Hiking Guide: Rocky Narrows Overlook Loop
A chair with a view — scenic vista from the summit of the Rocky Narrows Overlook Loop
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Trail Basics
Trail name: Rocky Narrows Overlook Loop (AllTrails map)
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: 4.0/5.0
My Thoughts
I must admit that I was rather skeptical about the Rocky Narrows Overlook Loop. At only 2.7 miles long and not that far from people’s homes, I had my doubts about whether it would be an enjoyable hike. I feared that it would be crowded and monotonous. Fortunately for me, I was wrong on all counts.
For such a short trail, the 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 instill 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 form 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.
Helpful Tidbit
Looking for some recommendations on what to bring and/or wear on this hike? If so, read on!
Shoes: As this trail lacks any major ascents/descents, a pair of hiking shoes (vs. boots) should suffice. My current hiking shoes are Hoka’s Anacapa Breeze Low; they are lightweight and breathable. That said, if you visit the trail shortly after a rainstorm (i.e., when the trail is muddy), you might consider wearing a waterproof alternative, such as the Renegade EVO GTX LO from Lowa.
Socks: People often overlook the humble sock when preparing for a hike, but it is a critical component of one’s hiking wardrobe. A good pair of hiking socks should be breathable and wick away moisture (because nobody wants smelly, sweaty feet). Lately, I’ve been wearing and loving these hiking socks from Bomba.
Pants: I am a spring-to-fall hiker (i.e., no winter hiking for me), so when I go hiking, I like to wear a pair of lightweight, breathable pants. My go-to pair? North Face’s Basin Pants. Even when it’s warm out, I wear these pants instead of shorts because I’ve learned the hard way what happens when you’re hiking on a rocky path and fall while wearing shorts.
Tops: I recommend wearing a breathable top, such as this short-sleeve cotton t-shirt from American Giant or this long-sleeve cotton shirt from Everlane. If it is on the chillier side, be sure to pack additional layers as well.
Backpack: Sadly, the backpack I use for my day hikes is no longer made, but if I were to buy another pack, I’d go with this one from Osprey.
Water Bottle: If you’ve read any of my other hiking or travel posts, you’ll already know how much I love my 16-ounce Nalgene water bottle. It’s durable (I’ve dropped it on more than one occasion while hiking), and equally as important, it’s colorful 😆. I also like to pack at least one other larger water bottle, such as this 48-ounce one from Nalgene, which I use to refill my smaller 16-ounce bottle.
Tick Remover: Ticks are an unfortunate reality here in New England, so come prepared and bring a tick remover.
Sunscreen and Bug Spray: Don’t forget to wear and pack these!
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
The 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!
-Julia
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