🌤 Weather at F. Gilbert Hills State Forest by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 28–70 °F | 57–83 °F | 34–74 °F | 20–42 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Walpole 2, 7 mi away, elevation 170 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Massachusetts’ Foxborough Trail Network — 1,000+ Acres, 23 Miles of Trails, Warner Trail, Mountain Biking, OHV Trails, High Rock Summit Near Gillette Stadium
F. Gilbert Hills State Forest is a 1,000+ acre state forest in Foxborough and Wrentham, Norfolk County, Massachusetts. The forest features 23 miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding, the historic 30-mile Warner Trail, High Rock Summit and Sunset Ledge viewpoints, a 5-mile mountain bike loop, 8 miles of OHV motorbike trails (May–November), rocky glacial terrain, and easy access from I-95.
F. Gilbert Hills is a rugged, trail-rich forest just minutes from Gillette Stadium in Foxborough — over 1,000 acres of rocky, hilly terrain shaped by glaciers. 23 miles of trails serve hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians. The Warner Trail — a historic 30-mile route from Sharon, MA, to Diamond Hill State Park in Rhode Island — passes directly through the forest. High Rock Summit and Sunset Ledge/Goat Rock offer elevated views. A dedicated 5-mile mountain bike loop mixes single and double track through moderate terrain. Unusually for Massachusetts, 8 miles of OHV motorbike trails (accessed via High Rock Road) are open May through November — ATVs are not permitted.
Things to Do
Hiking
- 23 miles of trails
- Warner Trail — 30-mi historic route through forest
- High Rock Summit
- Sunset Ledge / Goat Rock
Mountain Biking
- 5-mile MTB loop — moderate, mixed single/double track
- Rocky, hilly terrain
OHV / Motorbike
- 8 miles OHV trails — motorbikes only (no ATVs)
- May–November
- Access via High Rock Road
Park Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Foxborough + Wrentham, Norfolk County, MA |
| Acreage | 1,000+ acres |
| Trails | 23 miles — hiking, MTB, horseback |
| Warner Trail | 30-mi historic route — passes through forest |
| MTB Loop | 5 miles — moderate, single/double track |
| OHV | 8 miles — motorbikes only (May–Nov) |
| Viewpoints | High Rock Summit, Sunset Ledge/Goat Rock |
| Camping | NOT available |
| Fees | FREE |
| Nearby | Gillette Stadium, I-95 |
| Coordinates | 42.0612° N, 71.2877° W |
Best Time to Visit
| Season | Highlights | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Fall (Sep–Nov) | ⭐ BEST: Foliage from High Rock; OHV open; Warner Trail; cool air; photography | Hunting season — wear blaze orange; OHV closes late Nov |
| Spring (Apr–Jun) | Wildflowers; birding; Warner Trail; OHV opens May; green-up | Muddy trails; ticks; rocky terrain slippery when wet |
| Summer (Jul–Aug) | Full trail access; MTB; OHV; long days | Hot; humid; dense foliage; mosquitoes; bring water |
| Winter (Dec–Mar) | XC skiing; snowshoeing; bare trees reveal views; quiet | OHV CLOSED; icy rocks; short days |
Visitor Tips
- Warner Trail: The historic 30-mile Warner Trail runs from Sharon, MA, to Diamond Hill State Park in RI — the F. Gilbert Hills section is one of its best segments.
- OHV unique: 8 miles of motorbike OHV trails are unusual for Massachusetts — open May–November, no ATVs.
- Rocky terrain: The forest terrain is rocky and hilly (glacial) — wear sturdy footwear and carry GPS or maps.
- Near Gillette: Just minutes from Gillette Stadium and Patriot Place — combine with a game day or shopping.
- Free: No admission fee — open year-round (OHV seasonal).
Frequently Asked Questions
Wildlife & Nature
F. Gilbert Hills SF — 1,027 acres — features granite outcrops and kettle ponds. The forest’s rocky terrain, white pine, and wetlands support coyotes, red foxes, and white-tailed deer. Red-tailed hawks nest in the tall pines.
Nearby Attractions
Foxborough — adjacent — home of Gillette Stadium (New England Patriots). Wrentham Premium Outlets — 5 miles south.
What trails are in F. Gilbert Hills State Forest?
F. Gilbert Hills State Forest in Foxborough, Massachusetts, offers 23 miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding, including a section of the historic 30-mile Warner Trail. Highlights include High Rock Summit and Sunset Ledge viewpoints, a 5-mile mountain bike loop, and 8 miles of OHV motorbike trails (May–November). The 1,000+ acre forest features rocky, glacial terrain and is located near Gillette Stadium. Admission is free year-round.
Last updated: May 2026
More parks nearby: Bristol Blake State Reservation is a short drive away, while Borderland State Park lies a short drive away.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at F. Gilbert Hills State Forest
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) welcomes dogs on-leash in most state parks, forests and reservations, though a list of specific properties prohibits dogs for safety, health or habitat reasons.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Leash of no more than 10 feet in on-leash areas; dogs must be on-leash in all parking areas.
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Dogs are not allowed on DCR coastal beaches or in designated swimming areas of inland beaches from May 1 through September 15; shorebird-nesting beaches are closed to dogs April 1 - September 15.
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Dogs are not allowed in cabins, yurts and the encompassing areas (no pet-friendly cabin program).
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Designated off-leash areas at ~20 properties (e.g. Bark Place at Breakheart Reservation); max 4 dogs per person; dogs banned entirely at Walden Pond, Moore State Park, Sandy Point and Boston Harbor Islands.
Are dogs allowed at F. Gilbert Hills State Forest?
The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) welcomes dogs on-leash in most state parks, forests and reservations, though a list of specific properties prohibits dogs for safety, health or habitat reasons. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via mass.gov. More: Massachusetts state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
Plan your gear for F. Gilbert Hills State Forest
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
