White Cedar Swamp
Wilbraham, Ma
(Information Compiled by the Wilbraham Open Space and Recreation Plan Committee)

 
Waypoint 1: White Cedar Entrance             Waypoint 9: Stand of White Cedar Trees

Trailhead Location: The end of Decorie Drive, Wilbraham, MA
Directions to Trailhead: From the monument in the center of Wilbraham on Main Street, head out towards Boston Road. After a mile, take a left onto Decorie Drive. The road winds around for about a half of a mile until it comes to a cul-de-sac. At the cul-de-sac there is space for a couple of cars only. The "White Cedar Swamp" sign pictured above is at the entrance to the trail.
Length of Trail: It is less than one half mile from Decorie Drive to the actual swamp. The cedar bog and stands of white cedar trees are approximately one and a half to two miles out from Decorie Drive down the Alton's Way Trail (see THE ALTON'S WAY TRAIL link). There are numerous spur trails that meander off in different directions. Some take you back to your original position; others are dead ends. These trails are worth exploring; however, as they offer some breathtaking scenery.
Types of Surfaces:
The main trail is leaf covered and flat. Wet areas spring up, quickly; however, after any rainfall. Be aware of ticks and mosquitoes. Visiting in the winter, in early spring or in late fall is suggested.
Elevation Factors: The entire course is flat going from an elevation of 245 feet to 290 feet in places.
Interesting Features: According to Professor Glenn Motzkin in his 2009 report, THE WILBRAHAM ATLANTIC WHITE CEDAR SWAMP, "The White Cedar Swamp in Wilbraham, Massachusetts is the best example of a cedar wetland in the Connecticut Valley, supporting several white cedar stands as well as rare or uncommon species. In addition to extensive forested wetlands, the site includes a small cedar bog and an open wetland where Atlantic white cedar is associated with species typically found in calcareous wetlands. This is the only documented occurrence of such an association in Massachusetts...Cedar wetlands in Springfield, Hampden, and Ludlow are small and highly disturbed by human activity. Thus, the Wilbraham White Cedar Swamp represents the most extensive and highest quality cedar wetland in the Connecticut Valley, and is of regional and statewide conservation significance." There are cedar trees in the cedar swamp area, but the highest concentration exist in the forested areas of the Alton's Way Trail (see map below).
Facilities: parking for a couple of cars, no toilet facilities
Activities Permitted: All passive recreational activities including hiking, cross-country skiing snowshoeing, educational studies, and nature observation are permitted. Please be careful not to leave litter and not to deface the property. Please park in designated areas and be respectful of neighborhoods in the area.
Note: The best vistas from the town of Wilbraham land come in the winter and late fall when the ground is hard and the bugs aren't flying, but the foliage is best in the summer and early fall.

BLUE shading above represents Town of Wilbraham land. YELLOW shading is Western Mass Electric Company land. PINK shading is Wilbraham Monson Academy land. The BROWN lines represent hiking trails. The BROWN dots are impassable trails. The big BLUE dot at the Cedar Swamp represents the Cedar Swamp trailhead at the end of Decorie Drive. The other big BLUE dots are the trailheads for the Alton's Way Trail (see THE ALTON'S WAY TRAIL link). NOTE: There are many short spur trails that crisscross all three shaded areas above; however, because of the wetlands, most of these trails are dead ends, or they are impassable so be prepared to turn around and go back unless you are on one of the BROWN trails marked above. The GREEN dots represent the largest stands of white cedar trees. The ORANGE dots represents a cedar bog.

Top of Page
Town of Wilbraham
Open Space and Recreation Plan Committee