Years ago I lived about three blocks from Carver’s Pond when I was a student at Bridgewater (then College, now University) and I had no idea the pond and trails were even there. Thanks to the Facebook Group I created, Easy Walks, Massachusetts, RI and nearby, I learned about Carver’s Pond from a participant in the group and used the information shared to meet a friend there recently.
I found broad, clear paths, maintenance trails in some cases, and all clear, smooth walkways with few roots or rocks. From the parking at 418 Summer Street, it was a vey short walk to the canoe launch at the edge of the pond. My friend and I sat and enjoyed a morning snack as we sat on a bench where we enjoyed views of the pond. A great blue heron sailed past on the far side of the water. Dog walkers strolled by, and a group of students (from the University?) gathered to do field work in the area. The pond is basically within walking distance of the school.
Information kiosks at the trailhead offer historical information about the area and how it was used for industry in years past.
The small dam next to the canoe put in was the site of a mill years ago. Clearly the land and pond have been altered over time, yet the peace and quiet of the place remains.
We spotted a coyote strolling down the trail as we sat near the edge of the pond. It glanced our direction and kept going–he was on a mission. I caught only one photo of him just before he disappeared into the brush.
It has been several years since I visited the Bridgewater campus, and it was great to see the school continuing to thrive. While I regret not knowing about this special place all those years ago, there’s no looking back. Uncrowded, clean, with Easy Walks to enjoy, the parking is well marked, with space for about five cars. The trail to the edge of the pond may offer ADA accessibility, the other trais have small transitions and a few rocks that make it less wheelchair accessible. Happy trails!
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, and editor of 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: Finding the Sacred in everyday (and some very strange) Places.
She has been a freelance writer for numerous local, regional, and national publications for the past 20+ years, has helped numerous families to save their stories, and has recorded multiple veterans oral histories, now housed at the Library of Congress.
Marjorie Turner Hollman 