After crossing the Hampden and Worcester county line, the road becomes Leno Road, where there are more parking areas.

Birch Hill
Wildlife Management Area
In the towns of Winchendon, Royalston and Templeton, spring turkey hunters will find the 7,431-acre Birch Hill WMA. The area has a well-rounded mixture of mature hardwood forests, conifer stands, open grass fields and brushy parcels. Thoroughly scout the conifer stands for possible roosting areas.

Birch Hill also contains an ample water supply with the Otter and Millers rivers.

Bay State turkey hunters may pursue their quarry in the mornings only. After the hunting ends at noon, these rivers could provide a little afternoon trout-fishing activity.

To get there, take Exit 19 off the Route 2 highway in Phillipston. Travel north on Route 202 for about 10 miles to Waterville. Turn left on River Street, which eventually bisects Birch Hill.

Alternative access may be had by driving through the Birch Hill Flood Control Project near the Lake Dennison Recreation Area. From there, travel north on New Boston Road. Roadside parking areas are found along New Boston Road as it enters the Birch Hill WMA.

For more information, call the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife at (508) 792-7270, or visit the division's Web site at www.masswildlife.org.

For tourist information, call 1-800-227-MASS.