Parsons Reserve
Daffodil season is over for 2026. However, the reserve is open year-round for hiking!
Donor : William Parsons
Acreage : 32 acres
Location : Russells Mills Village | View Google Map
Year Acquired : 1992, 1999, and 2005
Access Point : Horseneck Road, just south of Russells Mills Village
Directions : There is limited parking at the Russells Mills Landing on Horseneck Road, just south of Russells Mills Village. After parking, you can carefully cross Horseneck Road north of the tennis courts and look for the Parsons Reserve sign over the wooden fence. During daffodil season, a second parking area is located on the east side of Horseneck Road. About 10 cars can parallel park here. If parking in this lot, please use the southern entrance (with the metal gate) to the Reserve.
Volunteer Stewards : Karen Rocha
Additional Regulations: No mountain biking and no horseback riding.
Description
The Parsons Reserve is a lovely and ecologically significant property. Destruction Brook meanders through the property on its way to Slocum’s River, the floodplain cutting a wide swath between the towering rock outcroppings that dominate portions of the Reserve. A fecund vernal pool provides habitat for a variety of common and rare species. Wild turkeys roost in the oaks along the edge of the pool, and the beautiful beech grove nearby provides shelter for picnickers. Salamanders, wood frogs and rare plants call the place home, and deer wander the paths, foraging on the young shoots of briars and other understory plants. On the northern end of the property a wooded glade fills with hundreds of daffodils every spring. The Reserve’s southern trail to Horseneck Road is dotted with mature rhododendrons planted by Mr. Parsons when he acquired the property in the 1960s.
Daffodil Season Hours: Open daily, 8:00 AM – 7:30 PM.
Address for GPS: 50 Horseneck Rd, Dartmouth, MA 02748
- Parking is limited. Please park at the Town Landing (dirt lot with playground). If the Landing is full, please proceed south and park in the additional area on the right hand side of the road. There is only space for about 50 cars. Cars parked along the roadside will be towed by the Dartmouth Police. We highly recommend visiting at less crowded times (rainy days, cold days, after 5 PM). Weekends and school vacation week (April 19 – April 26) are busiest and finding parking can be difficult.
Cost: $5 donation for General Public, Free for DNRT Members (become a member here!)
A note about daffodil season:
The flowers at Parsons Reserve were planted during World War II. We are so pleased that the daffodils have remained here for over 80 years! However, when the flowers were planted in the 1940s, the property was not designed to be a tourist attraction. Because of this, we do not have substantial parking and unfortunately are not handicapped accessible. We’re very sorry for any inconvenience this causes!
What to know during daffodil season:
- No professional photography sessions, no drones, no accessories (such as freestanding lights), and no props (such as chairs and balloons) are allowed.
- There is an 8-10 minute hike through the woods from the parking area to the field. This is a very steep trail and can be difficult for those with mobility issues. Please plan accordingly.
- This trail is NOT suitable for strollers, wagons, or wheelchairs. We are very sorry to say that this Reserve is not handicapped accessible.
- Daffodil season is entirely dependent on the weather. Generally, flowers are in bloom from mid-April to early May.
- Please follow DNRT’s standard Rules & Regulations, found here, as well as these rules for Parsons: Stay on the trail at all times! Do not step on the daffodils – if they are crushed, they will die. Do not pick the daffodils.
- Dogs must be on leash throughout the entire Reserve and all dog waste must be removed.