Where to go sledding in Wellesley, Mass.
Elm Bank Reservation off Rte. 16 at the Wellesley/Dover/Natick border (the address for Elm Bank is in Wellesley). Fast, but not too fast hill that offers something for older and younger kids. Most sledders seem to aim for the big tree on the right side of the hill, younger kids tend to stay to the left, which is less steep. To get there, simply follow the road to the right once you cross over the bridge and you’ll see the sledding hill to your left. Parking is at the top of the hill.
Kelly Memorial Field on Elmwood Rd., adjacent to the Bates Elementary School. The sledding hill is to the left of the ball fields as you enter from the school parking lot. It’s a long, not-too-steep slope, with a smaller hill for little kids on the side.
Nehoiden Golf Course: Sledding is popular on a hill across from the Rte. 16 entrance to Wellesley College, not that the college wants you to sled there, and has been known to erect signs explicitly telling you not to do so.
Wellesley Country Club too offers up some fine sledding, especially at hole 11. Not that we suggested you go.
Schofield Elementary School: A moderate hill that tapers into the ball fields. Houses at the top of the hill. Can get chilly on a windy day, as the fields are wide open. Park at Schofield at 27 Cedar St.
Severance Hill at Wellesley College. The hilltop is at Severance Hall and behind the Davis Museum and Cultural Center. Students are known to zip down on cafeteria trays. This hill is not for those with common sense.
Wellesley Recreation Department/Warren Park has a moderate hill, good for young ones. There’s also a playground. Located on Rte. 16/Washington St.
Rte. 16/Washington St. near Lovewell Rd, big field with stone wall at bottom, on same side of Rte. 16 as Wellesley College. Long, not too steep hill.
Wellesley Town Hall green. When there aren’t summer concerts taking place, there are sledders zipping down the bowl abutting Town Hall on Rte. 16.
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The Lovewell hill spot is fun, but can be dangerous depending on conditions and number of riders on the sled because of the stone wall. A neighbor broke his tibia hitting the wall a few years ago riding double and two winters ago, my nephew cracked his skull while riding triple. Both were probably avoidable by having fewer riders so they didn’t slide as far, but the stone wall is really hard.