Mass. Conservation Hikes - 5/9 to 23

[billski]

Without a lot of time on my hands, I chose to walk (can't really call it hiking) the conservation areas of Stow and Carlisle Mass. Flat flat flat.

On the 9th, it was cold enough (30s) to don a hat for a while in Carlisle. Nice, very boggy, swampy, few folks in the regions I ventured, about 2.5 miles.

On the 16th, I walked about 5.5 miles in the lands about Stow. Most interesting, maybe 100' gain in elevation. Again, peaceful, quiet and clean. Bugs were out, repellant was mandatory/

On the 23rd, with very little time on my hands I re-did the Carlisle walk, this time to the viscous assault of the skeeters. Repellent works, but they remained annoying. Things are still a bit boggy, but drying out. The spring rains must have taken the area pretty high, given the debris scattered at high levels back from the ponds and bogs.

Both towns have good maps and trail descriptions. Don't want to say much more, no need to draw excess attention to a quick escape hatch from humanity.

 

[Black Phantom]

Bill-

Have you ever done any exploring in Bolton? Some real nice trails as well. Beautiful part of the state.

Used to be a sizable ski jump in the 40-50's. Leveled in the 80's for housing...

 

[Black Phantom]

http://www.nelsap.org/ma/norsemans.html

 

[billski]

Bill-

Have you ever done any exploring in Bolton? Some real nice trails as well. Beautiful part of the state.

Used to be a sizable ski jump in the 40-50's. Leveled in the 80's for housing...

First, I have to really commend the cons comm groups from each town. The volunteer "friends of" have done nice jobs of mapping and describing.

About Bolton. Thanks for the suggestion. I looked at the maps last night. It seems like the only spaces of substantive size are located near 495. What is the highway noise like in the woods? I really can't take that part.

I'm looking at getting back into the Berks this summer and doing more trail clearing. It will clear my mind too.

 

[billski]

http://www.nelsap.org/ma/norsemans.html

looks like a huge effort went into the expansion of that area. Building any sort of jump is no small feat.

 

[Black Phantom]

First, I have to really commend the cons comm groups from each town. The volunteer "friends of" have done nice jobs of mapping and describing.

About Bolton. Thanks for the suggestion. I looked at the maps last night. It seems like the only spaces of substantive size are located near 495. What is the highway noise like in the woods? I really can't take that part.

I'm looking at getting back into the Berks this summer and doing more trail clearing. It will clear my mind too.

There are some other cool areas near the golf courses. The smaller areas are rather nice as well. Worth the walk.

For the highway, it's quiet this time of year. I've done some biking in the area and you can't hear a thing. Noise is only if you live of Sugar Road.

 

[Black Phantom]

looks like a huge effort went into the expansion of that area. Building any sort of jump is no small feat.

Scandinavian design. The destruction must have been a real sight as well.:angry:

 

[billski]

Did rattlesnake hill in Bolton this weekend. Interesting place, but too damn noisy for my liking. Route 495 noise was quite noticeable. Weekend motorcycle riders with unbridled mufflers could be heard for miles along with semis and other. Perhaps the winds were from the west. The interpretive trail was much more interesting than I expected. Lime kiln and quarry were highlights. Trailheads are quite ellusive with signs hidden behind foliage and footpaths not trodden enough to recognize. Generally very pretty and scenic forests, no vistas.