Discover Hamilton Trail

Location: Patton Park, Harvard Forest, Appleton Farms Grass Rides, Pingree Reservation, Bradley W. Palmer State Park, Black Oak Farm, Collarbone Field, Brick Ends Farm, Myopia Schooling Field
Trail: Discover Hamilton Trail
Date: 7/12/17
Distance: 15.21 miles
Info & Trail Map

The mapped hike vs mine...


So, this hike is supposed to be 10.4 miles. I was ready for that. I wasn't quite ready for 15+ miles in roughly 90 degree heat with extreme humidity and intermittent rainfall. I mean, I guess I was ready, because I did it, but by mile 13, I just wanted to be *done*. I'm not too sure where all the extra miles came from. More than one extra mile came from me spending over 45 minutes trying to figure out where the trail resumed on the other side of Highland Street. As it turns out, you just need to step over all the construction tape and brand new "NO TRESPASSING" signs -- and then you'll be right back on the trail again. Hopefully this isn't the case for long... I'm sure it's very temporary and was just bad timing for me. The rest of the extra miles were probably just other parts where I accidentally veered off for a little bit.
Mostly, the trail is easy to follow. There are markers on trees, and there were only a few times where I felt it wasn't totally clear. I did not encounter another hiker at any point during these 15 miles -- just once, I saw someone playing with their dog at a beach the trail passed.
This hike was fun, but if I did it again, it would probably be with a friend and a picnic lunch.

Summary:

• Bring a printed copy of the map, or a battery pack for your phone in case it dies (if you use tracking apps and other battery-sucking stuff). 
• Bring sunscreen. Reapply often. There are some wide open fields you'll cross. 
• Dog friendly!

I accidentally started off on the railroad tracks, instead of on the path just to the right on the other side of the trees. Took me to the same place... Just had to go through a little craziness pushing my way through trees to get back on the right path eventually. Picture is fuzzy because of the extreme humidity.


Much of this follows the Bay Circuit Trail. Here are the two markers to look for (be careful, they do diverge sometimes).








This is why you should *definitely* wear sunscreen and reapply often.


But most of the trail is more like this.