When submitting eBird observations at High Ridge Wildlife Management Area, it is most helpful to start a new checklist for each hotspot in the management area. Use the general hotspot when you have a checklist that includes multiple locations or if no other hotspot or personal location is appropriate for your sightings.

High Ridge is a Wildlife Management Area in north Westminster, near the Gardner line (up by the prison). While some of the trails are on paved roads, the route goes through fields and a forest, and there is a walk down to a large pond and dam.

At the Old Gardner Road trailhead, walking counterclockwise around the loop follows an old paved road through fields and then curves down through the woods and along a brook. There are bluebird nests along the way through the fields. There is a trail to the right that is worth walking out and back; it goes down to a dam and a large pond.

The paved road then loops up a hill through a pretty forest, and at the top opens up into a field. The gravel road continues straight, but to make the loop you must turn left on a narrow trail through a small field. This wood trail skirts the Gardner prison grounds and proceeds for about a half mile before reaching a gravel road where the route turns left again.

From there the gravel road is lovely, going through large open fields with bluebird nests and chestnut trees, to return to the parking area.

There are some other options at the far corner, where the path goes left. If you continue on there is another loop to the right (North and East) that can be walked to add a couple of miles to the hike. Also if you follow the main road straight and then bear left you can view the prison cemetery.

The AllTrails website has a description and map of a hike at High Ridge Wildlife Management Area.