pretty area. Leads to some more hiking through forested areas.
One of the most peaceful places I have ever walked; they keep the grass of the trail very groomed.
Lovely little park with beautiful views and access to a wooded property if you’re up for a bigger hike. Be warned: while there is a path down into the meadow, it may not always be mowed thoroughly (as it was when we visited). Poison ivy is creeping into the path in a few places and we counted upwards of 15 ticks on each of us by the end of the walk, stopping every 5 minutes or so to fling them off. Luckily all wood ticks, no deer ticks (that we saw). Just be sure to use precaution before your visit!