Month: May 2021

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Ponkapoag Trail, Blue Hills Reservation, 3.11.21

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Our first time checking out the trail around Ponkapoag Pond in the Blue Hills Reservation near the end of winter. We parked at the trailhead on Ponkapoag River Rd., exit 3 off I-93, Canton, MA. We took the first left off the main trail, which feels like a road, onto the narrow woodsier No-Name trail. No Name leads to this huge split boulder: And then the no-name trail brings you to the Ponkapoag loop trail: We went to the Spang and AMC camp sites, with picnic tables, cabins, and beautiful views: The pond covers 200 acres, and has an average … Continue reading Ponkapoag Trail, Blue Hills Reservation, 3.11.21

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F. Gilbert Hills State Forest, Foxboro, MA -3/7/21

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Did a loop on the High Rock trail in the far western side of F. Gilbert Hills State Forest. Nice mix of wide dirt-road-type trails and narrower, more natural woodsy trails. This area has a lot of waterholes, numbered on the map, that were dug by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) – the Depression-era jobs program that put people to work building the infrastructure of lots of national and state parks. Brilliant idea that still benefits us 90 years later! Lots of boulders for climbing or resting. Major trail intersection. Warner Trail is a series of connected trails that runs … Continue reading F. Gilbert Hills State Forest, Foxboro, MA -3/7/21

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Hale Reservation, Westwood, MA – 3/5/21

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Hale Reservation is private property open to the public, with 1187 acres of woodlands, ponds and facilities used for camping, scouting, hiking, swimming – all kinds of recreation. Founded in 1918, Hale programs now serve 15,000 Boston area youth annually. Just a $10 parking fee, or buy an annual pass. Had to use wear the yaktrax for steady footing in early March as we hiked around Storrow Pond, about a 2-mile loop total. This dam created the pond – and was a little nerve-wracking to walk across with my yaktrax clicking and clacking! Hale Reservation has lots of trails for … Continue reading Hale Reservation, Westwood, MA – 3/5/21