Enjoying the foliage on the boardwalk
I’ve been hearing about the new boardwalk the Medway open space committee worked to install but wasn’t sure where exactly the boardwalk is. But now I know!
Facebook has been a pretty effective organizing tool for a number of trail groups I’m familiar with. Before heading out this morning, I checked on the Medway Open Space page and found not only a map, but also advice about trail conditions. There’s lots of helpful information on their website as well.
Not much doubt about which way to go here
The weather was perfect for getting outside and catching some nice foliage pics. Once we figured out that the start of this new section of trail is right at the back of Medway HIgh school, on the north side of the school, we were all set. It also helped that we spotted a huge ‘Trail” sign as we drove into the parking lot. Great job, Open Space folks!
The markings left little doubt which way we should go–thank you!
The newly created trail behind the high school wends its way through woodland, and took us over stonewalls, through shady forest, and finally out to Adams Street, just north of the high school.
More helpful signs, with perhaps a taste of Halloween to come
Cars tend to drive pretty fast on Adams Street, so take care crossing the road as the trail continues northward.
On to the power lines beyond Adams Street, where the walk continues
The trail is well marked throughout so there is little danger of getting disoriented.
The trees were on fire in the sunlight
The foliage was pretty stunning as we travelled out along the power lines.
Lee admired the pond, while wearing blaze orange–it’s hunting season…
The area north of Adams street has a pond, and several stream crossings, and while it’s mostly dry now, in spring this trail is likely to offer some challenges.
While not ADA accessible at all, the trail has been well brushed out, the markings are all really clear, and the footing is pretty solid. A few very small tree stumps in the trail may be a tripping hazard, and I found the foot bridges a little challenging to step up onto, so parents with children may have to help little ones climb up onto the bridges. Rocks and tree roots were infrequent issues, but nothing that would stop most walkers from enjoying the surroundings.
At the boardwalk
This is a lovely trail, and the boardwalk provided some great views of the surrounding foliage.
Beyond the boardwalk, a small stream, with very narrow foot bridges
Just past the boardwalk is a small stream, and while there are two quite narrow foot bridges over the stream, my lack of balance dictated that we turn around at that point.
On the boardwalk, in the sunshine
The unseasonably warm weather made this for a comfortable walk, and offered the opportunity for us to enjoy lots of views of stunning foliage. To access the rest of the Choate Park trail, simply walk along the edge of the parking area to the trail kiosk, then head south behind the school’s ball fields and back toward Choate Park. Those trails are much more accessible, perhaps not for wheelchairs, but very usable for parents with children in strollers.
Nice to meet Shelley along the trail, whose husband has worked hard as part of the committee that created this trail
Thanks to the hard working folks of the Medway Open Space Committee. What a gift to all of us, a place to enjoy in every season.
Marjorie
Marjorie Turner Hollman is a writer who loves the outdoors, and is the author of Easy Walks in Massachusetts, 2nd edition, More Easy Walks in Massachusetts, 2nd edition, Easy Walks and Paddles in the Ten Mile River Watershed, and Finding Easy Walks Wherever You Are. Her memoir, the backstory of Easy Walks, is My Liturgy of Easy Walks: Reclaiming hope in a world turned upside down.
Marjorie Turner Hollman 