Cameron Woods
Also known as Sylvan Way, Whisper Way
Location
Map Legend
Directions
The trails are accessible from Whisper Way, Sylvan Way, or Wood Street. There are large signs at the Whisper Way and Sylvan Way entrances. On Whisper Way, 700 feet from Wood Street, there is parking for several cars on the right at the trail entrance and it is generally plowed in winter.
The Sylvan Way entrance is on the right just after the corner with Winter Street. Park along the street.
The Winter Street entrance, which has a small white sanctuary sign, is between 61 and 65 Winter Street. Park at the small pullout for the state park opposite 65 Winter Street.
You can also start from the Town Forest off Pond Street, where there is a parking lot and short spur to the Red Trail.
Overview
Cameron Woods with the adjacent Hopkinton Town Forest is one of the largest contiguous conservation areas in Hopkinton, containing over 250 acres of wooded land. The area has over 5 miles of trails that meander past old growth trees, streams, ravines, cliffs and rock outcroppings. In winter and early spring you can find some beautiful frozen cascades coming off the rocks (see Icicle Rock on map), and it is a great place for snowshoeing and advanced cross country skiing.
Connection to the loop trail in neighboring Whitehall State Park is possible by crossing Winter Street at the Winter Street Trailhead (orange) or the Phipps Woods Trailhead. The Winter Street Trailhead is almost directly opposite a small parking pullout for the state park (unmarked). The Phipps Woods Trailhead is ⅛ mile south of a pullout (also unmarked).
Be aware that hunting is allowed on this property, as well as the adjacent Town Forest. So it is wise to wear orange during hunting season, especially if venturing off trail. Hunting is not permitted on Sundays. The property entrances signs at Whisper Way and Sylvan Way prohibit hunting for the first few hundred feet, until the Cameron Woods sign that allows it.
Size: 126 acres; 250 acres including adjacent town land
Longest Walk: 1.8 mile loop on Yellow Trail from Whisper Way, or 2.2 miles from Sylvan Way
Acquired: 2014-2016
Photo Gallery
History
The town purchased the largest piece, the Cameron Woods portion from Ken Cameron and in 2015 granted a Conservation Restriction to HALT. The town granted a CR for the Whisper Way section in 2014, and on the Sylvan Way portion in 2016. See also the page on Phipps Woods.
The Trust maintains the trails and, often with Boy Scout help, has built most of the bridges.
Activities
Biking, Cross Country Skiing, Hiking/Walking, Horseback Riding, Hunting, Woods Trail
