John J. Kelly Wildlife Management Area (WMA) is comprised primarily of steep hillsides of mature northern hardwood forest interspersed with stands of hemlock. The area also includes approximately 1,000 feet of frontage along Walker Brook, but the access is steep and difficult. A historic rail bed runs along a flat parallel to Walker Brook and is marked by informational signage. The hill that now makes up the Kelly WMA was an important area for mining iron pyrite, emery, and other minerals. As a result, the area has loose rock, fissures, and openings on some of the slopes. Visitors unfamiliar with the area should use caution.

The only functional access is from a small dirt parking area on Hampden Street just east of the Intersection with US-20. The parking area is marked with signs and has space for 3 vehicles. From this lot, users can access the old rail bed and start to ascend the steep slopes to the south and east.