Knights Wildlife Reservation

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Knights Wildlife Reservation is a 174-acre property located in the town of Easthampton, Massachusetts.


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Summary

The reservation is owned and managed by The Trustees of Reservations, a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and protecting natural and cultural sites throughout Massachusetts.

There are several good reasons to visit the Knights Wildlife Reservation, including its diverse range of habitats, which include wetlands, meadows, and forests. The reservation is also home to a wide variety of wildlife, including beavers, foxes, and various species of birds.

One of the main points of interest at Knights Wildlife Reservation is the Oxbow, which is a large, horseshoe-shaped bend in the Manhan River. Visitors can hike along the river and enjoy the scenic views or go fishing in the river. Another popular attraction is the 1.5-mile hiking trail that winds through the reservation's meadows and forests.

Interesting facts about the Knights Wildlife Reservation include its history as a working farm and its designation as an Important Bird Area by the National Audubon Society. The reservation is also home to several species of rare plants, including the dwarf-bulrush and the nodding rattlesnake-root.

The best time of year to visit Knights Wildlife Reservation is from spring through fall when the weather is mild and the foliage is at its peak. Visitors should be aware that the reservation is closed during the winter months due to snow and ice. Overall, Knights Wildlife Reservation is a beautiful and unique natural area that is worth a visit for anyone interested in the outdoors and wildlife.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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