Trail Map
Beals Preserve Trail Map (PNG)
About the Preserve & Trails
The Elaine and Phillip Beals Preserve is nearly 60 acres of former farmland just south of Route 30/Main St in Southborough. It is owned and managed by the Southborough Open Land Foundation (SOLF), a private non-profit land trust. The primary entrance to the preserve is at a kiosk along the open channel of the Wachusett Aqueduct. From the kiosk there is a short loop trail (approx. 1/3 mile) that heads south up an old farm lane lined with beautiful stone walls. Past the fields there is an intersection at the "Lone Wolf Trail" to the right and the "Riding Ring Trail" to the left. The Lone Wolf Trail takes one up a short distance to the top of the Upper Meadow with a nice view to the north. Returning back to the farm lane and crossing onto the "Riding Ring Trail" takes one through a quiet, old pine forest that once was a totally open horse-riding ring. If one looks closely there are still remnants of fencing around the ring. After leaving the pine woods, the trail bears to the left and back down to the channel.
If one wanted to visit a small "ice pond" dating back to when the land was a working farm continue up the farm lane a short distance until it is visible on the left, then return to the "Riding Ring Trail.
Parking is available at the corner of Route 30 and Old Northboro Road (cross Route 30, walk across field toward small bridge of open channel). You can see the kiosk from this location. We welcome public use from dawn to dusk. Please respect our trail and property use policies: dogs are permitted but must be on leash, and dog waste must be picked up; no bicycles are permitted; no motorized vehicles are permitted. Please be respectful of our neighbors.
Beals Preserve hosts the annual "Art on the Trails" event featuring art installations throughout the forest from June through September of the year.