Trails

TRAILS

REGULATIONS FOR THE USE OF CONSERVATION LAND IN LINCOLN- PUBLISHED BY THE LINCOLN
CONSERVATION COMMISSION AND THE LINCOLN LAND CONSERVATION TRUST

1.        GENERAL INFORMATION FOR USING THE TRAILS

The Conservation lands of Lincoln are open to the public for recreational use without charge or special permit –
unless otherwise indicated in these regulations. Please observe the following:

a.        You may use the Conservation lands from ½ hour before sunrise until ½ hour after sunset.
b.        The trails which are open to the public for recreational use are identified by signposts and by red, yellow &
orange discs. Unmarked paths are generally private and not for public use. There is no distinction between colored
discs. Yellow disc trails historically designated x-country ski trails but are being phased out due to a lack of
c.        The numbered and lettered yellow discs found along the trail are part of a location system for public safety;
please report the nearest number and letter in an emergency.
d.          In case of an emergency, call the Lincoln Police at 911. For non-emergency communications, please call the
Lincoln Conservation Commission at 781-259-2612.
e.        Please keep strictly to the marked trail and be particularly careful to restrain any pets which may be
accompanying you. As many of the trails are on private property, if you are off the trail, or on an unmarked trail, you
may be trespassing!
f.        All of Lincoln’s Conservation trails are for multiple uses. Depending upon the season, you will encounter
walkers, runners, horses, dogs, cyclists, skiers, people on snowshoes, sleds, sleighs, and farm equipment. Please
respect other users!
g.        Failure to observe these regulations and common courtesies may result in restrictions or prohibitions of public
use.

2.        WHO HAS THE RIGHT OF WAY?

None of the trails are dedicated to or maintained for a particular use. Please observe the following courtesies on
Lincoln trails. – some of these are also state law:

a.        Walkers and horseback riders have the right of way at all times.
b.        Skiers and runners have the right of way over bicycles.
c.        The overtaking person must yield to the slower person.

3.        RESTRICED USE OF THE FLINTS POND AREA

Flints Pond is the main drinking water supply for the Town of Lincoln! No activities of any kind are permitted on or in
Flints Pond, or on the immediately adjacent shoreline.

a.        This prohibition includes all people, and remains in force in all conditions.
b.        All users, and their pets are required to remain on the marked trails throughout the Flints Pond conservation
areas.

4.        CROSS COUNTRY SKIING

Cross country skiing is permitted on the following conditions:
a.        Certain trails are particularly suitable for cross country skiing; these trails have been marked with yellow discs.
b.        Ski only on marked trails.

5.        BICYCLE RIDING

Bicycle riding is permitted on the following conditions:
a.        Only on those trails which are marked as specifically open to bikes.
b.        No other trails or on Conservation lands are open to bicycles.
c.        Riding off marked trails, including through the woods or down hillsides, is strictly prohibited in order to
preserve natural soils, vegetation and wildlife.
d.        Riding bicycles is prohibited through any surface water, across wetland areas in which the remaining bicycle
track is deep enough to collect water, or in any permanently or seasonally wet areas where mud holes may be created.
e.        All trails will be closed to bicycles from January 1 until May 1, during any periods when the trails are snow
covered or unusually wet, and during other posted periods when the trails are most susceptible to damage. Trails will
be closed to bicycles when the land stewards determine conditions so warrant.
f.        Whenever bikers are in sight of another trail user, or on a curve or steep slope, their speed should be no more
than that of a “slow jog”, or about 5 m.p.h. Bikers should be in control and able to dismount quickly at all times.

6.        HORSEBACK RIDING

Horseback riding is permitted on the following conditions:
a.        Riding is limited to wood roads and marked trails. Riding is prohibited on certain posted trails or wetland areas
– as marked.
b.        Horses may be ridden in the Browning Field ring and the open fields of Tanner’s Brook.
c.        Horses must be kept under control, must not be galloped on woodland trials, and must not be ridden through the
woods or across fields off trails.
d.        Horseback riders should avoid permanently or seasonably wet areas where mud holes may be created. Trails
will be closed to horses when the land steward determines conditions so warrant.

7.        DOGS AND OTHER PETS

Dogs and other pets are permitted on the following conditions:

a.        Dogs and other pets must be fully controlled at all times.
b.        When passing through fields in which livestock are grazing, dogs must be leashed and gates closed after use.
Dogs must be leashed on designated trails.
c.        Dogs and other pets are prohibited where posted, including specifically in fields with farm animals and in the
vicinity of Flint’s Pond.
d.        Dogs and other domestic animals – are not allowed on the immediately adjacent shoreline of Flints Pond, in the
water, or on the ice.
e.        All dog waste must be picked up by the owner and disposed of properly.

8.        ACTIVITIES WHICH ARE PROHIBITED

The following activities are expressly prohibited on lands controlled by the Conservation Commission and the Lincoln
Land Conservation Trust, except where they are permitted under separate regulations which apply to agricultural
uses:

a.        Operation of motor vehicles, including motorcycles, motor scooters, and snowmobiles.
b.        Parking of motor vehicles, except in designated areas.
c.        Walking or riding across farm fields and nursery land, or in any way injuring crops or plantings in these areas.
d.        Littering, dumping, or placing of waste of any description.
e.        Smoking or the building of fires, fire is a serious danger on conservation land.
f.        Cutting, picking, injuring, or removing any living or inanimate object, including trees, shrubs, flowers, or
agricultural products.
g.        Defacing, damaging, installing or removing signs, gates, fences, walls, dams, or other structures.
h.        The use of radios, televisions, tape or CD players, or other similar equipment or the making of loud or disturbing
noise.
i.        Posting of unauthorized signs, selling or distributing printed materials or products, or engaging in commercial
activity without written permission of the land steward.
j.        Possession of alcoholic beverages.
k.        Blocking of any fire lane on trail, or of any waterways or streams.
l.        Trapping, hunting, shooting, or the carrying of firearms (even if unloaded).
m.        Swimming.
n.        Overnight camping on Lincoln conservation land without written permission of the Conservation Commission or
Lincoln Land Conservation Trust.
o.        Any activity which is otherwise illegal or conducted in any illegal manner.

9.        GROUP ACTIVITIES AND CAMPING

“Group Use Regulations” apply to groups of ten or more people.
Group activities are allowed only after obtaining specific written permission from the Conservation Commission or
the Lincoln Land Conservation Trust. Groups must fill out a “Request for Group Use of Lincoln Conservation Land” at
least twenty days in advance of the proposed use. These forms are obtained from the Conservation Commission at the
Town Offices during regular business hours.

The following group activities may be allowed with written permission:

a.        Group activities such as horse or dog shows, classes of instruction, picnics and other similar events.
b.        Recreational activities such as foot races, hikes, orienteering, ski races, etc.

10.         PARKING REGULATIONS

Please park only in legally designated areas. Public parking areas are available in many locations and are clearly
marked as to any special regulations which may apply. Vehicles parking inappropriately may be ticketed and/or
towed. In addition:

a.        After hours parking is prohibited and is strictly enforced especially at the Mount Misery and Canoe Landing
parking areas on Route 117.
b.        Blocking of gates is prohibited at all times; in particular, there is no parking at posted ‘Fire Lane’ emergency
vehicle access points.
c.        Roadside parking is generally prohibited.
d.        Observe all posted signs which indicate “no parking”.

11.        ADDITIONAL IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Please read the following important information:

a.        You are entering upon the land at your own risk! Neither the Town of Lincoln, the Lincoln Land Conservation
Trust, nor private landowners assume any liability for injuries to persons or damage to their property while on
conservation land.
b.        These regulations will be enforced by the Lincoln Police Department and Lincoln Conservation Department.
c.        Violations may be punishable by fines not exceeding $100.
d.        The Lincoln Conservation Commission and the Lincoln Land Conservation Trust reserve the right to amend
these regulations and to prohibit any inappropriate activities.
e.        Copies of all current regulations are available at the Lincoln Town Offices.
f.        Please enjoy your visits to the Conservation Lands of Lincoln. These regulations have been published for the
benefit, safety, and enjoyment of you and others. If you have any questions or comments, please contact the
Conservation Commission at the Town Offices (781-259-2612), or the Lincoln Land Conservation Trust (781-259-
9251). In the case of an emergency, please call the Lincoln Police at 911.

We welcome all to the Town of Lincoln’s Conservation land and trails! These trails, fields, streams
and forests represent generous gifts from earlier generations for all of us to enjoy. Please savor and
respect these natural areas - use and manage them appropriately for those who will come after you,
whether tomorrow or a century from now.

If you have concerns about any trails, please email llct@lincolnconservation.org.

These trails are open to the public for passive recreation. Please observe any posted signs you may
find regulating the use of the trail. Some trails are for pedestrians only. Some allow bicycles. Some
require dogs to be leashed.

L I N C O L N L A N D C O N S E R V A T I O N

and the Rural Land Foundation of Lincoln (RLF) to
protect the rural character of Lincoln, Massachusetts through
land conservation, stewardship and education.