MARLBOROUGH – It’s a marathon that has no Heartbreak Hill, but plenty of chances to check out the city’s open spaces.
The Panther Trail, a series of interconnected trails that measure a total of 26.2 miles, officially opened with a snip of a grapevine “ribbon” on Oct. 14 at Lake Williams.
“This is wonderful,” said Bo Zhang of Northborough, among the dozens of volunteers who have been clearing the trail since the project began in 2010. “During COVID, people were so depressed, and I told them we have these trails, go for a walk. Some of them have helped clear the trails with me. The trails happened at the perfect time.”
Conservation Agent Priscilla Ryder presided over a short ceremony that included a ribbon cutting of a grapevine, as well as special honors for Conservation Commission member Karin Paquin.
“We’re excited” about the trail system, said Ryder.
“Priscilla was clearly ahead of the game,” said Mayor Arthur Vigeant.
Vigeant recalled when attorney Arthur Bergeron first proposed the trail project more than 10 years ago.
Vigeant also credited the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts for their work over the years in clearing trails and building a boardwalk around the lake.
Sen. Jamie Eldridge (D-Acton) said, “I’m just so proud of the trail’s development in Marlborough. This really is a vision for the city. The pandemic really let people gain a greater appreciation of the outdoors.”
There are special walks planned for the rest of October.
On Saturday, Oct. 22, hikers can explore the Felton Conservation Land and Millham Reservoir trails.
Hikers are asked to meet at the Felton Conservation Land parking area off Elm Street at 10 a.m. and walk the trail to Reynold’s Court, which is approximately 2.6 miles round trip and will take about 2.5 hours.
A second walk will be led from Reynold’s Court to Pleasant Street across the Flagg Swamp Wildlife Management Area. Hikers are asked to meet and park on Reynold’s Court at 10 a.m. This is approximately a 4-mile round trip hike and will take about 3.5 hours.
Hunting is allowed through Flagg Swamp, so please wear orange.
On Oct. 29, the exploration continues on the Sudbury Reservoir trail.
Hikers can set off on a 2-mile round trip from Sherman Road to explore historic filter beds and a portion of the Sudbury Reservoir shoreline. Hikers are asked to park and meet at the 911 Memorial Field in Southborough at 10 a.m. and walk to the trailhead together.
This will take about two hours.
Hikers can also complete a 4-mile round trip from Sherman Road along the northern shores of the Sudbury Reservoir toward Mowry Brook. Please park and meet at the 911 Memorial Field in Southborough at 10 a.m. and walk to the trailhead together. This will take about 3.5 hours round trip.
The reservoir is open to hunting, and hikers are asked to wear orange.
To find out more about these hikes, please contact the Conservation Commission at 508-460-3768 or email [email protected] or visit marlborough-ma.gov/conservation-commission/pages/panther-trail.
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