So much to explore outdoors!
The City of Marlborough is filled with outdoor adventure for the whole family. From conservation areas and parks to walking and biking trails and beaches, our scenic city is your one-stop destination for natural recreation. Below, you’ll find conservation lands with links to more detailed info for each.
Marlborough Recreation Department’s website has a full listing of fields and facilities in our city. You’ll also need to contact MRD for permits for sporting events.
Museum in the Streets
Ghiloni Nature Trail/
Marlborough State Forest
These two areas together make up 125.6 acres of various terrain. Abutting Ghiloni Park, this trail system includes a self-guided Nature Walk and many different woodland trails. While Ghiloni Park offers plenty of parking, public restrooms, picnic area, playground, basketball and volleyball courts & more – there are endless recreational opportunities to enjoy in this area.
Assabet River Rail Trail & Bike Path
The scenic Assabet River Rail Trail is a 5.6-mile paved bike path that weaves through the City of Marlborough and the Town of Hudson. This 12-foot-wide nature corridor crosses the Assabet River five times, including over a refurbished historical wrought-iron railroad bridge. It is perfect for cycling, walking, and cross-country skiing and is fully wheelchair accessible.
Desert Natural Area/
Memorial Forest Reservation
This land has much to offer you! There is an abundant wildlife to witness, the trees are full of birds to listen to and watch and the beavers on the property have been hard at work. The 615-acre parcel of conservation land features a pine and scrub forest and is named for its well-drained sandy soil and historic sand pits. Hunting is available in designated areas by permit. Limited parking is available.
Jericho Hill Recreation Area
The Jericho Hill Recreation Area includes a walking trail that is around a mile in length and meanders along a small brook. It then switches back up the hill to a wonderful view across the sledding hill then takes you back down towards the parking lot, field, basketball court and playground.
Cider Knoll Conservation Land
Mount Ward Conservation Land
Mount Ward Conservation Land offers 100 acres of hills, woods and streams. The trailhead on Langelier Lane, off Route 20 East, follows old cart paths and was recently revived by the city. The hike covers a change in elevation of 110 vertical feet over 1,000 horizontal feet.
Callahan State Park
Callahan State Park offers over 800 acres of park land, primarily used for hiking, horseback riding, fishing, cross-country skiing and walking. The area also includes nearly 100 acres of open fields and ponds, along with 7 miles of marked trails and a dog park. The park overlaps Marlborough, Southborough and Framingham.
Felton Conservation Land
This area of 58 acres includes different habitats. The majority of the land is field, with wooded areas in between and it even includes a red maple swamp. It is ideal for bird watching, hiking, cross-country skiing, snow shoeing and horseback riding.
Holt’s Grove Conservation Land
The Grove Conservation Land
Need a Map?
Connect to all of the city’s trail and conservation land maps.