Marjorie Turner Hollman helps authors self-publish their books. She is also a disability advocate, sharing information about Easy Walks (not too many roots or rocks, relatively level with firm footing, and something of interest along the way) in open space. Link to all Marjorie’s books.
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“The Glen” walking path was known in the past to area residents (and golfers) as the Glen Ellen Country Club. After the land’s sale to Toll Brothers, the site was developed into a 55+ housing community. Six different review boards in Millis advocated strongly to retain some open space there. Ultimately one hundred or so acres of the former golf course adjacent to Bogastow Brook is now open the public as a maintained walking trail system.
Stunning views of the surrounding country side await visitors. The brook hosts a small beaver dam, and a foot bridge transports visitors from the parking area to the loop trail.
Its past as a golf course makes it an ideal spot for an Easy Walk. (It is not handicapped accessible, but former golf cart paths and grassy, mowed trails, which offer solid footing with few roots or rocks.) The rolling hills will challenge those who need level paths. If you’re looking for a gentle workout, the ups and downs of the 1.5 mile loop trail fit the bill. A few benches along the way offer places to rest.
Information posted at the trailhead kiosk cautions visitors to stay on the mowed trail. Sand trap areas that were built as part of the golf course remain. Now overgrown with scrub, these features of the golf course were intended to create a greater challenge to participants of the sport. They now offer less that solid footing if you stray off the path.
A designated paved parking area will accommodate about six cars. A trail map is posted at the designated parking spots, which are adjacent to Orchard St. Use 1 Glen Ellen Blvd. in Millis in your GPS to reach the trail head.
Additional access points to the trail system are marked for residents only. A map at the entrance to the trail system clearly indicates that the path is open to the public.
We visited in late fall on a day when sunshine mixed with overcast skies. Trees growing along the edge of the open field were bare. The trails will look quite different when trees are in full leaf. The brook will fill in spring. The scrub alongside the paths will green up for sure.
Regardless of the weather, this is a lovely spot. Winter, spring, summer, or fall, this open space is a local jewel of an outdoor destination. Happy trails.
Marjorie
Marjorie Turner Hollman 