Malcom's and Beech Tree Loop

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Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

These forests contain high-quality pitch pine/scrub oak barrens, one of the region's hallmark natural communities. The Plymouth/Carver/Wareham barrens are considered among the most biologically significant landscapes on the Eastern Seaboard, supporting rare habitats, diverse wildlife, and extensive protected open space.

Trail terrain ranges from gently rolling woodland paths to several long and occasionally steep hills, particularly within Emery Preserve West. Trails are generally free of large rocks and roots, and there are no water crossings, bog bridges, or boardwalks along this route.

Seasonal conditions can make some sections sandy, muddy, or slippery, especially after rain. Ticks and mosquitoes are common during warmer months, so long pants and insect repellent are recommended. Parking, trail access, and trail information are available at the Wildlands Trust headquarters at Davis-Douglas Farm.

This recommended loop begins and ends at the Wildlands Trust headquarters at Davis-Douglas Farm. Before heading out, be sure to stop at the information kiosk near the trailhead for maps and additional information about the trail system and surrounding conservation properties. Around the headquarters, visitors can also enjoy native plant and wildflower landscaping gardens that showcase species commonly found throughout the region.

From the headquarters, the route quickly enters a network of old cart paths, forest roads, and narrower woodland trails that wind through Six Ponds East Preserve, Emery Preserve West, and adjacent Town of Plymouth conservation land. The trail surface is generally smooth and sandy, with occasional roots, small rocks, and several moderately steep hills created by the area's glacial topography.

Early in the hike, the trail travels through mature oak-pine forest before transitioning into classic pitch pine and scrub oak barrens. The open structure of the pine barrens, combined with sandy soils and rolling terrain, gives this area its distinctive southeastern Massachusetts character. Along the way, hikers will encounter several intersecting woods roads and connecting side trails that offer opportunities to further explore the preserve network.

As the route continues south, the terrain becomes more varied, passing dry kettle holes and groves of tall white pines in different stages of development. In the southeastern portion of the trail, be sure to stop at the scenic Beech Tree clearing. This peaceful spot features a massive beech tree surrounded by benches and a picnic table, making it an ideal place to relax or enjoy a picnic beneath the forest canopy.

The route maintains a quiet, remote feel throughout much of the hike despite being only a short distance from nearby roads and neighborhoods, offering visitors a chance to experience one of the region's most ecologically important forest landscapes.

The preserve network supports a wide range of plant and animal life associated with southeastern Massachusetts pine barrens and coastal forests. In the northern sections, the trail passes through pitch pine and scrub oak barrens, while more mature oak-pine forests line portions of the route. To the south, the terrain descends into groves of white pines in various stages of succession.

Seasonal wildflowers and forest floor plants include pink lady's slippers, starflowers, pyrolas, and the unusual cauliflower fungus. Birdlife is abundant and may include Great Horned Owls, Black-capped Chickadees, Prairie Warblers, Eastern Towhees, Common Yellowthroats, Hermit Thrushes, and Ovenbirds. The mix of pine barrens, regenerating forest, and mature woodland provides habitat for a wide variety of wildlife throughout the preserve system.

The Davis-Douglas Conservation Area represents decades of community-driven land conservation in Plymouth's Six Ponds region. Emery Preserves East and West were first protected in 1973 through donations from members of the Emery family and others committed to preserving the area's unique pine barrens landscape. In 2001, Six Ponds East Preserve was acquired by Wildlands Trust with support from the Six Ponds community, helping connect a growing network of protected lands around Long Pond. Additional conservation land between Six Ponds East Preserve and Emery West Preserve was protected by the Town of Plymouth in 2010 with assistance from Wildlands Trust, further expanding public trail access and wildlife habitat. In 2012, Davis-Douglas Farm was purchased through generous community support and public-private funding partnerships. Today, the farm serves as Wildlands Trust headquarters and a gateway to hundreds of acres of conservation land and trails