A Peaceful Afternoon Stroll at Gertrude M. Boyden Wildlife Refuge
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Mike and I took advantage of the nice weather (after a long winter) and headed out to Gertrude M. Boyden Wildlife Refuge in Taunton for an afternoon stroll. We have been exploring a lot of local parks and preserves in Bristol and Providence counties since relocating to this area. Honestly, there are so many great choices that we never run out of new places to explore.
This refuge is popular for its’ abundance of bird watching opportunities. There are approximately 2 miles of beautiful trails to explore. The trails wind through the forest with frequent views of the river. It’s just a nice place to get back to nature without roughing it on an all day hike. Most of time we go all out, but sometimes we crave a break in nature where we can just listen to the birds and enjoy our surroundings without rushing to the top of an overlook.
The trails are relatively flat here with the exception of a few minor hills. We chose to hike the River trail. This is a great trail for just about anyone as it is short with just a few small staircases (see pics below to judge steepness). The setting is so peaceful and woodsy – a great place to forget about all your problems for an hour or 2.
I love hiking in Massachusetts during the dreary months. Many tourists prefer only to visit during the summer, but I actually enjoy the peace and quiet. I don’t need green trees to feel like I am out in the wilderness. That being said, I imagine the forest is alive with vivid colors each autumn – I would love to do some leaf peeping here. The forest is so eerie and fascinating at the same time during this barren time of the year. The pond views are a bit creepy to be honest, especially without another hiker in sight.
Not surprisingly, this preserve is located within the mysterious Bridgewater Triangle so don’t be shocked if you see a Bigfoot along the way! I’ve been reading up and watching numerous documentaries since moving here and honestly I am so intrigued.
Basically, all of the cities within this area are supposedly haunted. There have been reports of everything from ghosts, to Bigfoot, to thunderbirds across the entire region. Pretty spooky and fascinating at the same time if you ask me!
The walk along Three Mile river is peaceful, desolate, and relaxing. You will see so many interesting birds along the way. There is a small waterfall too – nothing too impressive, but an extra bonus I was not expecting.
For those not interested in hiking, there are picnic tables where you can enjoy lunch in a beautiful natural setting. You will also find a fragrant garden, which is alive with blooming flowers during the summer months. Here you will also find a replica of the cabin used by Arthur Cleveland Bent, a notable ornithologist and writer who wrote the biographies of 1200 different types of birds.
This is one of the best areas in Bristol County to take a peaceful, scenic nature walk. So, lace up your shoes and get out here this spring. Soak in some beauty and get in some healthy exercise in the process. If you need a break from the hustle and bustle of Boston, Providence, Fall River or any neighboring cities, this refuge is a great place to escape it all for a bit.
Visit the Friends of Boyden website for a list of nature programs.
Directions: The refuge is located at 298 Cohannet Street, Taunton, MA. Free parking. Dog friendly.
More to do in the area: While you are in Bristol, I recommend exploring Fall River, a historic town on the Taunton River. Most famously, this city is home to Battleship Cove (self-guided tours available) and the infamous Lizzie Borden house (check out my experience touring the house).
