Callahan State Park

Location: Callahan State Park
Managed by: DCR
Trail: Pioneer Trail, Wren Trail, Red Tail Trail, Pine Tree Loop, Edmands Road 
Date: 9/25/17
Distance: 3.5 miles
Trail Map

My tracking app wasn't working very well (poor reception) at the start of the hike, which is why the little Pioneer Trail segment is a straight line going at an angle toward Wren Trail. I did get "lost" for a little bit trying to get back as I came around Beebe Pond and ended up in the meadow. Otherwise, the map was pretty easy to follow. You can see that on my return, I walked along Edmands Road instead of retracing my steps -- I don't recommend this. It's a busy, narrow road. I only did it because I was in a rush to get back home before work, and I repeatedly had to jump into the tall grasses on the side of the road.


This park is incredibly beautiful. It was raining, and all the colors were extra-extra-extra vibrant as a result. I only came across one other human during this hike, but that may just be another result of the rain. There were several spots where I found benches and picnic benches and it's a truly lovely place to go read or have a picnic or whatever. I can't wait to go back and explore more -- this was just a tiny tiny part of the northern half of the park.

Summary:

• Dog friendly!
• Lots of nice, shady spots for reading and hanging out
• No parking fee (at least, not at this particular parking area -- there are a few others for this park)

Have I mentioned how much I love boardwalks?

I turned DOWN the saturation on this image so y'all wouldn't be too distracted by how unreal the colors are, except that's actually how my phone captured them because it's so vibrant there

Beebe Pond!

Trees make the best picture frames.

Super overcast and still gorgeous

This was my favorite section of the Pine Tree Loop

Obviously I couldn't *not* climb out on this tree.

When I briefly got lost...

But then found the trail again. 

Aaaand in black & white cuz I couldn't decide. 

Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge

Location: Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge
Managed by: US Fish & Wildlife Service
Trail: Fisher Loop
Date: 9/19/17
Distance: 3.82 miles
Trail Map

Clearly, the map was easy to follow!


Today was rainy and gloomy, which sometimes is the best hiking weather... No other hikers, and the mist in the trees is gorgeous! It's been a tough week and I wanted a short, easy, mindless hike. This fit the bill. It's completely flat, and the trails are very easy to follow. There are TONS of bugs here (I'm sure this depends on the time of year -- I've been to this location twice this month and both times, even in the rain, wore a net over my head). This hike begins with crossing the pretty busy road, but once you're on the other side, it's really peaceful.

Summary:

• Set a pin for the entrance you want in your GPS. This particular entrance is right next to the fire station. On the site with the trail map, you can read about the different options. You can also go to the US F&W website for updates on certain parts of the refuge that are closed for rehabilitation efforts. 
• No dogs -- lots of signs posted on the trails (due to its status as a wildlife refuge)
• Highly recommend a bug net for your head. They're just so persistent. 

Right around the beginning of the hike. 

I didn't know there would be multiple bodies of water on this hike (they're not on the map!), and it was a really nice surprise. 

Some of the trail is paved. 

Bug life. 

Some of the trail is sandy... 

Came across some old railroad tracks <3