Local hiking trails in the Shrewsbury area offer residents great recreational opportunities
Top-Notch Trails in Our Own Back Yards
Maribeth Lynch, Thrive Real Estate Specialists
New England is such a vibrant landscape in any season, but mild summer days seem as though they were made to spend outdoors. One of the greatest pleasures for me during warm weather is a pleasant hike in the countryside.
Fortunately, those of us in Northborough, Shrewsbury, and surrounding towns don’t have to travel far for some scenic and invigorating hikes – and hiking isn’t the only pastime for trail lovers. Every season brings something different to the region, from nature walks and wildlife spotting to snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
The Northborough Trails Committee (NTC) maintains a trail system throughout Northborough. A map of the trails network is available online. Trails range from a boardwalk through wetland meadow in the Little Chauncey and Cedar Hill trails areas to watershed vistas at the Carney Park and Cold Harbor trails. Nature lovers can even download audio guides from the NTC website.
One of my current favorite hiking destinations is Northborough’s Mt. Pisgah Trails Area. Mt. Pisgah is the highest point in Northborough, and on a clear day, there are scenic views to the east – it’s even possible to see Boston’s skyscrapers. Much of the area is conservation land that serves as a home to a range of wildlife, including white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, an abundance of birds, and even the occasional moose or black bear.
The Mt. Pisgah area encompasses land in Berlin, Bolton, and Boylston as well as Northborough. Summer Star Wildlife Sanctuary in Boylston is adjacent to Mt. Pisgah and features a 1.5-mile trail loop of its own; half a mile of this loop is handicapped-accessible. The sanctuary also includes the Trailhead House, which was built with an eye toward sustainability and includes a gallery with rotating exhibits and programs.
Northborough is not home to the only nearby trail network. New England is teeming with hiking destinations, and other nearby communities provide plenty of opportunities for hiking, biking, and walking. The Shrewsbury Trails Committee sponsors guided walks on town trails. Shrewsbury’s trail sites include Lake St. Street Park, Carlstrom Memorial Forest, Jordan Pond, and Prospect Park.
Westborough residents can explore the Charm Bracelet, a trail network that includes a 28-mile loop trail with interconnecting side trails that join up with open spaces, schools, and neighborhoods. Trail maps for the Charm Bracelet and other Westborough trails can be found online, and there’s something for everyone, from dog walking at Tufts University’s Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine to a butterfly garden in the Headwaters Conservation Area.
View The Charm Bracelet Trail Map
As a Massachusetts resident, I feel fortunate to live in a region that is so diverse in natural beauty – there really is something amazing to behold in every season and for every interest. And the best part? There are so many opportunities to “get back to nature” just footsteps away.
Would you like to know more about buying a home in Shrewsbury, Northborough or Westbrorough? Visit the Thrive Real Estate Specialists for more information!