Written by Laura Ziton
Greetings, Striders! I’m Laura, a trail running enthusiast, here to share tips on three of my favorite local trails—two in Northborough and one in Marlborough. Each trail is unique, and I love them all! Special thanks to all the people who made these places possible.
Before hitting the trails, here are a few tips:
1. Choose a trail and go with a buddy, or let someone know your plan.
2. Start simple—trail running is more technical than road running, requiring you to navigate rocks, roots, and streams.
3. Keep steps short and lift your feet to avoid tripping.
4. Wet trails can be slippery; use caution.
5. Stay on marked trails and map your route with apps like AllTrails or Gaia to reduce the risk of running into poison ivy.
6. Enjoy the experience! Trails have unique features like bridges, towers, waterfalls, or scenic viewpoints.
7. Choose your shoes wisely. Regular sneakers work, but trail running can wear them out quickly.
8. Don’t forget bug repellent and sunblock.
Here are the three trails I’m excited to share:
Mount Pisgah, Northborough, MA Parking: Main entrance at 23 Smith Road, Northborough. There are nine trails in the Mount Pisgah Conservation Area. Mount Pisgah, the highest point in Northborough, offers views of Boston’s Prudential Center and Hancock buildings from the North View. Following a forest fire in 2023 that burned 120 acres, you will see new growth alongside charred wood.
Cold Harbor Trail, Northborough, MA Parking: 386 W Main St, Northborough, MA. This 4-mile round-trip trail is mostly flat with some rocky areas, passing through marshes and fields full of wildflowers. After a .35 mile along Cherry Street you’ll enter Beaver Loop where you’ll run over a floating bridge that crosses Cold Harbor. Cold Harbor Brook once powered mills in the 1800s in Northborough that lead to a booming manufacturing business in combs and shoes. It’s a popular trail for dogs; please keep them leashed.
Cider Knoll Loop, Marlborough, MA Parking: Woodland Drive, Marlborough, MA This 1.1-mile loop is flat and scenic, featuring a helical pier boardwalk across a marsh. If you’re new to trail running this is a great trail to start with. To see the bridge, you’ll need to venture a bit off the loop to access it- I’ve included a picture here to show the area. Cider Knoll Trail Map I hope you find these tips helpful, and I’d love to hear your trail recommendations. Happy trails! 
