3 of My Favorite Places to Walk in and around Bridgewater, Massachusetts
1) Great River Preserve, Bridgewater, MA
Guess what? It's now known as the Great River Preserve at Conihasset. This is in recognition of and respect for the site's Native American history. How cool is that? GRP falls under the Mass Department of Fish and Game and is part of the Taunton River Corridor.
And what a beautiful place this is!
GRP is a combination of Wildland Trust and Protected Open Space of 125 acres with approximately 5-miles of flat walking trails between a mix of wooded trails and mowed paths in open fields.
Dogs are allowed on-leash.
At the end of Auburn Street is a wheel chair accessible wooden deck overlooking the Taunton River.
Hunting is allowed so be sure to check the dates of hunting season. And if you venture out during this time, wear your orange!
Word to the wise: There are no bathroom facilities at GRP!
For more information, check out:
https://wildlandstrust.org/great-river-preserve
Please Leave No Trace!
2) Borderland State Park, North Easton, MA
One of my local favorites! Borderland State Park falls under the Department of Conservation and Recreation. I get so excited talking about BSP because of all they offer:
• Hiking, over 20 miles of hiking trails
• Walking the spectacular grounds around the historic Ames estate Mansion!
• Biking
• Fishing
• Horseback riding
• Birding
• Disc golf
• Dog walking on-leash, unless you walk down the Carriage Road to the leash-free area. Please remember to pick up after your dog!
The historic Ames estate mansion offers tours to learn about Blanche Ames Ames (that was not a typo), her family, and their rich history.
Stone Lodge near Leach Pond often has a welcoming fire burning in the fireplace during the colder months.
Parking is $5 for Massachusetts residents, $20 for non-residents. Pay at kiosks in the parking lot.
Annual Pass is $60 for Massachusetts residents only. Pay on-line.
Hours open vary throughout the year based on time of sunset. A note for the wise, read the "Gate closes at _____ " sign when you enter the parking lot. Getting locked-in accidentally plus a fine may be a bit embarrassing.
The Visitor Center lists their calendar of events and has restroom facilities. Picnic tables are nearby. BSP is wheelchair accessible.
Did you see Martin Scorsese's film "Shutter Island" with Leonardo DiCaprio? Some scenes were filmed in Leach Pond and around Stone Lodge. Warning, that movie is a bit of a mind-bender!
For more information go to:
https://www.mass.gov/locations/borderland-state-park
Don't forget to check out their "x month Programs" tab for their calendar of events.
Please Leave No Trace!
3) Blue Hills Reservation, Milton, MA
Fun Facts:
• over 7,000 acres
• 125+ miles of hiking trails, with the Skyline Trail being the most rugged
• boarders Quincy, Dedham, Milton, Canton, and Randolph
• The summit of the Great Blue Hill is the tallest point in Eastern Massachusetts at a whooping 635'
• WGBH-FM (89.7) radio station's transmitter is located on top of Great Blue Hill, and that is what WGBH stands for!
• take in a nice view of Boston from the lookout in Eliot Tower
• open dawn to dusk
• There are a few bathroom facilities.
• Blue Hills Trail Side Museum in Milton is fun for little kids and big kids
• part of the Department of Conservation and Recreation
• FREE parking
• Location of my training hikes for the Pacific Crest Trail and Continental Divide Trail.
For more information, check out:
https://www.mass.gov/locations/blue-hills-reservation
Don't forget to check out their "x month Programs" tab for their calendar of events.
Please Leave No Trace!
