Weston has about 100 miles of hiking trails, many of which, like this one, start behind parks or schools. The nonprofit Weston Forest and Trail Association helps maintain and protect open spaces in the town and offers a large trail map for sale at the town hall. You can also look up trails on the association’s website.

To hike around College Pond, which is behind Burchard Park, walk to the right of the tennis courts and the ball fields. The pond will be on your right. The path is mostly wide and flat. After you pass by the pond, you’ll come to a small field, a lovely place for a picnic if it’s nice out. Then return to the wooded path to circle around the pond. In short order the trail leads to Concord Road, where you turn right and then right again at the entrance of the park and the parking lot. In all, this hike takes only about 30 to 40 minutes, so it’s great for younger kids. (Note: There are other paths in the woods, without clear markings, so it's important to pay some attention to where you are in relation to the pond in order to complete the loop; bearing right is generally the correct way to go.) In winter, this is a good, short snowshoe hike. If you'd like to paddle, a boat launch is on your right just after you leave the parking lot. Next to the launch is a bench and a warming hut.

On the association’s website are posted several Weston hike descriptions, written by members of a local Girl Scout Troop (click on the For Young Explorers tab at westonforesttrail.org to find "A Kid's Guide to Weston's Trails"). The hike descriptions are quite detailed, and the troop also posted sketches and poems. Your kids might be inspired to do the same if you show these to them.

Remember: From October through May, the Weston Forest and Trail Association meets on the first Sunday of the month at 2 p.m. for a hike in a different part of town. It’s a great way to get acquainted with the area.

You may see the usual people walking their dogs on this path, as well as people riding horseback, so be careful where you step.

The Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary (Trip 36), just about 2 miles to the north, is a favorite for families with younger kids.

Take Concord Road south into Weston Center for a variety of restaurants and cafés.