Recently featured on the History Channel’s show Beyond Skinwalker Ranch in the episode “Bridgewater Triangle,” The Skim Milk Bridge is suddenly receiving a lot of attention. Local historians don’t know when or how it was constructed…and the area might be haunted. 🙂
HOW TO GET THERE
Address:
Elm St./Scotland St.
West Bridgewater, MA
Park at the little pull off. It’s easy to miss, but look for the river and the woods and a painted boulder. There is only room for 2 cars to park here. There is no map at the trailhead.
TRAIL DESCRIPTION & MAP:
The Skim Milk Bridge is straight down the path, about .5 miles into the trail. The path is flat and narrow at spots. This is not a place to visit when bugs are out given all the swampy land!
If you follow the trail straight and keep going, you will eventually come out on Clinton Rd/Forest St. It’s a fun little hike that ends at the Solitude Stone, another strange landmark. From here, it’s a short walk to War Memorial Park, which is the perfect spot for a picnic or a rest before heading back.
P.I.N.T. Score
Rated on a scale of 1 (difficult/not good) to 5 (easy/awesome!)
P – Parking & Access – 1 (There is room for only 2 cars at the pull-off.)
I – Interest Level – 3 (The bridge is SUPER awesome, but the rest of the trail is pretty standard. The ideal time to visit would be late fall/winter when there is no snow on the ground so that you can see the bridge clearly. Too swampy to visit once the bugs are out!)
N – Navigation – 4 (easy to follow to the bridge–it’s a straight shot.)
T – Terrain – 5 (straight and flat; accessible with a jogging stroller. The bridge is a 2 or 3–you would have to be careful crossing with a stroller and would likely need someone to help lift the stroller. However, the bridge essentially leads to nowhere these days. You don’t need to cross it to continue on down the trail to War Memorial Park.)
The P.I.N.T. Score represents our opinions on this trail. It reflects our experience, perception, and physical health. Therefore, the scores are not intended to be expert advice, nor will they be accurate for everyone: we cannot judge what may or may not be appropriate for each individual’s different abilities. Consult a physician or medical expert before attempting any new physical activity. Hiking contains inherent hazards, so hike at your own risk. You should always make your own decisions about what level of physical activity is appropriate for you and your family. Weather and other factors may affect trail conditions. Remember, trail conditions may change suddenly and drastically at any time.
POINTS OF INTEREST
- The bridge is super cool to look at. It was built in the 19th century with no mortar.
- There is some local folklore surrounding it, given it’s located in the Hockomock Swamp/Bridgewater Triangle.
