Bates Land: heavy on the charm
The heart warming at Bates Land starts with the adorable hand-painted sign by local children depicting the landscape that awaits you. As you enter, crossing over James Brook, the trail winds in a beautiful pathway, trees arching swollen with berries and a hidden retired old plow secretly sleeping among pine trees.
Take a rest on the granite benches nestled next to the pathway, for it is here that the hike gets down and dirty.
If it has been raining, be ready to balance on rocks, roots and trail edges as the water rises high at the vernal pool on the base of Indian Hill.
Dig deep, as the incline starts fast. Sitting at the boundary of farm and woods, the trail allows the opportunity to glance left into deep forest or right into rolling hills of farmland, orchards and horses grazing.
Once at the top the view is divine. It is beautiful Groton views, the look of storybooks. Wave to Mount Wachusett, squint and see Mt. Monadnock
Bring a picnic and rest at the top of the hill before venturing down into the hardwood forest with winding trails in a canopy of shade.
At almost 50 acres, Bates conservation land had lots to see and explore, and with such lovely panoramic views, it is worth a visit each season.
Know before you go:
Groton Conservation Trust
Where: Old Ayer Road, Groton
Follow ‘em: @gc_trust and @grotonmatrails
Dogs? appear to be welome at all trails
