Crane Swamp / Cedar Hill loop and Sawink Farm / Walnut Hill loop

5.5 mile hike on Sudbury Valley Trustees land in Marlborough.

The Crane Swamp Conservation Area includes 2,225 acres of open space straddling the borders of Northborough, Westborough, Southborough, and Marlborough. The centerpiece is a high quality 400-acre red maple swamp. The swamp is surrounded by a complex of open fields, wet meadows, ponds, pine plantations, and oak-pine forests, with Cedar Hill to the west and Walnut Hill to the northeast. We will be doing loops which go up and over each hill. No great views from the summits, but nice scenery in general as we hike.

Total elevation gain: Nothing too steep, but we will be accumulating 350 feet of elevation change.
Tortoise time: 3 hours (estimate).
Pace: Moderate to slow
Terrain: Varied; some of it is walking along flat well groomed trails along the swamp, but some of it is uneven footing going up and down the hills on narrower trails.
Where?
360 Cedar Street, Marlborough MA
Clothing and Gear
Please wear hiking boots or other sturdy shoes. Could be a few muddy spots.
I will be using my poles. Bring water maybe a snack.
Sunscreen and bug spray.
Policies
Please arrive early. We will leave promptly at 1 pm.
No dogs.
We will hike at the pace of the slowest hiker.
This hike is contingent on reasonable weather and is subject to cancellation in the event of inclement weather.

TRAIL MAP and INFO HERE!

Parking information
The trail head is off the parking lot of 360 Cedar Hill Street, Marlborough MA. There is ample parking. A trail easement, marked by posts and SVT markers leads around the wetlands and to a kiosk behind the buildings. When you drive into the parking lot go to the left and park in the front or on the side of Piedmont Films and Graphics company. Just don't block any tractor trailers in.

Disclaimer
As a condition of your voluntary participation in this activity you acknowledge and agree to the following:
this activity involves inherent risks that can cause property damage, injury, illness, disability, and/or death to participants and/or others;
you assume all risk associated with this activity;
you are responsible for having the necessary knowledge, skills, abilities, clothing, and equipment to safely participate in this activity;
you know and will follow the Hiker Responsibility Code
the leader(s) of this activity are volunteers; and
you release, hold harmless, and indemnify the leader(s) and all members of this group from any and all claims for property damage, injury, illness, disability, and/or death - including those caused by negligence and/or other reasons.