Tag Archives: foliage

December 3, 2017

High Ledges Wildlife Sanctuary (Shelburne, MA)

Date Of Visit: October 14, 2017

Location: Patten Road, Shelburne, MA

Hours: Trails are open dawn until dusk

Cost: Free

Parking: there are 2 parking lots. The first parking lot (called the “overflow parking lot”) which has room for about 10 cars is at the beginning of the entrance. The other parking area is about a quarter of a mile down the main entrance road. On the left of the road is room for about a dozen cars.

Trail Size/Difficulty: 782 acres, 5 miles/easy with some moderate inclines

Handicapped Accessible: No

Dog Friendly: No

Website: High Ledges Wildlife Sanctuary

Trail Map: High Ledges Wildlife Sanctuary Trail Map

Highlights: scenic, “high ledge”, wildlife, easy trails, vernal pool, flowers, foliage during the fall

Known for its pretty views of the Deerfield River Valley and Mount Greylock area, its variety of flowers along its trails and its various wildlife, High Ledges Wildlife Sanctuary is a great place for a quick hike to some beautiful views.

The sanctuary is a mixture of 5 miles of paved and dirt trails with a few boardwalks over some marshy areas.

Even though it was near the end of the foliage season, there was still lots of foliage on the trees during my visit. The leaves on the ground added to the beauty of the sanctuary.

Rumor has it wolves roamed the High Ledges. The Wolves’ Den Loop Trail leads to a geologic feature where local lore has it that the last wolf in the region was exterminated.

The highlight of the sanctuary is the overlook, or “high ledge” along the (wait for it…)…Ledges Trail. The rolling hills and colorful trees offer a picturesque vista.

It’s said you can see Mount Greylock from the ledge on a clear day. See it? It’s right there…

Well, it’s somewhere there.

The trails at High Ledges are easy overall. But there are some strenuous areas. My advice would be to stay on the main trails and to basically back track or follow the trail you took to the vista since that is the most direct route back and the trail is the easiest to travel, unless you’re looking for a challenge. I felt the urge for a challenge that day and I usually do try the various trails so I can get a good feel of the park. However, there really wasn’t, save for a few chipmunks and trees, along the side trails.

Chipmunks were busy storing nuts, and chewing on a few, in preparation for another long winter that will sadly soon be here.

4 Comments | tags: foliage, Massachusetts, New England, Park, photographs, Photography, photos, scenic, Shelburne, trees, views | posted in foliage, High Ledges Wildlife Sanctuary, Massachusetts, New England, photographs, photography, photos, scenic, Shelburne, trees, Uncategorized

November 23, 2017

Happy Thanksgiving 2017 (Robinson Park, Agawam, MA)

By New England Nomad

Date Of Visit: November 23, 2017

Location: 428 North St, Feeding Hills (Agawam), MA

Hours: gates close at the park at 4 p.m. in the fall and winter. During the late spring and during the summer, the gates and trails are open from sunrise until sunset

Cost: $8 for MA vehicle, $10 for non-MA vehicle

Parking: There are about 50 parking spots in the park itself at various designated parking areas. There are also several entrances besides the actual entrance to the park (on North St and Feeding Hills Rd) where you can park for free but there are gates at these entrances and you have to walk rather than drive to the beach and fields in the park.

Time To Allot For Visit: 3 to 4 hours to hike the entire park

Size of the park: 800 acres, 5 miles of frontage on the Westfield River

Dog Friendly: Yes

Highlights: walking trails, stream, beach, picnic area, fields, lots of wildlife, great for bikers, joggers, walkers and dogs

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

There’s something about fall, especially in New England. The hot sun and fresh crisp air is invigorating. And what better place to spend such a seasonable fall day than Robinson Park in Agawam, MA?

Going to Robinson Park on Thanksgiving has become a tradition for me. Since it is so close to my relatives and it is such a big park with so much to photograph, it’s a wonderful place for me to take my camera and get close to nature. It’s also a great way to work up an appetite for the big feast later.

If there’s one word I would use to describe Robinson Park it would be peaceful. Especially today when many of us are reflecting on what we’re thankful for and spending some quality down time with loved ones. Walking around and the park I felt as though I was the only there, partly because I probably was. At least I didn’t see anyone during most of my time there

Except for the occasional dog walker, cyclist or fishing enthusiast, it was pretty quiet at Robinson Park today.

There was a lot of bird and chipmunk activity as they get ready for winter.

There was also a sign of more life to come at the park.

It’s rare to not see someone walking their dog at Robinson Park and today was no exception. With it’s wide trails, plentiful bushes and trees and numerous side trails, it is a great place to take your pooch.

Cabo is a 2 year old Black Lab.

Papi is a 1 year old Pitt Bull Terrier mix.

Sophie is a 12 year old Mini-Datsun.

I have posted about this park previously. To view my original, in depth post about this park from last year click here.

I hope everyone has a happy, peaceful and safe holiday weekend.

9 Comments | tags: Agawam, dogs, Fall, foliage, Massachusetts, New England, photographs, Photography, photos, Robinson Park, Thanksgiving | posted in Agawam, dog, Fall, Massachusetts, photographs, photography, photos, Thanksgiving, Uncategorized

November 17, 2017

Five Days Of Foliage Day #5 – Mine Falls Park (Nashua, MA)

By New England Nomad

Date Of Visit: October 22, 2017

Location: 9 Stadium Dr, Nashua, NH, Whipple St, Nashua, NH

Hours: Open daily, sunrise to sunset

Parking: There is free parking available at both the Whipple St and Stadium Dr entrances. But the Stadium Drive entrance has more parking spots

Handicapped Accessible: Yes, some parts of the park are handicapped accessible but many of the trails are too steep and rocky

Dog Friendly: Yes

Website: Mine Falls Park

Original Post: Mine Falls Park (Nashua, NH)

Highlights: ball fields, fishing, boating, running and hiking trails

The fifth and final day of my Five Days Of Foliage series. I hope you have enjoyed looking at the photos as much as I enjoyed taking these photos!

For my last installment of my foliage photos I chose one of my favorite parks, Mine Falls Park in Manchester, NH.

I didn’t get to stay very long. There is so much to see at Mine Falls and I missed the biggest attraction there; the dam.

The 325 acre park has a total of 6 miles of trails that follow the Nashua Canal Trail. There are also ball fields, soccer fields and a football field is adjacent to the park. When I got there at sunrise, the warm weather had mixed with the cold, damp weather from the evening creating some misty shots from the ball fields.

The name “Mine Falls” dates from the 18th century, when low-quality lead was supposedly mined from the island below the falls. It has come along since then.

There are two main entrances to the park. I would suggest parking by the entrance at Stadium Drive because there is more parking spaces and it is easier to get to. I parked at the entrance at Whipple St. There were much less parking spaces (about a dozen) and I had a hard time finding the street. In any event I did find the entrance eventually. I hope you enjoy the photos I took there!

I had visited Mine Falls previously in March of 2016. You can find the link to my original post above.

I enjoyed posting this series of photos and I think it is something I may do some other types of themed photo series in the future.

You can find additional photos from my visit here

2 Comments | tags: foliage, Mine Falls Park, mist, Nashua, new hampshire, Park, photographs, Photography, photos | posted in foliage, Nashua, New England, new hampshire, park, photographs, photography, photos, Uncategorized

November 16, 2017

Five Days Of Foliage Day #4 – Goddard Memorial State Park (Warwick, RI)

By New England Nomad

Date Of Visit: November 1, 2017

Location: 1095 Ives Road, Warwick, RI

Hours: Open daily sunrise to sunset

Cost: Free (but there are fees to use fields, gazebos and other facilities)

Parking: There are several parking areas

Handicapped Accessible: Yes, some areas of the park are handicapped accessible

Dog Friendly: Yes

Website: Goddard Memorial State Park

Highlights: 490 acre park with a 9 hole golf course, playing fields, beach, performance center and equestrian show area with bridle trails. The foliage isn’t bad either.

To borrow a term coined by my northern Vermont neighbors, “stick season” is fast approaching. Stick season is the fall and winter transition that occurs after the leaves have fallen but also before snow has settled on the trees. This season is not just common to Vermont though.

Indicative of “stick season, I noticed many of the trees at Goddard Memorial State Park had already lost most of their leaves. Yet, there were still some decent foliage opportunities along the shore of the beach and park. The densely wooded Goddard has 62 deciduous (trees that have leaves that change) and 19 evergreen species (a species of tree that does not change color throughout the year). So, there were a variety of trees to find foliage on.

Considered one of the best parks in Rhode Island, Goddard Memorial State Park’s 490 acres of land along Greenwich Cove and Greenwich Bay in Warwick, RI.

Goddard Memorial State Park has an equestrian show area and 18 miles of bridle paths for horse riders to enjoy. While I was there I did happen upon a few riders.

I had never been to Goddard before. I only learned about the park the day before after a quick search for the best parks in Rhode Island. And the reviewers didn’t miss their mark. The best part of the park may be the variety of activities and Goddard Park also has a 9 hole golf course, 11 playing fields, a canoe launch, a beach that allows swimming and a performance center. With its pretty waterscapes, extensive hiking trails and picnic areas, Goddard is definitely a great place to take the family.

7 Comments | tags: dog, foliage, Goddard Memorial State Park, horses, New England, Park, photographs, Photography, photos, Rhode Island, Warwick | posted in birds, dog, foliage, Goddard Memorial State Park, horses, New England, park, photographs, photography, photos, Rhode Island, Uncategorized, Warwick

November 15, 2017

Five Days Of Foliage Day #3 – Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary (Topsfield, MA)

By New England Nomad

Date Of Visit: October 21, 2017

Location: 87 Perkins Row, Topsfield, MA

Hours:

November–April:
Tues-Sun & Mon holidays, 9 am-4 pm
Closed Mondays

May–October:
Tues-Fri, 9 am-4 pm
Sat, Sun, & Mon holidays, 9 am-5 pm
Closed Mondays

Trails:
Tues-Sun, & Mon holidays, dawn to dusk
Closed Mondays

Cost:

Members: Free
Nonmembers:
$4 Adults
$3 Children (2-12)
$3 Seniors (65+)

Parking: There is free parking for about 30 vehicles

Handicapped Accessible: No

Dog Friendly: No

Website: Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary

Original Post: Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary

Located only half an hour north of Boston, MA, Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary offers 12 miles of trails, diverse wildlife and some pretty good foliage.

I visited Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary in July, 2016 (the link to this post is posted above). But, like many of the places I have visited more than once, I found some hidden gems that I missed the first time. Specifically, during my initial visit I missed out a cute walkway cut out of rock which I found during my recent visit. I have considered revisiting places I have already photographed in the upcoming year to make sure my posts are much more comprehensive than they have been in the past. It’s very easy to miss things if you don’t do your research beforehand or if you have a difficult time with the conditions. In any event, it’s an idea I’m tossing around.

Since I had already visited Ipswich River Sanctuary and I was focusing mostly on foliage photo opportunities, I walked along the Ipswich River along some boardwalks, fairly easy trails and a few side trails. There are lots of birds to photograph and the wildlife seems to be pretty friendly. In fact, a chipmunk greeted me and came within inches of me. I think they are used to seeing people and people may often feed them. Unfortunately for the little fella, I was all out of acorns and nuts.

I have also seen deer at Ipswich River Sanctuary during both of my visits. Actually, I have seem them multiple times during both of my visits. During my first visit, I spotted two bucks drinking from the river. They got away before I could photograph them. But, I saw a deer later during my visit which I was able to photograph.

During my most recent visit, I saw a few deer running off into the woods. But, again, I saw them later. Except not in the sanctuary. This leads me to my next observation. I took a wrong turn, more accurately I missed a turn, on my drive back from the sanctuary. I ended up on Central St where I found a mom deer and two of her little ones grazing on the side of the road. After stopping abruptly and making sure she didn’t charge, I quickly grabbed my camera from the back seat without leaving the vehicle and took some photos of the deer family.

It was both exciting and shocking to see the deer by the road. I know this happens often but I had never been so close to any animal on the road. Not for one second did the momma’s eyes look away from my car. You can also see how she is shielding one of her babies in the photos I took.

There was a lot of color at Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary. However, my issue was more with lighting and shadows. The weather was nice and there are lots of places to explore at the sanctuary. But, I couldn’t stay long as I was going to Salem to do some Halloween photography. So, I couldn’t stay too long. I had to work with what I had.

6 Comments | tags: foliage, Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary, Massachusetts, New England, photographs, Photography, photos, Topsfield, wildlife | posted in animals, foliage, Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary, New England, photograph, photographs, photos, Uncategorized

November 14, 2017

Five Days Of Foliage Day #2 – Cutler Park Reservation (Needham, MA)

By New England Nomad

Date Of Visit: October 29, 2017

Location: 84 Kendrick St., Needham, MA

Cost: Free

Hours: Open daily sunrise to sunset

Parking: There is room for 30 to 40 cars in the free parking area

Dog Friendly: Yes

Website: Cutler Park Reservation

Original Post: Cutler Park Reservation (Needham, MA)

One of my favorite spots because of its proximity to Boston and it’s pretty views, Cutler Park was a must-see on my foliage peeping tour.

I would consider the colors at Cutler Park to be moderate which is somewhat surprising since I traveled there the last Sunday of October. I have noticed that, perhaps due to the erratic and dry weather (specifically the lack of rain in the area at the time) and other environmental factors, some of the foliage has been happening later than usual. The lack of rain, which had been the case during October, can cause the leaves to drop before they change color. Plus, it seems like a lot of the places I have photographed have trees that do not change colors, such as pine and other types of evergreen trees.

Although Cutler Park is a large park (600 to 739 acres depending on the web site you trust), In fact, it one of the entrances is in Needham and it traverses many town and city limits until you reach Dedham, MA (some 3 miles each way). I took the loop that circles along Kendrick Pond which is about one mile all around. I have been looking forward to going back to Cutler Park and it was great walking along the trails, although I was hoping to see more colors on the trees.

Please take a look at my Facebook page at the link below to see the other photos I took during my visit at Cutler Park. Please also consider following me on Facebook to view more photos, videos, posts and other content I do not include on my blog! Thank you for reading, liking and commenting.

Five Days Of Foliage Day #1 – Dorrs Pond (Livingston Park, Manchester, NH)

By New England Nomad

Date of Visit: October 22, 2017

Location: Dorrs Pond, Livingston Park, 244 Hooksett Rd, Manchester, NH

Cost: Free

Hours: open daily, sunrise to sunset

Dog Friendly: Yes

Handicapped Accessible: Yes

Original Post: Dorrs Pond (Manchester, NH)

Over the past few weeks, I have been visiting some of the more colorful parts of the New England area.

I am going to post one short blog post with a photo from each place I have visited with a link to my Facebook page where you can find the additional photos from my visits. Please consider following me on Facebook!

I have dubbed this series, “Five Days Of Foliage.” I am also posting a link to the original post in the top part of the blog post.

I will post the “best” photo from my visit and post the additional photos from my visits on Facebook. I didn’t spend as much time as I usually do when I photograph a destination because I had already posted about most of them already. I just wanted to capture the highlights of the foliage season.

One of my favorite places to visit is Dorrs Pond at Livingston Park in Manchester, New Hampshire. It’s a relative easy walk or run with a mainly smooth, level one mile loop and, as an added bonus, it’s just over an hour’s drive for me. There is usually lots of activity in the pond, especially during the spring and summer, and the trees provide for pretty colors as you can see above.

One of the things I liked best about the foliage at Dorrs Pond was the various colors. The green from the pine and other trees whose leaves do not change blended beautifully with the red, brown, yellow and orange of the trees in full foliage. I managed to make it to Dorrs Pond at peak or near peak foliage conditions. I hope you enjoy.

Massasoit State Park (East Taunton, MA)

By New England Nomad

Date Of Visit: November 6, 2016

Location: 1361 Middleboro Ave, East Taunton, MA (about 45 minutes south of Boston, MA)

Cost: Free this time of the year. Seasonal prices are not posted on the web site or at the park.

Hours: Open Daily 7:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (hours may vary depending upon the season)

Parking: There were roughly 50 to 60 parking spots in the lot

Handicap Accessible: No. The side trails can be very rocky and, in some areas difficult to navigate. The main road is paved but cars and other vehicles do travel along the road often.

Dog Friendly: Yes

Time To Spend During Visit: 2 to 3 hours

Highlights: pretty trees, pretty views, bodies of water, dog and horse friendly, cranberry bogs, boat launch (the seasonal camping sitees have not been opened since the 2008camping season)

Web Site: Massasoit State Park

Trail Map: Massasoit State Park Trail Map

Named after the sachem, or leader, of the Wompanoag Confederacy, Massasoit State Park boasts 1,207 acres of trails, 5 bodies of water and a beach area. Add to that some pretty sweet views.

The first thing you’ll notice, and perhaps the main attraction, at Massasoit State Park are the cranberry bogs. The colors of the cranberry and the trees clash to make some pretty contrasts, particularly during foliage season.

The trails at Massasoit State Park are mostly easy with a few moderate inclines. There were a few boardwalks and makeshift bridges made out of trees and other debris.Many of the trails were carpeted with leaves.

Signs of foliage were everywhere. Trees burst with orange, red, yellow and green this time of the year.

Massasoit has 5 ponds and a beach area. The bodies of water are surrounded by pretty trees and vegetation.

Swans and other birds inhabit the ponds.

As you can tell by the photos, the weather changed about, oh, 16 times during the day. In other words, it was your typical New England day. It rained, hard at times, for short periods of time and the sun crept out as well.

Another thing I noticed at Massasoit State Park are the rocks. There are white rocks placed throughout the park and other big rocks with crystal-like elements in them.

The park is also popular with cyclists. I saw dozens of cyclists during my visit. This friendly cyclist was nice enough to let me photograph him.

With its wide paved trail and abundant side trails, Massasoit is the perfect place to bring your dog and I saw several dogs enjoying the fall weather during my visit.

Rex is a 6 and a half year old Blue Tick Coon Hound. Never heard of a Blue Tick Coon Hound? Join the club. Apparently, Blue Tick Coon Hounds are hunting dogs that are prevalent in West Virginia, which is where Rex is from.

Granger is a 4 year old Black Mouth Cur.

Cocoa is a 10 year old Chihuahua and terrier mix breed. He lives nearby and visits the park often.

I also saw these two playmates at Massasoit.

Grace, a 2 year old Doberman and Sydney , a 1 year old Golden Doodle, affectionately played at the park.

Please connect with me on Facebook to view photos, videos and other content that is not posted in this blog: New England Nomad

13 Comments | tags: dogs, foliage, Massachusetts, Massasoit State Park, New England, Park, photographs, ponds, swan, trails, trees | posted in dogs, foliage, New England, park, ponds, trails, Uncategorized

November 19, 2015

Jenney Grist Mill (Plymouth, MA)

By New England Nomad

Most people are aware of the more popular attractions in Plymouth, MA, such as Plymouth Rock and Plimoth Plantation. But, there is another hidden jewel in Plymouth.

Located only a few miles from Plymouth Rock, the Jenney Grist Mill is a replica of the mill which was originally located in the Plymouth Colony.

When I went to visit the foliage was still peaking in the area.

But the real gem of the grist mill area is the pond.

Ducks, swans and a furry friend inhabit the area.

15 Comments | tags: cats, ducks, Fall, foliage, grist mill, Massachusetts, New England, Photography, photos, Plymouth, swan | posted in cats, ducks, Fall, foliage, grist mill, Massachussetts, New England, photographs, photography, photos, Plymouth, pond, swan, Uncategorized

November 15, 2015

Weir River Farm (Hingham, MA)

By New England Nomad

Last week, I posted about my visit to Whitney And Thayer Woods. I wanted to break the post into two parts because it would have been too big to do as one post and there were quite a few photos I wanted to share. So, without further ado, Weir River Farm…

As you emerge from the dense Whitney and Thayer Woods, you see a welcome scene: open space and scenic views.