Massachusetts’ Secluded Farandnear Reservation Is A Beautifully Maintained Oasis To Explore

Next time you're looking to explore Massachusetts nature, you need to take a trip to Farandnear Reservation in Shirley. This arboretum is packed with gorgeous hiking trails, 10-acres of hemlocks, stunning wildflowers, and is beautifully maintained by The Trustees. Besides being an unforgettable natural oasis in central Massachusetts, this area of land has some interesting history behind it. For relaxing hiking trails, the best bird watching around, and hemlocks as far as the eye can see, there's no better natural oasis than this. Let's learn more about why Farandnear Reservation needs to be on your to-do list.

Welcome to Farandnear Reservation!

This beautifully maintained nature preserve is located in Shirley, Massachusetts, and is run by The Trustees. While this area is open to the public, it's near private property, so you'll want to be respectful.

This historic piece of land was in the Banks family for generations before becoming a gorgeous nature reserve for all Bay Staters to see.

The grandfather of the most recent owner, Arthur Banks, who was an accomplished political scientist, was named Charles Goodspeed. He named the reservation Farandnear because it was far enough away to take two days by horse to reach from his primary home, but still close enough be a sweet escape.

Now, this beautiful natural oasis is home to many secluded hiking trails that are breathtaking any time of year.

Many Bay Staters love visiting Farandnear to see nearly 10-acres of hemlocks. These conifers are unforgettable.

Escaping into this central Massachusetts oasis is sure to have you feeling like you've stepped into a fairy tale. Next time you want to take a relaxing nature hike, this is the place to go.

For views of wildflowers, rare birds flying around, all within a gorgeous arboretum, be sure to head to Farandnear Reservation in Shirley.

For more information on Farandnear Reservation, you can visit The Trustees website right here.

Have you ever visited Farandnear Reservation in Shirley? What was it like? We’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments, and don’t forget to then go share photos from your Massachusetts outdoor adventures with us in our Massachusetts Nature Lovers group on Facebook, or by tagging us at #onlyinmassachusetts on Instagram for a chance to be featured!