Hiking Guide: Rocky Narrows Overlook Loop
A chair with a view — scenic vista from the summit of Rocky Narrows Overlook Loop
Trail Basics
Location: Sherborn, MA, USA
Trail type: Loop
Length: 2.7 miles
Elevation gain: 230 feet
Trail traffic: Light
Time to complete: 1 hour and 7 minutes (including stops for photos)
Difficulty: Moderate
Overall rating: 4 out of 5
My Thoughts
I must admit that I was rather skeptical about Rocky Narrows Overlook Loop. At only 2.7 miles in length and not that far from people’s homes, I had my doubts as to whether it would be that enjoyable of a hike. I feared that it would be crowded and monotonous. Fortunately for me, I was wrong on all counts.
For such a short trail, Rocky Narrows Overlook Loop packs a surprising diversity of scenery and terrain. At different parts, the path cuts through woods, runs alongside a swamp, and traverses a field. The trail also features a lookout with a beautiful view of the hills and a weather-worn chair where you can sit if you dare. While the majority of the trail is flat, there are enough inclines to give your calves a workout, as well as add some intrigue as you ponder what you’ll find at the top of the hill.
The trail also has the wonderful quality of feeling remote, even though at any given time you are never that far away from civilization. One aspect of the trail that contributes to this perceived remoteness is that it goes fairly deep into the woods, to the point where the only sounds that you hear are those of the forest. The trail is also not that heavily trafficked; at times, it can feel as though you have the trail completely to yourself. This quietness and solitude of the trail instills it with a calming, relaxing quality.
The majority of the trail consists of a dirt path, and as is the case with most dirt paths, there are lots of tripping hazards in the forms of tree roots and rocks (so, watch your footing). Several portions of the trail, mainly those near the swamp, are quite muddy, and while most of these areas have boardwalks over the mud, a couple do not. Most of the trail is wide enough to accommodate two people walking side by side, but several sections are quite narrow and require you to walk single file. The majority of the path is shaded, which has the benefit of avoiding direct sunlight but the disadvantage of more bugs. The fact that parts of the trail run parallel to the swamp further increases the bugginess. All of this is to say that you will want to wear bug spray. Even with bug spray, I was constantly having to swat flies away from my face.
Lastly, as the loop comprises sections of multiple trails, having a map, such as the one available on AllTrails, is extremely helpful to ensure that you stay on route. Also helpful is arriving early or at an off-hour to the trail, as there are a mere six parking spots.
Overall
Rocky Narrows Overlook Loop is an unexpectedly fun hike. It is short enough that you can easily squeeze it into an otherwise busy day. I will certainly be hiking this trail again!
