On a quiet back road and across an old fieldstone bridge lies West Hill Park, where the West River widens to form a large, natural pool. The park and its many services and activities, including a swimming beach, accessible playground, nature trails, and calm, clean water, attract visitors of all ages. Three group shelters, one near the dam, are ideal facilities for hosting graduation parties, family reunions, and church or other organization events. The recreation area can be reserved during summer, though guests are invited to walk or cross-country ski during daylight hours at other times of the year.

The park is an attractive facility that offers two sandy swimming beaches, nearly 5 miles of nature, mountain biking and hiking trails, a sand volleyball court, an accessible playground, a change house by the beach, bathrooms with flush toilets, grills, and picnic areas. Three picnic shelters are available for groups of up to 30 or 100 people. Two shelters are in the park and the other is near the dam.

The West River winds through some 567 acres of white pine and red oak forest, broken up by rolling meadows. Red maple swamps and several bogs fill the lowlands while three small brooks feed the river. Woods, fields, wetlands, and streams provide habitat for both resident and migratory wildlife. Red foxes, raccoons, deer, and an occasional coyote find protection in the woods. Open fields attract rabbits, mice, butterflies, hawks, and owls. Streams and wetlands are home to fish, spring peepers, box turtles, and great blue herons, among others. The diverse habitat makes the one of the finest birding areas with 200 species sited annually. Spring and fall migrations bring the greatest diversity of species. Spring and summer also yield excellent wildflower viewing.