Mine Hill Preserve, recognized on the National Register of Historic Places, is the site of a 19th century iron mine and furnace complex. The Roxbury Land Trust acquired the 360-acre preserve in 1978. The significant stone and brick structural remains of the furnace complex have been restored and stabilized. The preserve includes a trail loop marked by blue blazes that runs along its perimeter for 3.5 miles, ascending the Donkey Trail past two mine tunnels and a series of grated air shafts that now serve as entryways to several bat hibernacula, then descending past an abandoned quarry before joining Hodge Road and ending at the furnace complex. A shorter trail around the reservoir begins near the base of the Donkey Trail, crosses the earthen dam and bridge, loops around the reservoir, and rejoins the Donkey Trail.

Photo: Michael Herrick

Photo: Michael Herrick

Photo: Michael Herrick

Photo: Michael Herrick

Photo: Michael Herrick

Photo: Michael Herrick

Photo: Michael Herrick

Photo: Michael Herrick

Photo: Michael Herrick

Photo: Michael Herrick

Photo: Michael Herrick