Friday, February 20, 2009
Saturday, December 22, 2007
GRATEFUL LETTERBOX: BLOOMING LIKE A RED ROSE
GRATEFUL LETTERBOX – BLOOMING LIKE A RED ROSE
Author: Zess the Treehuggers
Placed by: Oldtimer Snake
Placement date: 12/20/2007
Location: Vaill Point Park, St. Augustine, FL
Hike length: approx. 0.2 miles
This box is part of a series of letterboxes we are hoping to have planted in all 50 states and also abroad! The series is meant to tell people about our fun group of folks, the Grateful Letterboxers, who enjoy being in touch with a community of letterboxers. You need only be grateful for something in your life to join in! Follow this link, or, in AtlasQuest do a box name search for “grateful letterbox” and you’ll find a list of our boxes. Most clue pages have a link to our Atlas Queset group where you can learn more and join us! This box, complete with New England fall foliage, is traveling south with Oldtimer Snake to find a Florida home. We are forever grateful for having Oldtimer Snake and Omi Worm in our lives. Zess, the Treehuggers
The Blooming like a Red Rose box is located in Vaill Point Park, St. Augustine, Florida. Vaill Point Road which leads to the park is off Rt. 1. It is 4.6 miles north of Rt 206 and 3.1 miles south of Rt. 312. The road only goes east from Rt. 1 and it is the road next to Moultrie Creek. Turn onto Vaill Point Road and drive straight 0.8 miles to Vaill Point Park – the entrance is a lean to the left.
After parking in the lot just inside the entrance find the nearby West trail into the woods. It is opposite the East trail which is across the clearing near the playground. As you follow the paved trail, take a right at the first fork, then a right at the next fork. Cross the footbridge. Soon you come to the cross trail. Turn left. Just before the next fork to the left is a lonely tree. Before arriving at this tree turn left facing the woods. The dead tree which is hiding the box is wasting away so it is hard to see from the trail, but from your position just an arms length from the lonely tree you are approximately 20 yards from teh box. Walk sort of straight ahead, taking the easiest pathway, and after approximately 20 yards you will see the box tucked in at the deteriorating dead tree base.
It is a very small park and set of trails in the woods and there may be fellow visitors who will wonder why you have gone off the trail, but you know how to protect letterboxes. There is not too much growth around the box location, but as with any park area in Florida, keep alert for snakes, spiders, poison ivy, stuff like that. There was no trouble placing the box in December. Should be alright in the summer as well.
To see more of the park, continue on at the last described fork. If you go left you will get to the long, fishing pier and floating dock at Moultrie Creek and if you go right you will find a picnic area and a scenic overlook on the Intercoastal Waterway, depending on other forks taken.
The Blooming like a Red Rose box contains only the stamp and log book. Please provide your own ink pad and pen. Please be sure to reseal baggies and the box so they stay dry and tuck it back behind the log hidden from casual view. Please enjoy the park and the adventure.
NOTE: Before you set out you must read and agree to the Waiver of Responsibility and Disclaimer.
Saturday, September 15, 2007
Northborough Trails Driving Directions
Carney Park/Cold Harbor Trail
Map it: West Main Street and Davis Street, Northborough MA
The access road is on Route 20, directly across from Davis Street, and immediately west of Pendleton Square (386 West Main Street/Rt 20). There is a yellow Carney Park sign with the Northborough Trails icon. Turn onto the gravel road that climbs a small hill. At the end of the gravel road is a parking area & the trailhead kiosk.
Cold Harbor Extension
Map it: West Street and Cherry Street, Northborough MA
From 290: Take Exit 24 - Church Street. Travel south for 1 mile, and turn RIGHT onto West Street. Travel 0.5 mile to Cherry Street and park on the shoulder of West Street (parallel to road).
From Route 20 at Rt. 135: Head West on Rt. 20 (West Main Street) for 0.8 miles and turn RIGHT onto Crawford Street. Travel 1.1 miles and turn RIGHT onto West Street. Cherry Street is 0.2 miles ahead. Park on the shoulder of West Street (parallel to road).
Carstrom Forest/Jubulee Trail
Map it: Close to West Main Street and Crawford Street, Northborough MA
From 290: Take exit 23 onto 140 south/Boylston Street. Continue for approximately 1.8 miles to the center of Shrewsbury and turn left onto Main Street. Continue on Main Street which becomes West Main Street. The property is located on the north side of West Main Street, approximately 1.95 miles east of Shrewsbury
From Route 20 (Main Street) at Route 135 (South Street): Head West for ~0.9 mile (the trailhead is just past Crawford Street). It is easy to miss this—keep your eye out for the trail kiosk. Pull onto the shoulder & park (parallel to the road).
Cedar Hill
Map it: 360 Cedar Hill Street, Northborough MA (note this is “Street” not road)
Take Route 495 to exit 23C (Simarano Drive exit). Continue to the lights at the end of the exit ramp. Take a LEFT at the lights onto Simarano Drive. Continue to another set of lights and take a RIGHT onto Cedar Hill Street. Parking for the reservation is at the Scholastic Book Fairs at 360 Cedar Hill Street. The entrance will be on your LEFT across from Forest Street.*
From Route 20 at Rt. 135: Travel EAST on Rt. 20 for 1.4 miles. Turn RIGHT onto Bartlett Street. Travel 1.5 miles to Cedar Hill Street. Go 0.3 mile and turn RIGHT into parking lot.*
*There is ample parking, labeled with SVT signs, immediately on your right. A trail easement, marked by posts and SVT markers leads around the wetlands and to a kiosk behind Scholastic Book Fairs.
The trail starts on the grass across the parking lot from the building that houses Scholastic Books and Fresenius Medical Care. The signs are plentiful. Walk along the mowed path (if not mowed, then you’ll want to walk along the parking lot to the back left corner of the building, as you’re looking at the building) to get to the trailhead kiosk.
Edmund Hill Woods
Map it: Allen Street and Rice Avenue, Northborough MA
Take 495 to Exit 24B "Route 20 to Northborough." Follow Route 20 West into Northborough. Look for Bambini’s restaurant on the right side. Approx. 2 miles after Bambini’s there will be a fork in road; bear RIGHT onto East Main Street. Take the 4th RIGHT onto Allen Street. At third road intersection (Rice Avenue & Allen Street) you will see the sign for Edmund Hill Woods ahead and to the left.
From Route 20 Eastbound: Pass the CVS and turn LEFT at the Exxon station onto Hudson Street. Travel approx 0.8 miles & you will pass under the aquaduct bridge. Take the first LEFT after the bridge, onto Allen Street. At the first stop sign you will be at the corner of Allen Street & Rice Street. You will see the sign for Edmund Hill Woods ahead and to the left.
Little Chauncy & Talbot Trails
Map it: Lyman Street and Hospital Road, Northborough MA
From Route 20 at Rt. 135: Travel EAST on Rt. 20 for 0.7 miles. Turn RIGHT onto Maple Street. Travel 0.4 mile and turn RIGHT onto Ridge Road. At dead-end, turn RIGHT onto Lyman Street. Travel approximately 0.6 mile.*
From Route 9: Turn North onto Lyman Street, and travel for 1.6 miles.*
* The entrance to the “Fisherman’s Access” is across the street from Chauncy Hall, immediately next to a small brick building covered with plywood. BE CAREFUL pulling in because it can be rough on the bottom of your car! Immediately after pulling in, park on the left side. The trailhead will be behind your car.
Mt. Pisgah
Map it (across the street): 19 Smith Street, Northborough MA
1) From Route 9 in Westborough
a. Exit Rt. 135 West toward Northborough
b. Pass Ellsworth-McAfee Park
c. Continue 1 mile to dead-end at Route 20
d. Left onto Rt. 20
e. Quick right, just past CVS, onto Church Street
f. Stay Left at the Y
g. Continue on Church St, 2 miles, until you see the I-290 interchange.
h. Just PASSED interchange, at Davidians Farm Stand, Right onto Ball Hill
i. Follow for 1.7 miles to deadend at Green Street
j. Left on Green Street for 0.4 miles
k. Right on Smith Road
l. In 0.3 miles, trailhead is on Right side of road
2) From Route 290
a. Take Exit 24, Church Street toward Boylston (North)
b. Follow directions from (h) above
Watson Park
Map it (nearest intersection): Bartlett Street and Lyman Street, Northborough MA
Take Rte 20 east from the center of Northborough for 1.4 miles to Bartlett Street. Turn RIGHT onto Bartlett Street and then turn RIGHT in 0.7 mile onto Lyman Street . Approximately 200 yards on the RIGHT look for a large rock sign for Watson Park (is partially obscured by garden growth at times). Enter there and notice the butterfly garden around the rock as you drive by. Park at the traffic circle down by the pond.
Yellick Conservation Area/Coyote Trail
Map it (across the street): 255 Hudson Street, Northborough MA
From 290: Exit 25A (Hudson Street/Northboro), continue on Hudson around a sharp curve to the right and a little further. Entrance is on the left (it is a VERY sharp left into the driveway at 7:00) across the street from 255 Hudson Street (a pink house). If you get to the aquaduct, you have missed it.
From Rt. 20: Turn north onto Hudson Street (this corner has a Mobile station & a church flanking Hudson Street). Travel ~1.3 miles to driveway on the right at 1:00, across the street from #255 (pink house). If you have reached a sharp turn to the left, you’ve missed it.
Park, and walk back toward the road (NOT toward the river).
Look left and you will see a Northborough Trails sign—this is the trailhead.
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Please let us know if you find any errors in our directions!
If you'd like to join a group of Grateful letterboxers, join here.
NOTE: Before you set out you must read and agree to the Waiver of Responsibility and Disclaimer.
The story of Coyote Trail
On October 5, 2005, a Northborough grandfather was out hiking with his 4-year-old grandson along the Assabet River (here) when they were suddenly attacked from behind. The grandfather, Arthur Cole, age 76, positioned himself between the coyote and his grandson. As the coyote was biting Cole’s legs, he unsuccessfully tried to fend her off with his hands. At one point the coyote turned around and trotted away. Cole was relieved, thinking the attack was over, but he was mistaken. The coyote was just getting some running room so she could jump for his throat. Cole told me that this was her big mistake, because when she ran away his hands were freed, such that when she jumped at him he was able to grab her throat and tackle her to the ground. He landed on top of her and had her pinned under him, with her head in his arm and her tale in his other hand.
His grandson, Nicholas, came to the rescue. Cole said, “He truly was heroic. It was his idea to run for help and he had about one quarter of a mile to run.” Nicholas ran back to Cole’s home and got his father (Cole’s son, Peter). It was clear that Cole could not let go of the thrashing coyote, so Peter attempted to kill the coyote (without luck) and called 911. Cole kept the coyote pinned to the ground for nearly 30 minutes before police officers, unable to shoot the frantic animal b/c of the proximity of Cole, suffocated the animal. Lab tests revealed that the coyote was rabid. Cole suffered numerous bites and scratches requiring extensive stitches, as well as rabies vaccinations. Cole’s 4-year-old grandson will grow up a hero.
I met Art Cole on October 26, 2006, at Cedar Hill in Northborough. I had just started letterboxing, and I was sitting at the stone wall where the SVT letterbox “See-Der Pine Cones” is hidden. I was engrossed in the logbook, and I didn’t see him coming (rookie mistake). He made me jump a mile with his greeting! We chatted for quite some time, and two of the things I learned about Art that day were that 1) he was the guy who fought off the coyote, and 2) he had just stepped down as chair of the Northborough Trails Committee. He talked at length about the different trails in town, about which I was amazed. I’d lived here for 4 years and didn’t know about any of these places (except one). He even pulled out a map of some of the local trails and gave it to me. At some point during our conversation, he mentioned that the Trails Committee could always use volunteers, if I was interested (which I very much was). I couldn’t make it to the November meeting, and there is no meeting in December, but when I showed up in January, Art remembered me right away. Thus started my journey to “Board Member” of the Trails Committee and “Trail Steward” of the Cold Harbor Trail.
It’s perhaps ironic that Cole was the Chair of the Trails Committee at the time of the coyote attack, but not too far-fetched, since you would certainly expect such a person to be spending lots of time on the trails. The real irony, for me, is that Art was not only the Chair, he was the founder of the Committee. In 2001, Art went to Northborough’s Open Space Committee and asked if they’d be interested in having a Trails Committee. They enthusiastically agreed & appointed him chair. The extensive trail system we have in town now is a direct result of Art’s initiative. (Do you think the forest animals got together & figured out who was responsible, and then sent out Coyote?)
Thus the name of this trail. As Art explained it: “The trail was named for that misbegotten coyote who bit me as sort of a joke perpetrated by a humorous committee. One thing I have always liked about the committee is that we have so many good laughs at meetings.” And I couldn’t agree more—it’s a fun & hard-working group. And the evidence of this is the extensive very well-marked trail system in Northborough.
His grandson, Nicholas, came to the rescue. Cole said, “He truly was heroic. It was his idea to run for help and he had about one quarter of a mile to run.” Nicholas ran back to Cole’s home and got his father (Cole’s son, Peter). It was clear that Cole could not let go of the thrashing coyote, so Peter attempted to kill the coyote (without luck) and called 911. Cole kept the coyote pinned to the ground for nearly 30 minutes before police officers, unable to shoot the frantic animal b/c of the proximity of Cole, suffocated the animal. Lab tests revealed that the coyote was rabid. Cole suffered numerous bites and scratches requiring extensive stitches, as well as rabies vaccinations. Cole’s 4-year-old grandson will grow up a hero.
I met Art Cole on October 26, 2006, at Cedar Hill in Northborough. I had just started letterboxing, and I was sitting at the stone wall where the SVT letterbox “See-Der Pine Cones” is hidden. I was engrossed in the logbook, and I didn’t see him coming (rookie mistake). He made me jump a mile with his greeting! We chatted for quite some time, and two of the things I learned about Art that day were that 1) he was the guy who fought off the coyote, and 2) he had just stepped down as chair of the Northborough Trails Committee. He talked at length about the different trails in town, about which I was amazed. I’d lived here for 4 years and didn’t know about any of these places (except one). He even pulled out a map of some of the local trails and gave it to me. At some point during our conversation, he mentioned that the Trails Committee could always use volunteers, if I was interested (which I very much was). I couldn’t make it to the November meeting, and there is no meeting in December, but when I showed up in January, Art remembered me right away. Thus started my journey to “Board Member” of the Trails Committee and “Trail Steward” of the Cold Harbor Trail.
It’s perhaps ironic that Cole was the Chair of the Trails Committee at the time of the coyote attack, but not too far-fetched, since you would certainly expect such a person to be spending lots of time on the trails. The real irony, for me, is that Art was not only the Chair, he was the founder of the Committee. In 2001, Art went to Northborough’s Open Space Committee and asked if they’d be interested in having a Trails Committee. They enthusiastically agreed & appointed him chair. The extensive trail system we have in town now is a direct result of Art’s initiative. (Do you think the forest animals got together & figured out who was responsible, and then sent out Coyote?)
Thus the name of this trail. As Art explained it: “The trail was named for that misbegotten coyote who bit me as sort of a joke perpetrated by a humorous committee. One thing I have always liked about the committee is that we have so many good laughs at meetings.” And I couldn’t agree more—it’s a fun & hard-working group. And the evidence of this is the extensive very well-marked trail system in Northborough.
Sunday, September 9, 2007
Cold Harbor Cattails
Stamp carved by The Merry Pranksters
Hike length: short route = 1 mile; long route = 4.6 miles
Terrain: mostly flat & easy; part of long route trail has lots of roots & rocks, and some narrow boardwalks
Clues: Easy (hopefully)
Kids: great hike for kids (short route)
Hitchhikers: No room in box
Pets: Allowed on leash
Please take your own markers or ink pad (there is no ink in the box).
NOTE: This area can be very muddy with a lot of rain, and actually flooded with a whole lot of rain. There are plans for new boardwalks & bridge extensions & improvements—hopefully that will happen soon!
Northborough Trail Maps: choose Carney Park/Cold Harbor Trails
Cold Harbor Brook
For more information about Cold Harbor Brook, including a map of the brook, a pictorial tour, historical information, and water testing results for 2007, visit: Assabet River StreamWatch
One historical tidbit I enjoyed from that site related the "traditional account" of how Cold Harbor got it's name:
"Cold Harbour Meadow, in the western part of the town, so called from the circumstance of a traveler, having lost his way, being compelled to remain through a cold winter's night in a stack of hay in that place, and on the following morning, having made his way through the wilderness to the habitations of man, and being asked where he lodged during the night, replied, 'In Cold Harbour!'
PARKING
This box is planted along the northern-most part of the Cold Harbor Trail. The trailhead for just this section is at the corner of Cherry Street and West Street, Northborough MA (you can just cut-n-paste that into Google Maps or whichever map site you prefer). If you wish to park at this trailhead, please park on West Street (not Cherry), and just pull onto the shoulder. The hike from this access point is 0.5 miles out & back, for a total distance of 1 mile. It is an easy, flat walk
If you are up for a longer hike, however, I suggest that you choose to begin your journey at the main trailhead at Carney Park, and pick up Mim’s “Winter Dawn” letterbox along the way. Carney Park is at the intersection of West Main Street and Davis Street, Northborough MA (again, cut-n-paste). The hike from this access point is 2.3 miles out and back, for a total of 4.6 miles of pleasant, interesting, and easy walking. The access road is directly across from Davis Street, and is a gravel road that climbs a small hill. This access road is on the WEST side of the Carney Park sign (as opposed to entering the parking lot for the commercial building on the East side of the sign), and is just East of the Agway (big rooster—you can’t miss it—until Agway closes, which it is rumored is pending). At the end of the gravel road is a parking area & the trailhead kiosk. Follow the trail along the dam, through the mini-woods, across the field, along a second dam, through the woods, and across the next field on the boardwalks. This section ends at a road (Cherry Street). Turn RIGHT onto Cherry Street—a small, minimally trafficked country road—and walk 0.2 miles until you reach the intersection with West Street. The trailhead is right ahead of you.
CLUES
Follow the trail to the pontoon bridge (very cool when there is enough water for it to be floating). It is deep at one point in this bridge, so monitor young children appropriately. Notice all the beaver activity! Cross this floating bridge and turn right onto the trail as it runs alongside the brook. After walking for a bit, notice the VERY large 3 trunked pine tree abutting the trail on the right (you can’t miss it). Continue on the trail until you reach another bridge (this one does NOT float). You have a beautiful view of the wetlands here, stunning in any season (cattails are in their glory now).
Walk to the end of the bridge, step down, and stop. Sight in front of you the first dead, stripped-of-bark tree abutting the trail on the left. From the edge of the bridge, count your steps (average adult-sized steps) as you walk to that tree. Let’s call this number “NN.” You can continue a bit further from here, staying to the left at the first fork. The trail will empty into the back yards of some homes & travel along the property line to Church Street. You needn’t go that far, though, since you actually need to…
Turn around and return to that VERY large 3 trunked tree. From this tree, take NN steps down the path (you are headed in the direction of the pontoon bridge). Stop. Now look to “3NN” degrees (note: this is three-hundred and NN). There should be 2 pine trees flanking a smaller (?maple) tree. Leaning against the back-side of one of those pine trees is a hollowed-out log with the Cold Harbor Cattails. You may want to return to the stable bridge & sit there, go to the bench at the pontoon bridge, or find a cozy spot on the pine needles to stamp in.
After stamping in, please be sure the log is securely leaning against the pine, and the box is well hidden within. Then back-track to your car.
Please let me know if you see any problems with the trail itself (e.g., trees fallen over path, weeds growing over trail, etc.) so I can get it cleaned up. Thanks!
If you'd like to join a group of Grateful Letterboxers, click here.
Hike length: short route = 1 mile; long route = 4.6 miles
Terrain: mostly flat & easy; part of long route trail has lots of roots & rocks, and some narrow boardwalks
Clues: Easy (hopefully)
Kids: great hike for kids (short route)
Hitchhikers: No room in box
Pets: Allowed on leash
Please take your own markers or ink pad (there is no ink in the box).
NOTE: This area can be very muddy with a lot of rain, and actually flooded with a whole lot of rain. There are plans for new boardwalks & bridge extensions & improvements—hopefully that will happen soon!
Northborough Trail Maps: choose Carney Park/Cold Harbor Trails
Cold Harbor Brook
For more information about Cold Harbor Brook, including a map of the brook, a pictorial tour, historical information, and water testing results for 2007, visit: Assabet River StreamWatch
One historical tidbit I enjoyed from that site related the "traditional account" of how Cold Harbor got it's name:
"Cold Harbour Meadow, in the western part of the town, so called from the circumstance of a traveler, having lost his way, being compelled to remain through a cold winter's night in a stack of hay in that place, and on the following morning, having made his way through the wilderness to the habitations of man, and being asked where he lodged during the night, replied, 'In Cold Harbour!'
PARKING
This box is planted along the northern-most part of the Cold Harbor Trail. The trailhead for just this section is at the corner of Cherry Street and West Street, Northborough MA (you can just cut-n-paste that into Google Maps or whichever map site you prefer). If you wish to park at this trailhead, please park on West Street (not Cherry), and just pull onto the shoulder. The hike from this access point is 0.5 miles out & back, for a total distance of 1 mile. It is an easy, flat walk
If you are up for a longer hike, however, I suggest that you choose to begin your journey at the main trailhead at Carney Park, and pick up Mim’s “Winter Dawn” letterbox along the way. Carney Park is at the intersection of West Main Street and Davis Street, Northborough MA (again, cut-n-paste). The hike from this access point is 2.3 miles out and back, for a total of 4.6 miles of pleasant, interesting, and easy walking. The access road is directly across from Davis Street, and is a gravel road that climbs a small hill. This access road is on the WEST side of the Carney Park sign (as opposed to entering the parking lot for the commercial building on the East side of the sign), and is just East of the Agway (big rooster—you can’t miss it—until Agway closes, which it is rumored is pending). At the end of the gravel road is a parking area & the trailhead kiosk. Follow the trail along the dam, through the mini-woods, across the field, along a second dam, through the woods, and across the next field on the boardwalks. This section ends at a road (Cherry Street). Turn RIGHT onto Cherry Street—a small, minimally trafficked country road—and walk 0.2 miles until you reach the intersection with West Street. The trailhead is right ahead of you.
CLUES
Follow the trail to the pontoon bridge (very cool when there is enough water for it to be floating). It is deep at one point in this bridge, so monitor young children appropriately. Notice all the beaver activity! Cross this floating bridge and turn right onto the trail as it runs alongside the brook. After walking for a bit, notice the VERY large 3 trunked pine tree abutting the trail on the right (you can’t miss it). Continue on the trail until you reach another bridge (this one does NOT float). You have a beautiful view of the wetlands here, stunning in any season (cattails are in their glory now).
Walk to the end of the bridge, step down, and stop. Sight in front of you the first dead, stripped-of-bark tree abutting the trail on the left. From the edge of the bridge, count your steps (average adult-sized steps) as you walk to that tree. Let’s call this number “NN.” You can continue a bit further from here, staying to the left at the first fork. The trail will empty into the back yards of some homes & travel along the property line to Church Street. You needn’t go that far, though, since you actually need to…
Turn around and return to that VERY large 3 trunked tree. From this tree, take NN steps down the path (you are headed in the direction of the pontoon bridge). Stop. Now look to “3NN” degrees (note: this is three-hundred and NN). There should be 2 pine trees flanking a smaller (?maple) tree. Leaning against the back-side of one of those pine trees is a hollowed-out log with the Cold Harbor Cattails. You may want to return to the stable bridge & sit there, go to the bench at the pontoon bridge, or find a cozy spot on the pine needles to stamp in.
After stamping in, please be sure the log is securely leaning against the pine, and the box is well hidden within. Then back-track to your car.
Please let me know if you see any problems with the trail itself (e.g., trees fallen over path, weeds growing over trail, etc.) so I can get it cleaned up. Thanks!
If you'd like to join a group of Grateful Letterboxers, click here.
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Grateful Letterbox: Uncle Sam
The "Grateful Letterbox" series of boxes are so named to bring attention to a new group formed by The Merry Pranksters. Although inspired by a love of Grateful Dead music, the only admission criterion is that you must be grateful for something in your life. Check it out: Grateful Letterboxers
**Take your own ink with you...highly recommend markers of rainbow colors**
Uncle Sam
Mt. Pisgah Conservation Area
Trailhead is across the road from 19 Smith Street, Northborough.
Mt. Pisgah is one of the largest conservation lands in the state, spreading across the towns of Northborough, Berlin, Boylston, & Bolton. The Smith Street trailhead provides access to the trails of Northborough, Berlin, and the MassWildlife property. Northborough & Mass Wildlife trails are maintained by the Northborough Trails Committee, and are exceptionally well-marked. The Berlin trails are mostly not blazed, and so are more complicated to navigate. This hike is entirely in Northborough (with one optional hop into Berlin).
Visit the Northborough Trails Committee website to download a trail map & information sheet on Mt. Pisgah (highly recommended; great map, interesting info): http://www.town.northborough.ma.us/ntrails/trails.htm
Directions:
1) From Route 9 in Westborough
a. Exit Rt. 135 West toward Northborough
b. Pass Ellsworth-McAfee Park
c. Continue 1 mile to dead-end at Route 20
d. Left onto Rt. 20
e. Quick right, just past CVS, onto Church Street
f. Stay Left at the Y
g. Continue on Church St, 2 miles, until you see the I-290 interchange.
h. Just PASSED interchange, at Davidians Farm Stand, Right onto Ball Hill
i. Follow for 1.7 miles to deadend at Green Street
j. Left on Green Street for 0.4 miles
k. Right on Smith Road
l. In 0.3 miles, trailhead is on Right side of road
2) From Route 290
a. Take Exit 24, Church Street toward Boylston (North)
b. Follow directions from (h) above
Clues:
From the Smith Road trailhead, start on the Mentzer Trail (yellow blazes).
At the trail junction, turn onto the Sparrow Trail (red blazes).
Cross over the Berlin Road Trail (blue blazes) and continue on the Sparrow Trail.
At the next trail junction, turn right onto the Tyler Trail (also red blazes).
Follow Tyler Trail, staying to the left when it meets another trail, to the South View.
Take in the view, grab the letterbox, and take it back to the viewpoint to stamp in.
To grab the letterbox
Find the Sparrow Trail entrance just back, and north, from the viewpoint.
The trail sign has a red blaze (triangle) on it. This is blaze #1
Proceed down the trail to blaze #3
Look to the right of the trail, at about 2:00, and notice a tree that was caught in mid-fall by another tree.
At the base of the supporting tree, just behind it (East), are two rocks, one of which sticks up and looks like an arrowhead. That’s where the box is.
Keep your eyes out to be sure you are not seen as you go to retrieve the box.
Now that you’ve spotted the location, and know where you are going, find the most gentle (on the vegetation) path, stepping softly, until you reach the rocks.
The letterbox is on the back (east/downhill) side of the rocks, tucked between them, under two loose rocks.
Take the box back to the South View, so as not to draw attention to it’s hiding spot.
Please be discreet while stamping, as this is a popular spot along these trails.
Return the box, again being careful of vegetation & passersby, and re-hide carefully placing the rocks just as you found them, so that the box is not visible.
Quickest way back to your car: Backtrack the way you came in.
Recommended way back to your car:
Continue down Sparrow Trail
Be sure to follow the red blazes when they head to the left at a Y. (The right side has blue tree-paint blazes, I think.)
As you continue on the Sparrow Trail, you will see a stone wall.
Just past this stone wall is an intersection with the Summit Trail.
At this junction, notice the cairn of large rocks. There is a Geodetic survey benchmark here marking the highest point in Northborough.
Continue on Sparrow Trail (red)
Turn Right at the yellow blazes onto the Mentzer Trail.
Follow stone wall to map board, go through wall, and follow yellow blazes to the
North View. The view is more obstructed here than the South View, but on a clear day you have a straight-on view of Boston’s Prudential Building and Hancock Tower.
Return to the stone wall, turn right, and follow the Mentzer Trail straight down the mountain, passing over the Berlin Road trail, until you reach the parking area.
Enjoy the day!
~zess~
As with all of our letterboxes, we encourage feedback so that letterboxers will enjoy the hunts, and not get frustrated by poorly written clues or unintended hazards.
NOTE: Before you set out you must read and agree to the Waiver of Responsibility and Disclaimer.
**Take your own ink with you...highly recommend markers of rainbow colors**
Uncle Sam
Mt. Pisgah Conservation Area
Trailhead is across the road from 19 Smith Street, Northborough.
Mt. Pisgah is one of the largest conservation lands in the state, spreading across the towns of Northborough, Berlin, Boylston, & Bolton. The Smith Street trailhead provides access to the trails of Northborough, Berlin, and the MassWildlife property. Northborough & Mass Wildlife trails are maintained by the Northborough Trails Committee, and are exceptionally well-marked. The Berlin trails are mostly not blazed, and so are more complicated to navigate. This hike is entirely in Northborough (with one optional hop into Berlin).
Visit the Northborough Trails Committee website to download a trail map & information sheet on Mt. Pisgah (highly recommended; great map, interesting info): http://www.town.northborough.ma.us/ntrails/trails.htm
Directions:
1) From Route 9 in Westborough
a. Exit Rt. 135 West toward Northborough
b. Pass Ellsworth-McAfee Park
c. Continue 1 mile to dead-end at Route 20
d. Left onto Rt. 20
e. Quick right, just past CVS, onto Church Street
f. Stay Left at the Y
g. Continue on Church St, 2 miles, until you see the I-290 interchange.
h. Just PASSED interchange, at Davidians Farm Stand, Right onto Ball Hill
i. Follow for 1.7 miles to deadend at Green Street
j. Left on Green Street for 0.4 miles
k. Right on Smith Road
l. In 0.3 miles, trailhead is on Right side of road
2) From Route 290
a. Take Exit 24, Church Street toward Boylston (North)
b. Follow directions from (h) above
Clues:
From the Smith Road trailhead, start on the Mentzer Trail (yellow blazes).
At the trail junction, turn onto the Sparrow Trail (red blazes).
Cross over the Berlin Road Trail (blue blazes) and continue on the Sparrow Trail.
At the next trail junction, turn right onto the Tyler Trail (also red blazes).
Follow Tyler Trail, staying to the left when it meets another trail, to the South View.
Take in the view, grab the letterbox, and take it back to the viewpoint to stamp in.
To grab the letterbox
Find the Sparrow Trail entrance just back, and north, from the viewpoint.
The trail sign has a red blaze (triangle) on it. This is blaze #1
Proceed down the trail to blaze #3
Look to the right of the trail, at about 2:00, and notice a tree that was caught in mid-fall by another tree.
At the base of the supporting tree, just behind it (East), are two rocks, one of which sticks up and looks like an arrowhead. That’s where the box is.
Keep your eyes out to be sure you are not seen as you go to retrieve the box.
Now that you’ve spotted the location, and know where you are going, find the most gentle (on the vegetation) path, stepping softly, until you reach the rocks.
The letterbox is on the back (east/downhill) side of the rocks, tucked between them, under two loose rocks.
Take the box back to the South View, so as not to draw attention to it’s hiding spot.
Please be discreet while stamping, as this is a popular spot along these trails.
Return the box, again being careful of vegetation & passersby, and re-hide carefully placing the rocks just as you found them, so that the box is not visible.
Quickest way back to your car: Backtrack the way you came in.
Recommended way back to your car:
Continue down Sparrow Trail
Be sure to follow the red blazes when they head to the left at a Y. (The right side has blue tree-paint blazes, I think.)
As you continue on the Sparrow Trail, you will see a stone wall.
Just past this stone wall is an intersection with the Summit Trail.
At this junction, notice the cairn of large rocks. There is a Geodetic survey benchmark here marking the highest point in Northborough.
Continue on Sparrow Trail (red)
Turn Right at the yellow blazes onto the Mentzer Trail.
Follow stone wall to map board, go through wall, and follow yellow blazes to the
North View. The view is more obstructed here than the South View, but on a clear day you have a straight-on view of Boston’s Prudential Building and Hancock Tower.
Return to the stone wall, turn right, and follow the Mentzer Trail straight down the mountain, passing over the Berlin Road trail, until you reach the parking area.
Enjoy the day!
~zess~
NOTE: Before you set out you must read and agree to the Waiver of Responsibility and Disclaimer.
Grateful Letterbox: Singing for The Merry Pranksters (CHEAT)
*** NOVEMBER 23, 2010: 4 boxes are missing, so this series is temporarily unavailable; I'm in the process of recarving & will re-launch when ready***
1. (Are You) On the Bus
Pass behind sign, through thorns, to fallen tree with enormous root system pulled up. Make your way to the northwest end of the tree. Look south down the tree, toward the roots, and notice the obvious LB-friendly hole ~ 10 feet ahead. Guess what? Time to board the bus!
2. Steal Your Face
Return to kiosk and head North up the paved road.
Turn to the left on a gravel road/path.
Continue until you come to an intersection with the lake on your right.
Continue straight. Pass by a blank signboard, continuing straight again. (**10/18/07: I'm told the signboard is not blank at this time**)
Will see an old road/path go off to the left—pass it, continuing straight along the lake.
You will walk & walk and eventually the road will take a big bend to the left. You’ll pass an old boat launch & a mighty oak, and the road will bend to the right and pass an old telephone pole lost to the jungle. Next is an intersection, and you will go LEFT. Count 30 steps once you take this turn, and look to the left of the path. You may be able to see an old cart path heading up the hill. If you cannot see it, head in anyway and find it. Follow the cart path to the top, just before it turns to the right and disappears, and stop. Spot the “face” in the base of the oak tree on the left. With your back to this face, you’ll need to split firewood to find a stolen face on the other side of the cart path.
Go back to the trail you just left (where you first looked for the cart path), and turn LEFT to continue up this road. You will come around the bend and the road will straighten out. Keep yours eyes to the left & you’ll know why we asked you to take a flashlight. Explore.
3. Ain’t No Time To Hate **** March 22, 2009: missing! ****
After exploring, continue on path.
At lake, turn Right toward where you came from
At blank signpost, turn Right
Head uphill, and ~1/3 of the way up keep your eye out for a small trail to the left into field. Take that trail.
Stay to the right as it merges with another small field trail.
Look for two small Christmas trees on the left of the trail.
Under one of the trees, find a rock with a surprise.
4. Sunshine, Daydream
Continue on this path amongst the wildflowers.
Ignore the small trail that goes off to the left (if you even see it) and travel until the trail dead-ends.
Turn left here. Find the sign for “Rt. 135”
Head the way it tells you (north)
Long straight road north. Eventually you’ll see a split boulder on top of bedrock cluster
Just after this, find the path to the right, and follow it until you see the pond on your left.
Locate the 4-trunked birch tree. With your back to this tree, spot the tree with the blue tie.
Between you and this blue tie are two resting boulders.
Look behind the boulder on your left for a little Sunshine & Daydreams.
5. The Leader of the Band **** March 22, 2009: missing! ****
Go back to the path that had the split boulder, and turn right.
You will be traveling around the pond, so when you hit the trail intersection, go right (toward the sand pit, says the sign).
Stay on this trail as it passes the pond and heads down, through a pine grove and across a BOARDWALK (remember the story, Pranksters?)
Turn Right (northeast)
Stay right (gravel pit on left)
Signboard “airfield”
Go southeast (120 degrees)
Pass corn on right
Under phone lines
Go left (northeast) toward stand of pines
Go right (east/northeast)
- What are these earthen dams on left?
At end of pines, turn right and pause. This is a serenity spot, so take a moment.
Head downhill, south, toward shack
Find the entryway through the brush by heading toward the pine closest to the road. You’ll go in the shack on the road-side.
Spot the metal shelving in the southwest corner (with splash of red paint).
Look under the bottom shelf for the Leader of the Band.
6. The Music Never Stopped
Continue down road, then right (west) at lake
(You will follow paths along lakeshore all the way back to where you started)
Pass Pump house on left
Pass “Steal your face” path on right
Keep watch for a hill on the left that rises up along the lake, blocking your view of the water.
Find your way up the hill, and head to the farthest point toward the water.
Notice the camping tarp on ground.
Stand by the largest tree touching a corner of the tarp, and face North.
Take 16 steps to a tree missing it’s arm on one side.
Reach into the empty socket & know that The Music Never Stopped.
7. Nothing left to do but SMILE, SMILE, SMILE (Leap from Ledges)
Return to road & continue.
Pass a familiar signboard.
At a fork, take smaller path to left, over mini hill, to the “beach” at 140 degrees
Hello, beach
Head straight along lake toward fenced-in pump
Take the small trail up the hill.
Navigate over & around small trees on trail until you see a boulder wall.
Sit on first boulder you come to, facing the water, and reach under boulder with your right hand.
Find the rock that rests there.
Lift the rock to see that there’s Nothing left to do but SMILE, SMILE, SMILE!
If you would like to join a group of Grateful Letterboxers, click here.
Enjoy the day!
~zess~
As with all of our letterboxes, we encourage feedback so that letterboxers will enjoy the hunts, and not get frustrated by poorly written clues or unintended hazards.
NOTE: Before you set out you must read and agree to the Waiver of Responsibility and Disclaimer.
1. (Are You) On the Bus
Pass behind sign, through thorns, to fallen tree with enormous root system pulled up. Make your way to the northwest end of the tree. Look south down the tree, toward the roots, and notice the obvious LB-friendly hole ~ 10 feet ahead. Guess what? Time to board the bus!
2. Steal Your Face
Return to kiosk and head North up the paved road.
Turn to the left on a gravel road/path.
Continue until you come to an intersection with the lake on your right.
Continue straight. Pass by a blank signboard, continuing straight again. (**10/18/07: I'm told the signboard is not blank at this time**)
Will see an old road/path go off to the left—pass it, continuing straight along the lake.
You will walk & walk and eventually the road will take a big bend to the left. You’ll pass an old boat launch & a mighty oak, and the road will bend to the right and pass an old telephone pole lost to the jungle. Next is an intersection, and you will go LEFT. Count 30 steps once you take this turn, and look to the left of the path. You may be able to see an old cart path heading up the hill. If you cannot see it, head in anyway and find it. Follow the cart path to the top, just before it turns to the right and disappears, and stop. Spot the “face” in the base of the oak tree on the left. With your back to this face, you’ll need to split firewood to find a stolen face on the other side of the cart path.
Go back to the trail you just left (where you first looked for the cart path), and turn LEFT to continue up this road. You will come around the bend and the road will straighten out. Keep yours eyes to the left & you’ll know why we asked you to take a flashlight. Explore.
3. Ain’t No Time To Hate **** March 22, 2009: missing! ****
After exploring, continue on path.
At lake, turn Right toward where you came from
At blank signpost, turn Right
Head uphill, and ~1/3 of the way up keep your eye out for a small trail to the left into field. Take that trail.
Stay to the right as it merges with another small field trail.
Look for two small Christmas trees on the left of the trail.
Under one of the trees, find a rock with a surprise.
4. Sunshine, Daydream
Continue on this path amongst the wildflowers.
Ignore the small trail that goes off to the left (if you even see it) and travel until the trail dead-ends.
Turn left here. Find the sign for “Rt. 135”
Head the way it tells you (north)
Long straight road north. Eventually you’ll see a split boulder on top of bedrock cluster
Just after this, find the path to the right, and follow it until you see the pond on your left.
Locate the 4-trunked birch tree. With your back to this tree, spot the tree with the blue tie.
Between you and this blue tie are two resting boulders.
Look behind the boulder on your left for a little Sunshine & Daydreams.
5. The Leader of the Band **** March 22, 2009: missing! ****
Go back to the path that had the split boulder, and turn right.
You will be traveling around the pond, so when you hit the trail intersection, go right (toward the sand pit, says the sign).
Stay on this trail as it passes the pond and heads down, through a pine grove and across a BOARDWALK (remember the story, Pranksters?)
Turn Right (northeast)
Stay right (gravel pit on left)
Signboard “airfield”
Go southeast (120 degrees)
Pass corn on right
Under phone lines
Go left (northeast) toward stand of pines
Go right (east/northeast)
- What are these earthen dams on left?
At end of pines, turn right and pause. This is a serenity spot, so take a moment.
Head downhill, south, toward shack
Find the entryway through the brush by heading toward the pine closest to the road. You’ll go in the shack on the road-side.
Spot the metal shelving in the southwest corner (with splash of red paint).
Look under the bottom shelf for the Leader of the Band.
6. The Music Never Stopped
Continue down road, then right (west) at lake
(You will follow paths along lakeshore all the way back to where you started)
Pass Pump house on left
Pass “Steal your face” path on right
Keep watch for a hill on the left that rises up along the lake, blocking your view of the water.
Find your way up the hill, and head to the farthest point toward the water.
Notice the camping tarp on ground.
Stand by the largest tree touching a corner of the tarp, and face North.
Take 16 steps to a tree missing it’s arm on one side.
Reach into the empty socket & know that The Music Never Stopped.
7. Nothing left to do but SMILE, SMILE, SMILE (Leap from Ledges)
Return to road & continue.
Pass a familiar signboard.
At a fork, take smaller path to left, over mini hill, to the “beach” at 140 degrees
Hello, beach
Head straight along lake toward fenced-in pump
Take the small trail up the hill.
Navigate over & around small trees on trail until you see a boulder wall.
Sit on first boulder you come to, facing the water, and reach under boulder with your right hand.
Find the rock that rests there.
Lift the rock to see that there’s Nothing left to do but SMILE, SMILE, SMILE!
If you would like to join a group of Grateful Letterboxers, click here.
Enjoy the day!
~zess~
NOTE: Before you set out you must read and agree to the Waiver of Responsibility and Disclaimer.
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