Borderland State Park Loop

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Lake · Views · Wildlife

The first half of this diverse hike is through a series of rugged, granite ledges and gullies. Then the trail passes by ponds and meadows with fine open views where you may see bluebirds, waterfowl, and other wildlife.

The park entrance is on Massapoag Ave south of Sharon center. From the visitor center, follow the Pond Walk section of the Bay Circuit Trail (BCT, more info at baycircuit.org) to Leach Pond, then follow the white blazes left onto West Side Trail before turning right onto French Trail.

Continue over rolling, rocky terrain past granite outcroppings and a pond, then bear right on Ridge Trail, which crosses over several rocky balds. At the four-way junction at 1.5 mi, turn right off the BCT and continue on Ridge Trail. Bear right at the junction with Friends Trail, then right at the glacial boulder.

Turn left and follow Granite Hills Trail (Upper Loop) past the ledges to a field near the tip of Upper Leach Pond. Turn left to Mountain St and then turn right on the road. Turn right at the brown gate and follow the Pud's Pond Path past the field and Pud's Pond.

Continue onto the Pond Walk past the meadows, farm house, and Leach Pond. Rejoin the BCT section near the entrance and follow the blazes to the visitor center.

This featured hike is courtesy of the Appalachian Mountain Club and the Bay Circuit Trail Map & Guide. For more information visit their < ahref="http://amcstore.outdoors.org/books-maps/bay-circuit-trail-map-and-guide">website.