Go For A Walk
Join our Mailing List
Sign up to get our newsletters and to be notified of upcoming events
History
The Sherborn Forest & Trail Association founded in March, 1967, is a family-oriented volunteer organization whose objective is to promote enjoyment and appreciation of the considerable natural open spaces and diverse wildlife in the town of Sherborn and surrounding areas. The Association sponsors a variety of outdoor recreational events such as guided walks through public lands, hiking, canoe excursions and a hunter pace. Members are equestrians, hikers, cross-country skiers, birdwatchers, canoers, cyclists and nature enthusiasts.
The Association, which maintains trails and also raises and donates funds to assist in the purchase and maintenance of open spaces, has an ongoing commitment to protecting access to trails and preserving trail connections.
Highlighted Activities
Town Wide Survey
In conjunction with Sherborn Open Space
Committee, Conservation Commission, and
Town Forest, SFTA will be conducting a
town-wide survey to gather input on what
residents want from their trails. You can
participate at
Trail Signs
We are working to develop a consistent sign program across town to help people know what's public, what's private, and how to get where you'd like to go.
You can see the pilot of this in the Barber reservation where signs have been installed when you're heading off public land, and at strategic locations to help you along.
Upcoming Events
Forest & Trail Winter Party
GREEN WONDERS
Featured Speaker: Art Schnure
In his talk, “Green Wonders,” Art will share Sherborn trail stories and slides that feature well-loved, or little visited, local locations. Art has led walks in and around Sherborn for many years. He authored the first Sherborn Walks, in 1992, and with two others, co-authored the Sherborn Walks 2nd edition in 2019.
Art furthered his passion for Sherborn’s forests and open spaces with many years’ service on the Conservation Commission, the Planning Board, and other Town committees.
Forest & Trail Winter Party
SHERBORN COMMUNITY CENTER
Friday, February 3rd at 6:30PM
Hearty Hors d’Oeuvres Beer & Wine Cash Bar Live Music
ADVANCE RESERVATION /ADMISSION: $40
ADMISSION AT THE DOOR (space permitting): $50
Past Events
2022 Sherborn Forest & Trail Association Walks
-
Bay Circuit Trail to Brush Hill (Town Forest North), Saturday, September 24, 2022 @ 9:00am for 2 hours max. Meet at the trailhead parking lot on the West side of N. Main St, between #61 and #83.
We'll enjoy one of the most beautiful sections of the Bay Circuit Trail (BCT), a regional pathway that circles Boston from Duxbury to Gloucester. The trail is generally wide and climbs gradually to the top of Brush Hill, the highest point in Sherborn. Some may continue on the BCT over an SFTA-built bridge to Perry St. and the historic 1785 Brush Hill burying ground. Marian Neutra, longtime SFTA member, will lead. Note: this is a kid-friendly walk with a few short easy climbs. If preferred, it can be a one-way walk with shuttle back to the N. Main parking lot.
-
Peter’s Hill. Saturday, October 22, 2022 @ 9:00am for 1-1/2 hours max. Meet on Rockwood Street at the power line crossing.
Peter’s Hill is more than the large icicles adorning the cliffs along Coolidge St. in winter. It has fine views of the Laurel Farm ballfields/Dowse Orchards apple trees and good views from the cliff tops. Art Schnure, one of the three authors of the 2019 Sherborn Walks book, will lead the walk. Note: there is one section of the trail with a steep drop-off, so children are fine if they’re over 8 or so.
Successful Past Hikes in 2022
1. Rocky Narrows, Saturday, April 23, 2022 @ 9:00 am for 2-1/4 hours max. Meet at the Farm Pond Parking Lot on Lake St. We’ll walk from the Farm Pond Parking lot to the Forest St. trailhead for Rocky Narrows.
Rocky Narrows is a premier and dramatic hike in Sherborn. Have you seen the Narrows, King Philip’s Overlook, an esker cross-section, the Hemlock Grove, the Narrows canoe launch, and the trail where more people get lost in Sherborn than any other place? Art Schnure, one of the three authors of the 2019 Sherborn Walks book, will lead you to all these destinations. Note: there is one section of the trail in the Hemlock Grove with a steep drop-off, so children are fine if they’re over 8 or so.
2. Town Forest (Central Section behind Pine Hill,) Saturday May 14, 2022 @ 9:00 am for approximately 1 ½ hours. Meet at the parking lot at the top of Pine Hill Ln.
This walk will cover a trail network appreciated by hikers and wildlife alike. Perhaps we will be lucky enough to hear the elusive hermit thrush. Part of the walk will showcase a newly constructed segment of trail installed with the mountain bike community in mind. The main trails are wide with easy footing. The mountain bike trails are more narrow and more challenging but always offer an alternative path for the hiker. Sara Wragge, community member at large, will lead this walk.
3. Little Farm Pond, Saturday, June 18, 2022 @ 9:00am for 1-1/2 hours max. Meet at the Farm Pond Parking Lot on Lake St due to the small parking lot on Farm Road. We’ll have cars to take us from the Farm Pond Parking Lot to (and from) the trailhead on Farm Pond.
As an understudy to “big” Farm Pond, this walk is an underappreciated gem in town. Unlike Farm Pond, there’s just one house, making this an excellent nature walk that’s mostly owned by the Broadmoor Audubon. You’ll see wonderful pond views, woody trails, and a well-placed contemplative sitting bench. Art Schnure, one of the three authors of the 2019 Sherborn Walks book, will lead the walk.
I should be glad if all the meadows on the earth were left in a wild state, if that were the consequence of men’s beginning to redeem themselves.