Noon Hill Reservation
For those who live at the foot of Noon Hill, nature isn’t a destination—it’s an extension of the backyard. Comprising over 204 acres of pristine, protected wilderness (expanding to 449 acres when combined with the adjacent Shattuck Reservation and town conservation land), Noon Hill Reservation is one of the crown jewels of Medfield, Massachusetts.
Maintained under the prestigious care of The Trustees of Reservations, this majestic reservation blends deep colonial history, glacial topography, and New England scenery to create an outdoor paradise.
At 370 feet, Noon Hill gently rises as the highest point in Medfield. The reservation draws its name from colonial farmers who noticed that the midday sun passed directly over the ridge. A moderate, scenic hike to the rocky ledges at the summit rewards visitors with spectacular, far-reaching panoramic views south across the rolling hills of Walpole and Norfolk. On a clear day, you can even catch a glimpse of the Great Blue Hill or the distant silhouette of Gillette Stadium.
Tucked into the reservation is Holt Pond, a tranquil, mirror-like body of water originally created around 1764 when Sawmill Brook was dammed to power colonial grain and sawmills. Today, the forest has completely reclaimed the old pastures, creating a vibrant, thriving ecosystem. As you amble along the water’s edge, you’ll walk through dense canopy forests of white pine, beech, birch, and hemlock, which give way to vibrant vernal pools and fields of wildflowers in the spring.
Through a short, scenic trail extension across Causeway Street, Noon Hill connects seamlessly with the Shattuck Reservation. This extension opens up further exploration along the floodplains and uplands nearly surrounded by the historic Charles River, offering launching spots for summer paddling, kayaking, and canoeing.
The Lifestyle Verdict: Often described by locals as "defying the look of suburbia," Noon Hill feels more like a getaway in the mountains of Vermont than a MetroWest suburb. To have direct, private access to this expansive network of trails, ponds, and vistas is a rare luxury—offering a life of quiet tranquility just minutes from downtown Medfield and a short commute into Boston.