• Hop Brook Preserve
• Mendon Road, Blackstone, MA
• Trailhead:  42° 3’19.15″N, 71°33’8.92″W
• Last Time Hiked: July 4, 2020
• Approximate distance hiked: 1.2 miles
• Fairly easy with some elevation and muddy areas.

This property hugs the side of a hill between Mendon Road and Hop Brook. From the parking area follow the trail from the kiosk. At the time of this hike the trail was marked with survey flagging. The entrance trail winds pass a stone wall and down hill before coming to an end. Here, make note of the area as you will look for this trail on the way back, then turn right and continue to follow the flagging. The trail turns to the east and comes to another split. Stay to the left here and follow the trail downhill to the brook. At the brook you will find a series of small cascading waterfalls. Take a moment to take in nature here before continuing. You now have two options. You could retrace your steps or continue along the loop. If you follow the loop you will continue to follow the flagging. The trail narrows significantly for a few feet as you have to step from stone to stone through a muddy area. The trail then turns slightly to the right and uphill. A trail comes in from the left. Continue straight ahead. Soon you will pass a trail to the right. This is the trail you followed down to the brook. Continuing ahead start looking for your left turn onto the trail that leads to the parking area. If you follow the flagging you will do just fine. Though short in distance this hike is all hill, slight at that, but you will notice.

Hop Brook