N-W  S. F.  TRAIL  SYSTEM  DESCRIPTION

	TRAIL  SYSTEM  BEING  EVALUATED  BY  DCR
	In 1998, some volunteers asked for and received permission to create low-impact, sustainable trails appropriate for 	cross-country skiing, snow-shoeing, and hiking. Between that time and the fall of 2007, when the trails were 	completed, the Northfield and Warwick State Forests changed administration from the Department of 	Environmental Management (DEM) to the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR).  With this 	administrative change came new trail restrictions, and thus the system of trails will need to be evaluated by DCR.   	The purpose of the new restrictions is to assure that all trails adhere to standards of trail sustainability, protect 	habitat of rare and endangered species, prevent erosion, and prevent pollution of water resources.  Hopefully, the 	new process will be effective, and will not discourage trail users from getting permission and working 	cooperatively with DCR in trail partnerships. 
	
	When the trail volunteers met with a group of DCR representatives, they were informed that within the Department 	of Conservation and Recreation, the Northfield State Forest has been designated as a Conservation (logging) 	resource, not a Recreation (trails) resource.  

	MAPS  UNAVAILABLE AT THIS TIME
	Detailed and accurate maps have been made using GPS data, but we are honoring DCR’s request to not post them 	on this website while the trails are being evaluated.    
	
	LOW-IMPACT, NON-COMMERCIAL – In contrast to the wide and challenging, bull-dozed trails found at most 
ski touring centers, these trails were designed to be navigable paths in the wild, having minimum negative impact on the environment. The trails stay close to contour lines, ascending or descending slightly, avoiding any need for erosion control features such as water bars. Each trail is barely wide enough for ski tracks, with small trees being removed primarily on the gentle down-hills for safety’s sake. Intermittent brooks are crossed mostly by snow-bridges, typically spanning a water/ice width of 2-3 feet. Hikers can literally step across the brooks. GIS maps have be studied to be sure that endangered species of plants and animals have been avoided.

ELEVATION – The trail system is located at an elevation that varies between 950 feet and 1350 feet. 
On average, this is 850 feet higher than the elevation of Main St., Northfield, making snow conditions and snow depth significantly different. – often with considerably better skiing.   

LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY – Most of the trails traverse gentle terrain, following topological contours, avoiding steep grades. The trails were designed for the advanced beginner. None of the down-hills are steep, all are straight runs, and all have a “run-out”.  However, poor snow conditions or natural obstacles, such as storm debris, can add to the challenge of an otherwise easy trail. Trails are not groomed, nor are they patrolled. Trail users are encouraged to fill in their “bath-tubs” (should they take a fall) and try to clear fallen obstacles if they are able.   

The trails are well-marked with signs at intersections and painted blazes along the trail. 

PAINTED BLAZES are NOT coded to indicate level of difficulty. Instead, the COLOR CODE for painted blazes indicates your location in the trail system. 

FIVE  COLORS  are used to indicate where you are in the trail system.
		RED           -- You are on an ACCESS TRAIL  -  BETWEEN a TRAILHEAD and a LOOP. 
		BLUE         -- You are on a LOOP. 
		YELLOW   -- You are on a SHORTCUT – ACROSS a LOOP
GREEN      -- You are on a SHORTCUT – ACROSS a LOOP
PINK          -- You are on a LINK – BETWEEN LOOPS
	
	THREE  TRAILHEADS   and   FIVE  LOOPS:

A)	 ALEXANDER HILL RD. TRAILHEAD – From Main St. in Northfield, turn E on Maple St., which in    		a mile or so, becomes Gulf Rd. Turn diagonally left onto Alexander Hill Rd. and follow that 		uphill for about 3 miles to the TRAILHEAD / PARKING. Follow ACCESS TRAIL to 
1)	ALEXANDER HILL LOOP – 3.37 mi.
      	This loop is on the left (north)  side of Alexander Hill Road, mostly between the original 	Alexander Hill Road and the original Turnpike Road. This trail passes rock piles along the 	Northfield-Warwick town line, bordering an old homestead, as well as some prominent rock 	formations. A yellow-blazed shortcut and a green-blazed shortcut allow for a shorter tour. 
2)	ASA STRATTON LOOP – 1.8 mi.
	This loop is on the right (south) side of Alexander Hill Road, and except for the section near 	the trailhead, is east of the power line. This trail passes by a vernal pool and includes one 	vista with views to the west and north as well as a panorama with views to the south, east, 	and north. A yellow-blazed shortcut allows for a shorter tour. 

B)	 Coller Cemetery Rd. Trailhead -  From Main St. in Northfield, turn E on Maple St., which in a 
mile or so, becomes Gulf Rd. Continue uphill for about 2 miles, and after reaching the height of land, turn left onto Orange Rd. Follow this for about 2 miles and turn on the first left, Coller Cemetery Rd. Follow this to the TRAILHEAD / PARKING where the road ends. Follow ACCESS TRAIL to 
3)	COLLER CEMETERY EAST LOOP – 2.8 mi.
	This loop is on the east side of a ridge that extends from the top of Stratton Mountain to the 	Coller Cemetery Trailhead. A yellow-blazed shortcut and a green-blazed shortcut allow for 	a shorter tour. 
4)  COLLER CEMETERY WEST LOOP – 2.08 mi.
	This loop is on the west side of a ridge that extends from the top of Stratton Mountain to the 	Coller Cemetery Trailhead. The trails follow stepped plateaus formed when Lake Hitchcock 	receded at the end of the ice age. A yellow-blazed shortcut and a green-blazed shortcut 	allow for a shorter tour. 

C)	Bass Road (Warwick) Trailhead – From Main St in Northfield, turn E on Warwick Rd./Ave. and 
follow this uphill for about 2.5 miles. Turn right onto Bass Rd. (formerly known as White Rd.) Follow this until the road makes a 90º turn to the left. There is usually room to park at this corner.  Follow RED ACCESS TRAIL to 
5)  BASS ROAD LOOP – 4.2 mi. 
 	This loop is located on both sides of the original Alexander Hill Road. It has views of 	Stevens Swamp and goes by the Warwick Indian Cave.  A yellow-blazed shortcut  	loop allows for a shorter tour.