The Highlights of Distant Hill

“Nature is the source of all true knowledge.” – Leonardo da Vinci

• Cultivated Gardens with over 450 varieties of Labeled Plants.
• Distant Hill Nature Trail has over two-miles of wheelchair- and stroller-accessible trails and three miles of hiking trails, open daily free of charge. 
• White Rock Woods is a forest play area on the nature trail. 
• A children’s Story Walk® Trail sponsored by the Walpole Town Library, featuring a new book on display the first of every month!
• Distant Hill Geology Trail is a 3/4-mile long trail with interpretive signs at each of the ten unique geological outcrops found on the trail.
• Numerous unique wetlands, including 10 Vernal Pools, and 4 Forest Seeps.  
• A boardwalk and log bridge over a floating Cranberry Bog.
• A large Stone Circle built with stones from the property.
• Managed forests supporting over 30 species of Native Trees. 
• A Milkweed Meadow for monarch butterflies.
• A pollinator meadow with flowers in bloom from spring to late fall. 
• A small sugarbush for producing our own Maple Syrup.
• Dozens of Creative Sculptures throughout the gardens. 
• Alternative energy systems powering two Passive Solar Homes.
• Over 150 acres of Wildlife friendly forests.

The ornamental shrub gardens, the vegetable garden, all of the stonework including the stone circle, the many buildings, and the substantial trail network were all designed and built by Michael and Kathy Nerrie.

A growing team of volunteers helps maintain our gardens and pollinator meadows; build and care for our accessible trails, hiking paths, and play area; remove invasive plants; and support the ongoing maintenance of Distant Hill. We also have a dedicated group of volunteers who assist riders using our TerrainHopper mobility vehicle, helping ensure that everyone can access our trails.