Uxbridge: Nature Trails and Local History

For a trip to Uxbridge, nature trails, activities on the water, and local history offer different points of interest. Options range from interconnected loops and activities at Pout Pond to collections and historic sites.

Walking Trails and Water Activities

Cormier Woods is a well-preserved 17th-century farmstead. Trails there follow stone walls and pass through restored woodland. The trail network includes five miles of interconnected loops through pastureland, woodland, and a glacial boulder field. The terrain ranges from easy to moderate.

Swimming, kayaking, and fishing are available at Pout Pond. There are also walking trails, a large picnic area, and a sandy beach. Alongside water activities, trails and a picnic area are also key features. Travelers weighing hiking against waterside recreation will find different points of interest at these locations.

Trails and Canal History in the Blackstone River Valley

Blackstone River and Canal Heritage State Park extends across the town line between Uxbridge and Northbridge. It offers walking and hiking trails, as well as canoe access. The park’s historical interpretation focuses on the role canals played in transporting raw materials and finished goods between emerging industrial centers.

At the River Bend Farm Visitor Center, the interpretive theme is “From Farm to Factory,” presented in the context of the entire Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor. The Visitor Center’s barn houses exhibits, displays, information services, and restrooms. Thus, the park’s nature trails and canoe access are paired with a theme highlighting the former importance of transportation routes to industry.

Collections and Historic Sites

The Uxbridge Historical Society collection includes artifacts, photographs, books, and documents dating from the 18th century onward. The furniture collection includes the bed in which George Washington slept during his visit to Uxbridge in 1789. The collections bring together objects, images, and written materials relating to local history.

Historic sites also offer insight into specific events and periods. Uxbridge’s first town meeting was held at the Cornet John Farnum House in 1727. Prospect Hill is considered the town’s oldest cemetery. Taft Tavern is in North Uxbridge and is associated with visits by two presidents: George Washington stayed there in 1789; William H. Taft visited his ancestral home in Uxbridge in 1909.

Thayer Memorial Library holds records and artifacts relating to the town’s history. Together with the holdings of the Uxbridge Historical Society, it offers another perspective on local history, with collections and written records complementing the historic sites.

Discover more destinations: Northborough, Athol, Fitchburg, Gardner, Sturbridge, Shrewsbury, Devens, Westminster

For the broader travel overview: Worcester.