Dexter Drumlin

Dexter Drumlin: A Natural Formation of Tranquility

By Jonathan Clark


Contained within the heart of Lancaster lies the Dexter Drumlin, a hill that was formed over 10,000 years ago by a glacier.  The Dexter Drumlin is part of a 35 acre reservation that is saturated with lush meadows, hay fields, and wet lands. This typical New England terrain shares it's boundary with the historic Nashua River.

Dexter Drumlin in Lancaster, MA

If you live in Lancaster, you have probably spent some time experiencing the beautiful views and the recreational activities provided by this reservation.  It's a great spot for picnics, hiking, mountain biking, and cross country skiing.  I remember sledding there when I was a kid. When there was a snowstorm,  families all over Lancaster would bring the sleds and snow tubes for some great fun.  It's a long trek up in the snow, but it is well worth the effort.

The Dexter Drumlin is a great destination for all four seasons.  In the Fall, you get a fantastic 360 degree view of the beautiful New England foliage.  When you look to the East you see the banks of the Nashua River that lead into the thick green forest.  Oak, Maple, and Ash trees seem to stand out as if they were strategically placed for picture perfect landscaping.  During the Spring there is a presence full of new life, with trees budding, flowers blooming, and wildlife thriving.  Butterflies take to the skies and put on a great showcase of nature's brilliant design.  Winter provides a white tundra with a mix of snow covered brush that illustrates the depth of it's vastness.  The deep snowy tracks of various wildlife tell of their quests to find food.  In the middle of a hot New England day you can find refuge atop the hill when the soothing winds blow.

I remember trekking to the hill from a friend's house a good distance away.  Starting at the center of town we would head down a short path into a wide open hay field. The grass was tall depending on the time of year, but we would cut a path along the treeline for easy access.  After making our way through the field we would follow a wooded path to a sandy embankment of the Nashua River.  There are paths all through the woods and they are well maintained.  There was a large fallen tree that we carefully walked across, sometimes it was damp and we had to straddle across using the "bear hug" technique.  Across the river was a steep bank that entered into a massive lush green meadow.  It was a challenge to get up the bank because it was almost completely vertical and the shrubs and branches would sometimes give out when pulled on.  The top of Dexter Drumlin was in sight and just a few minutes away.  I remember lying there and looking up at the clouds feeling a euphoric sense of tranquility.  I'ts also a great spot to check out on a clear Summer night. You get an awesome view of the night sky and you can hear all different kinds of insects and animals come to life.

Lancaster's Bulfinch Church to the East

This Trustees of Reservations is a member-supported nonprofit conservation organization that preserves reservations like this one all across Massachusetts. Check out the link.

http://www.thetrustees.org/places-to-visit/central-ma/dexter-drumlin.html

The Dexter Drumlin is just one of the places in Lancaster that makes it so great.  There are many other hidden treasures in Lancaster if your willing to be adventurous.  I have had the pleasure of seeing other great places in Lancaster, sometimes discovering places accidentally.  A good starting point is in the northern part of town.  Take a rafting trip down the Nashua River and get a free tour of Lancaster's natural charm.