By Douglas Maxwell Myer, Contributing Writer
Southborough – As the last autumn leaves remaining on tree branches fall off and decorate the surrounding grounds, it is an evident sign that fall is coming to a close and will soon transition into the frigid winter months. If you’re inclined to witness this season’s final appearance, a great place to go is the Sudbury Reservoir in Southborough.
This body of water is located right along Route 9 where you can easily gain access to the forest trail that runs along these shorelines of the reservoir. To get to the starting point of the Sudbury Reservoir Trail, travel west on Route 9 and make a right onto Parkerville Road. After driving a little further down this road you’ll see some soccer fields to the right and spaces to park along the side of the street. Once walking on this beginning stretch of the trail, Fay School can be seen at a short distance while traveling through a grassy terrain with numerous trees and bushes that rest along the shoreline. You get a little sneak peek of Sudbury Reservoir through the branches.
There is a short rocky drop ahead where you go through some very brief steps of a swamp and are able to see an open gap of trees to the right of you revealing another brief glimpse of the water. Once walking up the other part of the quick rock hillside you’ll enter upon a
football field where you can stay to the right and travel beside the line of trees which leads to a pedestrian crosswalk that goes through Middle Road. After returning to the trails of forest you’ll pass along the edge of the Southborough Rural Cemetery and briefly enter into the grounds as a short detour by taking a right onto the paved walkway, crossing the bridge that overlooks a stream which empties into the reservoir, and take the first right which gets you back on the grassy walkway. You’ll go through a little more trails of clustered forest before going to the crosswalk at Route 85 which is the busiest road to get across from the trails but drivers always stop for pedestrians.
After going through this last stretch of the footpath, this dirt road splits in two; bear to the right and go through another walk along the shoreline with the trees giving you more suspense of what’s to come as hidden glimpses of water can be seen through their branches. A small secluded island can be seen right off the shore of this particular forest walkway and after progressing a little further the woodsy path empties out on Partridge Hill Road. Then take a left on White Bagley Road where you’ll walk up this street and shortly come across a gated pathway on the right-hand side. Walk around it, head down a small hill, and you’ll see the finest sight of Sudbury Reservoir, viewing its widened boundaries and
clear beautiful water. Route 9 can be seen in the distance along with some nice houses that are grouped within the trees. Here in this area you can rest and have a picnic while enjoying the glorious view before you. The Sudbury Reservoir is a recommended destination to go before fall takes its final bow.
