On the southern shore of Long Lake, LIttleton, MA, as spring is bursting forth
Yes, it’s been raining in Massachusetts (and in other locations in the eastern and midwest states). And yes, trails are pretty muddy in many spots.
One of the smaller puddles we encountered–others simply required bushwhacking around the trail to get by the water in the trail
Still, on an overcast afternoon, as we explored a neighborhood on the south side of Long Lake in Littleton, we came across a lovely network of trails called Long Lake Park that provide access to some wonderful views of Long Lake in Littleton.
We had looked, years ago, at the north side of the lake, considering a house to purchase in that neighborhood, and for various reasons chose not to move to the area. This trip took us to the far side of the lake. And unlike the north side of Long Lake, with its public beach and houses jammed cheek by jowl next to each other, the south side of the lake has houses with much more space between them.
Some great spots to explore by kayak or canoe
And all the lake frontage on the south side of the lake is protected, conservation land.
Not every trail was muddy, and all the trails we found were wide and clear
We had limited time, so were not able to extensively explore all the trails, but what we found offered wide paths that lent themselves to sociable walking side by side. numerous access points took us directly to the shoreline of the lake. We spotted a beaver lodge just off shore, and found lots of high bush blueberry bushes throughout the woods. The trails will presumably dry out as the weather warms.
Gate at end of Colonial Drive
We parked at the end of Colonial Drive where space is designated for 2-3 cars at the trailhead. The trail takes visitors straight to the shoreline on the south side of the lake. An additional trail head can be accessed on Harwood Avenue near the intersection with Newtown Road.
As we left the area we spotted several other trail kiosk signs indicating additional properties that are town conservation land in Littleton. While we do not often travel in this area, what we found tempts us to return sooner than later. Especially when the trails have dried out some!
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 