The Swellesley Report

Since 2005: More than you really want to know about Wellesley, Mass.

Here in Wellesley: nordic skiing at Elm Bank Reservation

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A mid-week storm brought several inches of light and fluffy snow to Wellesley, slowing the commute and delaying school for two hours. I might have rolled over and slept in. I should have made moves to shovel the sidewalk and driveway. Instead, I threw my cross-country skis in the back of my trusty Subaru and headed over to Elm Bank reservation at 900 Washington Street for a pristine, virgin-snow nordic skiing experience. Join me on my 45-minute loop through the woods and along the Charles River.

Nordic skiing, Wellesley
The entrance to Elm Bank Reservation is at 900 Washington Street, Wellesley, on the Natick/Wellesley line.
Nordic skiing, Wellesley
A long driveway leads to a one-way bridge into Elm Bank (or out of it, depending on your perspective). I’ve seen many stubborn drivers refuse to give way on that bridge, and heard much rough language as they battle it out for bridge dominance. Perhaps installing a billy goat gruff to live under the bridge could help settle the disputes.
Nordic skiing, Wellesley
Pass the sledding hill on your left. No kids were out this morning. A two-hour snow delay doesn’t leave time for much more than sleeping in a bit. Check out our Where to Sled in Wellesley page. If March 2018 was any predictor of March 2019, you’ll need it.
Nordic skiing, Wellesley
The high winds that in late February took down trees around Wellesley, and severely damaged a Radcliffe Road home, didn’t leave Elm Bank unscathed.
Nordic skiing, Wellesley
As you make your way to the small parking lot at the trailhead look for the Cheney mansion to your left. Elm Bank’s existence during the late 19th to mid-20th centuries was as a prominent garden estate owned by the Cheney/Baltzell family. The mansion is now in disrepair, its immediate exterior area fenced off, and its interior unsafe. The neo-Georgian manor house does, however, make a dramatic backdrop for the many weddings held in its restored Italianate garden.

 

Nordic skiing, Wellesley
The Natick Organic Community Farm taps sugar maple trees all over Elm Bank. A few times a week the farmers come by, collect the sap, and bring it to the sugar shack located at 117 Eliot St., Natick. From there they boil it down to maple syrup, which they sell at their farm stand and at farmer’s markets.
Nordic skiing, Wellesley
Elm Bank is home to six regulation-sized soccer fields. They’re covered with snow now, but come spring these fields will be covered with soccer players. For now, it makes for a dramatic winter vista.
Nordic skiing, Wellesley
The entrance to the Mass Horticultural Society gardens at Elm Bank. Mass Hort in 1996 signed a 99-year lease with the then Metropolitan District Commission (now know as the Department of Conservation & Recreation) to maintain and operate out of a 36-acre portion of Elm Bank Reservation. It is here that Mass Hort maintains trial gardens that showcase new plant species and cultivars, among many other projects. It’s well worth a visit in the warmer months.
Nordic skiing, Wellesley
You will pass several greenhouses on the road that winds around the Mass Hort property, but they are not open to the public.
Nordic skiing, Wellesley
This is the second of two darling cottages on the Elm Bank property. Look for the small parking lot near this cottage, a private residence. The lot is available to Elm Bank visitors.
Nordic skiing, Wellesley
Enter the trails here. Time to strap on the skis.
Nordic skiing, Wellesley
Now we’re talking. When I reached the first fork I saw from the footprints that others had gone right. Feeling all smug and “road less travelled,” I chose to go left, but discovered…

 

Nordic skiing, Wellesley
…sometimes there’s a reason a road is less travelled by. Undeterred, I worked my way into the woods and got around the fallen limbs and back onto the path without too much difficulty.
Nordic skiing, Wellesley
My efforts were well worth it. A early-rising woodland creature of some sort had already broken ground, but other than that it was several inches of fresh, light, fluffy powder just waiting for me.
Nordic skiing, Wellesley
A fairy house ready to give shelter to the folk, should they come along.
Nordic skiing, Wellesley
A nice spot for a break, overlooking the Charles River.
Nordic skiing, Wellesley
I love this loop for the Charles River views, the wide path, and  the even and generally flat terrain.

Nordic skiing, Wellesley

Nordic skiing, Wellesley
About halfway through my adventure, the light snow stopped falling, and the sky began to clear.
Nordic skiing, Wellesley
Selfie with my tracks behind me.

Nordic skiing, Wellesley

Nordic skiing, Wellesley

Nordic skiing, Wellesley
Country home on the banks of the Charles River.

Nordic skiing, Wellesley

 

Nordic skiing, Wellesley

Nordic skiing, Wellesley
Once you get to the pump house, you’re just about done with your beautiful Elm Bank loop.
Nordic skiing, Wellesley
Here’s the gate that keeps vehicles off your nordic skiing paradise.
Nordic skiing, Wellesley
At this point you can either cross the street and ski across the field toward the black metal fence, or you can take off your skis and walk the short distance to your car.
Nordic skiing, Wellesley
I finished up my adventure by skiing along the black metal fence, toward the cottage.
Nordic skiing, Wellesley
Back to the lot.
Charles River Coffee House, Natick
Next time it snows, get out there and take advantage of nordic skiing, practically in your own back yard. Apres ski, it’s hot chocolate time. Charles River Coffee House at 57 Eliot St., Natick, pours a mean mug, and they’ll top it with whipped cream, too.

MORE:

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A taste of summer: Katharine Lee Bates’ very own ‘O Beautiful’ Cape Cod Bikeway

A hike on Mt. Sunapee in New Hampshire

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Comments

  1. Mary Bowers says

    Great article and pix Deb! I felt like I was following behind in your fresh made tracks! You’re very adventurous!

  2. Rachel says

    wouldn’t it be refreshing if people wouldn’t “battle for dominance” over the bridge? Don’t we have enough of that [B.S.] in the world?

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