Rocky Narrows Reservation (The Trustees of Reservations; 157  acres) and adjacent Sherborn Town Forest (Cons.Com: about 150 acres) – complex network of trails, mostly easy or moderate difficulty.  One steep trail ascending to dramatic vistas over the Charles River , passing thru hemlock groves (unusual this far south).  Canoe landing and picnic area.  Parking area (4-5 cars) on Forest St near jct with E. Goulding St .  

Sherborn Town Forest (3 sections) – this winding set of properties follows the Shell Oil pipeline, the result of a farsighted deal negotiated in 1940.  The forest takes trail users from the southern to the northern part of town.  Some of the trails follow the “Rim of Fire,” the fault line between the older Precambrian rock on the west and the newer volcanic rock on the east, the remains of the cataclysmic Boston volcano of 600 million years ago.  

Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary (MA Audubon; 772 acres) – Well-marked trails; map available at visitors’ center.  Educational programs.  Horses, dogs and bicycles are not allowed.  Parking lot on Eliot St (Rte 16) in Natick.  508-655-2296         broadmore@massaudubon.org

Barber Reservation (Cons.Com; 189 acres) – Large variety of landscapes and habitats; fun place for children with open meadows and easy paths.  Frequently used by equestrians.  Parking on Western Ave. behind rail fence.

Bailey Trail (Cons.Com) and adjacent Pleasant St. Trail (Sherborn Rural Land Foundation) – Easy to medium walks, gentle hills and trails thru granite ledge. Visit “Balanced Rock.” Pond with swans.  Parking on west side of Old Orchard Rd , close to Rte 16.  

Brush Hill Trail (Cons.Com) – Seldom used trails because parking on adjacent narrow streets is difficult.  However the sense of wildness it offers should appeal to those who walk to it.

Hildreth/Schoolhouse Trail (Cons.Com) – Some steep grades near the power lines, but a good variety of habitats.  Good bird watching, wildflowers.  Dramatic rock ledge at northernmost point.  Parking on Pleasant St.

Leland Reservation (Cons.Com) – Easy walks thru a meadow across the street from parking.  Some bushwhacking may be needed to reach ruins of old mills near Upper Mill Pond. Parking in lot on west side of Mill St, next to Lower Mill Pond.

Little Farm Pond (MA Audubon) – short walk suitable for children to pond’s edge, a seemingly “wild” spot close to town. Dogs and horses not allowed.  Parking in small lot on Farm Rd , 100 yards east of jct Lake St and Farm Rd.

Peters Hill (Cons.Com) – Steep rock faces make this moderately difficult trail dangerous for careless children.  Parking in lot on Coolidge st across from Prospect St .

Pine Hill Cemetery – beautiful pink granite  monuments and stately trees grace the grounds.