Category Archives: bridge

January 10, 2016

The Nature Trail and Cranberry Bog at Patriot Place (Foxborough, MA)

Date visited: January 9, 2016

Although the area is mostly known for being the home of the New England Patriots and its adjacent marketplace, Patriot Place has another impressive attraction – The Nature Trail and Cranberry Bog. Admission to the trail and bog is free and the parking is ample evident by the photo below. You can also park in the lots in front of the store and walk down to the trail.

From the entrance the Nature Trail and Cranberry Bog greets you with a charming sitting area and pretty trees.

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Although most of the vegetation is dead (save for a few stubborn blueberries and cranberries), a thin layer of ice covered most of the pond and the trees are bare this time of the year, the Nature Trail and Cranberry Bog at Patriot Place in Foxboro, MA, is just as beautiful in the winter as it is during the summertime.

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Located directly behind the expansive Bass Pro Shop, the Nature Trail and Cranberry Bog is a .5 mile loop with a 3 percent grade and some inclines as much as 12 percent.

It is a mostly dirty trail with a few boardwalks and bridges. There are two benches in the middle of the first walking bridge. Overall, it is an easy to semi-moderate trail. I saw people of all age groups handle the trail, inclines and all, with little difficulty.

I found this strange, creepy looking branch or alien arm protruding from the ice.

An extra bonus for any Patriots fan is you can see Gillette Stadium (the stadium the Patriots play in) from the main road on the way to the Nature Trail and Cranberry Bog. You can also catch a quick glimpse of some of the stadium from the entrance to trail and bog.

After finishing the loop, I met Chandler, a beautiful 6 year old tri-colored English Setter (thank you for the clarification, Adam).

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59 Comments | tags: bridges, dog, Foxboro, Hiking, ice, Massachusetts, Nature, New England, Patriot Place, photographs, Photography, photos, pond, road trip, scenic, trails, trees, water | posted in bridge, bridges, dog, Foxboro, hike, hiking, ice, Massachussetts, nature, New England, Patriot Place, photographs, photography, photos, trail, trails, trees, Uncategorized

September 21, 2015

Amrita Island (Bourne, MA)

By New England Nomad

After spending the morning at the Cape Cod Canal, it was time for the next stop on my day trip. The next leg of my Cape weekend tour was spent at the hidden jewel of Bourne; Amrita Island.

To view the blog about the first leg of my Cape Cod trip check out my blog about the Cape Cod Canal.

An island in the town of Bourne, Amrita Island is one of the lesser known islands of Cape Cod. The reason many people may not know about this island is because it looks like any other side street in the area. The only indication there may be an island there is an inconspicuous sign you could easily miss unless you were looking for it.

Amrita Island is connected to Cataumet (the village within Bourne where Amrita Island is located) by an ornate, albeit short, stone bridge.

There are spectacular views from the bridge.

But, to get the best views, you have to get off the bridge and walk around the surrounding area

There is also an abundance of plant life and pretty trees.

There is also a variety of wildlife on Amrita Island. Fish, ducks and birds are abundant onthe island. The fish were swarming in a circle for some reason.

I also met Hadley, a resident of the island.

I will be posting the next installment of my Cape Cod trip later this weekend. Stay tuned!

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1 Comment | tags: Amrita Island, bridge, bridges, cape cod, dog, dogs, Massachusetts, New England, travel | posted in attractions, boats, bridge, bridges, cape cod, dogs, ducks, fish, New England

September 10, 2015

Natural Bridge State Park (North Adams, MA)

By New England Nomad

The bridges of Western Massachusetts are not just the ones you see on the roadways. But, don’t let the name fool you. The Natural Bridge State Park has so much more to offer.

Before you reach the natural bridge, a brook greets you at the entrance.

Formed through series of continental collisions, erosion and the meltwaters caused by the Ice Age, the natural marble bridge is the only one of its kind in North America.

Deep crevices and chasms were carved through the years of erosion and warming and cooling.

The only marble bridge in North America, the natural bridge in North Adams is located just off the The Mohawk Trail.

Adding to the beauty of the natural bridge, the park has a waterfall.

The Natural Bridge State Park also has impressive views of the bridge and the park it overlooks.

There are many flowers, trees, rocks, bridges (a bridge on a bridge of all things) and even David’s Bench that give the Natural Bridge State Park a special charm.

During our travels, we met Sasha.

Just as you think you’ve seen all the Natural Bridge State Park has to offer there is a small park area atop the walking bridge. Statues and other structures made from the materials mined from the one time quarry rest along the top of the lofty bridge. It capped off a perfect visit.