West Ridge Conservation Area

West Ridge Conservation Area is a 84-acre conservation landscape spanning the towns of Goshen and Ashfield. Set within a large, unfragmented forest block and directly across Wing Hill Road from the DAR State Forest, West Ridge offers visitors a rich mix of natural beauty, scenic views, and a glimpse into the region’s land-use history.

The conservation area features well-managed transitional and northern hardwood forests, including high-quality oak stands with mature legacy trees. Stone walls winding through the woods reflect the area’s past as open pastureland, while more recent forestry has been guided by a Forest Management Plan developed by BayState Forestry. A network of established woods roads and trails—originally used for forest management—now provides visitors with accessible routes through the property and an easier climb to the upper ridge.

From the ridge, visitors are rewarded with expansive views of the Conway Hills. West Ridge includes a diverse landscape of wetlands, upland forest, and scenic overlooks, offering opportunities for quiet exploration, walking, nature observation, and enjoying the sense of remoteness that comes from being surrounded by protected forest. West Ridge Conservation Area is a place to experience both the working forest and the enduring natural character of the hilltowns.

Parking: Parking is available off of Briar Hill Rd, in Goshen. The parking area is defined by large logs on what was a log landing for forestry operations. There is no parking available off Williamsburg/South Ashfield Rd. in Conway.

Property management: Past forestry operations were done to encourage Red Oak regeneration, and the site is dominated by well-spaced hardwoods. An old stage road that was the main skid road takes the visitor to the top of the ridge. On the east facing slope an older harvest removed hardwoods and hemlock to a landing off Williamsburg Rd. A lovely section of Bradford Brook can be observed by the hearty bush wacker.