Exploring our Trails – “Slow and Steady”
On Thursday, August 21, representatives of the Francestown Land Trust (FLT) and the Francestown Conservation Commission (FCC) are planning a group hike to Frog Rock in New Boston, as part of the “Exploring our Trails” program. We will meet at 8:30 AM at the horse sheds in Francestown and carpool from there to Frog Rock. We are going early to beat the heat. We expect to be back at the horse sheds by around noon. Bring a snack and plenty of water. Also plan wisely for tick, bug and sun protection.
The trip to Frog Rock will be the first of two “Slow and Steady” Exploring our Trails hikes planned for this year to special places in towns that share a border with Francestown. These hikes are ideal for folks who don’t feel up to our more strenuous hikes, but they’re also nice for others who enjoy relaxing time in the forest and getting to see interesting new places. We will be in the woods on uneven ground. This hike will be under two miles, and with limited elevation. This year the two Slow and Steady hikes will be held on Thursdays, while the other hikes and “Lessons in the Forest” programs are held on weekends.
Frog Rock is a large granite boulder located in the southwest corner of New Boston. It looks like a giant frog and was a tourist attraction around 1900, when summer visitors came from Boston to escape the heat of the city. The Grand Hotel in Mount Vernon would send wagonloads of guests to Frog Rock for picnics. For more information on Frog Rock, check out the New Boston Historical Society website.
Less than 100 yards north of Frog Rock, we will see the cellar holes of the Reed Brother’s Farm that dates back to the late 1800’s. There is an elaborate stone foundation for a medium-sized farmhouse, and beyond that the stone walls which supported what must have been an enormous barn.
Please register no later than Tuesday August 19th by sending an email to info@francestownlandtrust.org Title your email “Register for Frog Rock Hike” and include your name, telephone number, and the number in your party. Registrants will receive emails confirming registration and with any updates. No dogs please.
Both FCC and FLT value feedback on our programs, and these Slow and Steady hikes are a direct result of suggestions received from folks in town. Your ideas for future programs are always appreciated.
HIKING……..SLOW AND STEADY!
Back by popular demand, two “Exploring our Trails - Slow and Steady” hikes also are planned for later this year. We keep these hikes to two miles or less, and with limited elevation. They are great for anyone who wants to enjoy some relaxing time in the great outdoors. The first one is scheduled for Thursday, Aug 21, when we will head over to Frog Rock in New Boston, which was a big tourist attraction back in the coach and buggy era. The second “Slow and Steady” is scheduled for Thursday, September 25, when we will head over to a trail in Greenfield. You’ll be hearing more about these hikes closer to then. For now, save the dates if they sound appealing to you.
Representatives from the Conservation Commission (FCC) and Francestown Land Trust (FLT) piloted a variation of the “Exploring our Trails”hikes on June 26, with one that was shorter and done at a slower pace. A small but enthusiastic group hiked George Sanderson’s conservation land to a scenic viewpoint overlooking the beaver pond. George joined the group, adding his trademark love for his land and generosity in sharing it. All participants agreed that future “Exploring our Trails - Slow and Steady”hikes would be a great opportunity for many who want to get out, but for many reasons, need to do so at a “slow and steady” pace!
The second hike in the “Exploring our Trails – Slow and Steady” series was held on October 8, with a hike through the Miller Family Memorial Forest. A group of twelve hikers walked through hemlock forest, crossing both Collins Brook and then Dinsmore Brook in the adjoining Dinsmore Brook Conservation Area. Huge erratic’s, cliffs and cellar holes were explored. The grand finale was lunch together at the picnic table beside Collins Brook on our return.