Southwick Pond
Southwick Pond is a special place. The trail begins in a diverse woodland with log bridges passing over wetlands of Jack-in-the-pulpits and huge ferns. This is a great place to look for red efts and northern two-lined salamanders. The views of the pond are spectacular as well, featuring brilliant foliage in the fall and blooming mountain laurel in June. River otters and beavers have been spotted here.
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For a complete trail guide see Places to Hike in Greater Worcester
Quick Facts
Acreage: 118
Type: Property
Location: Walbridge Road, Paxton; 86 Marshall Street, Leicester
Established: 2/28/1990 (Southwick Pond), 5/28/2010 (Southwick Pond Brook)
Features: Ponds, meadow, frontage on Southwick Pond, Southwick Pond Brook, breached dam; trail loop
Parking: Plenty of parking at the end of Walbridge Road in turnaround. Frontage parking on Indian Hill Road across Pleasant Street from trailhead. Limited frontage parking on the west side of Crystal Street (only viewpoint access). Parking for one car on north side of Marshall Street, in front of gate (only water access).
Conservation Purposes
- Passive recreation and wildlife habitat
- Water quality protection
- Part of Four-Town Greenway Corridor trail network
- Riparian habitat