Despite its location just outside the heart of Fall River, this property had the feel of a much more rural destination–we could have been in Vermont. We didn’t see everything that the Trustee’s side had to offer because we wanted to check out the Bioreserve as well. The Bioreserve turned out to be a fairly standard hiking experience. It was pretty, but very muddy. The Trustee’s property had more to look at: vernal pools, stone walls, the Ed Shed (a covered place to rest), and, of course, the coolest water crossing we’ve found so far: the log bridge (see below). If we go back again, we’d cut out the Bioreserve and stay solely on the Trustees property. Next time we’ll be sure to see all of this abandoned farm, including the Miller Trail, a 150-year-old old cart path that follows some impressively thick and tall stone walls. There are 5.4 miles of trails at Copicut Woods, and we had planned on covering a lot of it. Alas, with the rain and the rawness of the day, as well as the muddy trails, we ended without exploring the property to the fullest. But that’s ok–it gives us a reason to go back! Added bonus of this hike: it’s within 10 minutes of downtown Fall River where there is plenty to eat, drink, and do.
HOW TO GET THERE
Address:
Indian Town Road
Fall River, MA 02790
Get directions on Google Maps (We used this link provided on the Trustee’s website)
TRAIL DESCRIPTION & MAP:
There are a few options from the parking lot. If you’d like to stay mainly on the Trustee’s property, the most direct access is the Shockley trail, located across the street from the lot. However, if you’d like a sampling of both the South Eastern Massachusetts Bioreserve and the Trustees, take the Horseshoe Trail like we did. After you cross Indian Head Road, you’ll pick up the Shockley trail in the Trustee’s property past waypoints 3 and 4. We turned at waypoint 5 (The Soggy Bottom Trail was our plan, but it was closed due it its, well, soggy bottom.) and checked out the Ed Shed. It provided nice shelter on a rainy day! Then we took the Meadowhawk trail back towards the road. To get to the log bridge that we loved so much, make sure you take the trail on your left when you’re almost back to the road. From the road, we picked up the Shockley Trail back to the parking lot.
The log bridge off the Meadowhawk trail is most definitely not stroller or dog or wheelchair friendly!
P.I.N.T. Score
Rated on a scale of 1 (difficult/not good) to 5 (easy/awesome!)
P – Parking & Access – 4 (There is a small lot and roadside parking, so parking was sufficient. Parking at this Trustee’s property is free.)
I – Interest Level – 3 (The kids thought this looked like any other hiking trail in the Bioreserve: lots of trees. However, once we hit the Trustee’s Property, things got more interesting: vernal pools, a cool stone bridge, the Ed Shed, and stone walls. When we got to the log bridge (see pictures) below, the hike suddenly became memorable! )
N – Navigation – 4 (In the Trustees property, everything is blazed and there are maps all around that indicate your location.)
T – Terrain – 4 (The Bioreserve area has some parts where there are obstacles like rocks and roots, but overall, it’s pretty flat. The Trustees side is wide and flat for the most part. However, you could NOT cross the log bridge with a stroller! However, you can easily stay straight on the Meadhowhawk Trail all the way to the road and avoid the log bridge. )
The P.I.N.T. Score represents our opinions of 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 “bridges” over the wet areas in the Bioreserve
2. The weird marking tree. This was along the Horseshoe Trail
3. The stone bridge on Shockley Trail (between waypoints 4 and 5)
4. The Ed Shed
5. The log bridge. This was by far the highlight of the hike for all the kids (and the adults, too). You’ll find it off the Meadowhawk Trail. Take the shortcut to the left off the trail before you hit the road. This shortcut leads you back to waypoint 3/4 on the map.
And here are our pictures from the rest of the walk!
NEARBY…
After we hiked, we ventured into the center of Fall River to go to Portugalia, a posh Portuguese market. The kids were mesmerized by the huge containers of frozen crayfish, lobsters, king crab legs, and whole octopuses, which can be yours for $80! The store also has a cafe, a hot food to-go section featuring traditional portuguese cuisine, a seemingly decent wine selection, a small and not very mighty craft beer selection, and lots of Portuguese sweets. Yum!
For craft beer/breweries, check out Canned Heat or Troy City!
The Lizzie Borden home was also recently just purchased by a ghost hunter. He plans on opening it again soon for numerous events, including ax throwing (ha!).