Exploring Paths in Norton, MA

Marjorie Turner Hollman is a writer who loves the outdoors. Link to all Marjorie’s books.

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Easy Walks South of Boston features six different destinations to visit when you are in the town of Norton. On a beautiful day in autumn I stopped by four of these open space properties to get some pictures of fall color. It was also an opportunity to see what my collaborators, Marilyn and Dave Doré, had discovered during their fieldwork for the book.

As I drove from one property to the next it became obvious how close many of these locations are to each other. I first visited Woodward Forest, then the old Norton Rail Trail. They were both on one map in the book.

Using the book as my reference, the next map included both Blueberry Knoll, then the nearby Gertrude Cornish Town Forest. Having the printed manuscript in hand and referencing the maps was a great test of how others might be able to use the trail guide. I was pleased to see that the maps are accurate, and the addresses, put into my GPS, got me right to where I hoped to go.

Both Woodward Forest and Blueberry Knoll are in neighborhoods, so the parking is not obvious. They are each located at the farthest portion of dead end streets. Woodward Forest had more space for parking. Blueberry Knoll was challenging to park without blocking neighbors’ driveways.

Woodward and Blueberry Knoll are wooded (as far as I could see). It is hunting season and I am getting back in practice for fall outings. I chose not to go far on either of these trails since my blaze orange clothing was still at home. Next time my blaze orange will be in the car!

The Norton Rail Trail is presently under construction. The first half mile, which is paved, begins at the corner of Crane and Hill Streets and has a number of parking places. Because of the lack of signage at the parking area I missed the trail head but quickly figured out I needed to turn around.

This was a weekday visit, and just one other person was on the trail. The bright sun felt wonderful on that fall day. “Foliage,” which is what we refer to as the fall colors, was just beginning to show at these wooded stops. I enjoyed the quiet, but knew there were other places on my list I wanted to check out.

My last stop on this tour was at the Gertrude Cornish Town Forest. The forest itself is wooded with clear paths. Adjacent to the property is access to town water department property, along the Canoe River. Trees along the river were clinging to their autumn colors. The blue sky provided the perfect backdrop for pictures of the open space created by the expansive wetlands alongside the river.

Across the road from the town forest is a small cemetery. It abuts the river, which runs directly behind the cemetery. I crossed the street to walk among the headstones. Some trees glowed in the sunlight while others had already shed their leaves.

As I write, the woods have assumed a posture that will persist through the winter. Gnarled monochrome branches are revealed for all to see. What had been hidden in summer is laid bare. Gone are the leaves that offered welcome shade in the heat of the day. Evergreens and red berries offer the only touch of color.

Winter offers different outdoor experiences. It does require dressing more carefully. Shorter days can limit afternoon outings. Icy paths keep many of us indoors. When the sun is shining, maybe a local walk is just what you need. As we have found, open space is nearby. Your presence will take nothing away from those woods or open fields as long as you take your trash with you. As others have said, “take only pictures, leave only footprints”. You may find that those same outdoors spaces will give back more than you expected. 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, Easy Walks and Paddles in the Ten Mile River Watershed, Easy Walks South of Boston 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.