Chuck Knox was just happy to get out of the woods with all of his limbs intact.

The executive director of Five Rivers Conservation Trust said during the opening of a new nature trail in Hopkinton that the process was not easy.

“We were all glad that no one got hurt (while cutting the path),” he joked. “We all emerged with our fingers and toes intact.”

The Sweatt Preserve Nature Trail, located on Old Stagecoach Road, is about two miles long and was dedicated during a ribbon- cutting ceremony on Saturday, Oct. 20.

“It’s a very exciting day, and we hope this trail will prove to be an asset for the community of Hopkinton and the surrounding area,” said Knox. “Our goal is to protect open space, and that’s what we’ve been able to do with this land.”

Dan Rivard of Hopkinton helped build some of the trail’s brides.

“This is just great, there’s a lot of good energy,” he said.

“Anyone who enjoys the forest, nature and walking is going to think this is a great place. And it’s also great exercise.”

The process of making the trail began in late spring on the 72-acre property, as Knox and his volunteers looked to find the best way to utilize the land without cutting too much of the woods.

After planning the path, the group cut it, built the bridges and nailed directional signs throughout.

“There are no grandiose views or pounding waves along the way,” Knox told the group of about 30 people who attended the ceremony. “But it is a very special trail that conveys mystery and beauty.”

Mark Zankel, chairman of the Five Rivers group’s board of trustees, is looking forward to the impact the trail will have in town.

“It’s nice to be able to open the trail to the people of Hopkinton and the other communities,” he said. “I come out here often, and many times you’ll see a large variety of animals and other things. It’s great for viewing foliage in the fall and for snow shoeing in the winter.”

According to Knox and Zankel, those on the trail can see a variety of animals such as deer, woodpeckers, owls, moose and even bear.

Nancy and Robert Sweatt were committed to conserving the land, and after her husband’s death, Nancy gifted the land to the Five Rivers group to follow through on those plans in 2003.

Tim Sweatt, nephew of Nancy and Robert, was on hand for the ceremony.

“It’s nice to see the land go into conservation land. We worried about it being turned into housing, so we’re happy to see the land put to this use,” he said.