Photos by Cheryl Landes

The Lime Quarry Reservation in Chelmsford, Massachusetts, is a pleasant place to take a walk year-round, but fall is an extra special experience because of the vibrant colors. The trails, a combination of dirt and boardwalks, wind through 64 acres of forest and passes old lime quarries.

There are three trails at the reservation. The Blue Jay Loop, which circles the northern half of the reservation, is the longest. The loop starts at the trailhead at the parking lot on Littleton Road, also known as Route 110.

The Lime Kiln Extension trail mostly winds through the southeast corner of the reservation. It connects with the Blue Jay Loop at two points on the south side of the loop, which provides a longer hike.

The Red Robin Link intersects the north and south sides of the Blue Jay Loop in the middle of the loop. This is the shortest trail in the reservation.

View or download the trail map (PDF).

The reservation is the former site of lime quarries and kilns dating as far back as 1736. The quarries operated until 1830. Lime from the quarries was used in plaster for the homes in Chelmsford and Lowell. Today, the remains of the quarries are still visible as large holes covered with grass, vines, and ferns.

The Lime Quarry Reservation is located at 151 Littleton Road in Chelmsford. The entrance is easy to miss, because the sign is parallel with the road.

Parking is limited, but usually when I go there, I find a spot.

For more information, visit the Town of Chemlsford’s website.

Chelmsford is 31 miles northwest of Boston.