Not all hikes are a hit. This was a miss. However, there are several things that would have made it better. And that’s why we’re writing it up anyway! If you live close to the trail head (all the way at the end of Learning Lane near the baseball fields and tennis courts), it’s winter, and you read this before you go for a few navigation hints, we think the overall experience would be better!
HOW TO GET THERE
81 Learning Ln.
Pembroke, MA 02359
TRAIL DESCRIPTION & MAP
Plenty of parking along Learner’s Ln (left) and in the cul-de-sac (right) at the trail entrance.
The start of the trail was confusing! When you hit the chain link fence, go right. The trail forks almost immediately and you’ll see a sign for the Bay Circuit Trail on your left. We avoided that because it was so overgrown. So we headed straight. Just a short ways ahead we found another Bay Circuit marker and followed it to the right. Essentially the short 20 min walk was the short little loop from the start at the cul-de-sac to the spot where the hiker is marked on the access road. We were bored and it was buggy so we just called it a day.
P.I.N.T. SCORE
Rated on a scale of 1 (difficult/not good) to 5 (easy/awesome!)
P – Parking & Access – 4 (along the street and the cul-de-sac; perhaps could fill up if lots of games are happening)
I – Interest Level – 1 (pretty standard wooded trail. Not a lot to look at)
N – Navigation – 2 (not easy to follow; map is confusing )
T – Terrain – 2 (Part of the Bay Circuit Trail was very narrow, overgrown singletrack that we chose to avoid cuz, you know, ticks! Otherwise, fairly wide trails with rolling hills)
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.
Photos
Despite our short hike, we did see some lady slippers (!), a cool little waterfall and a little dam, and some nice scenery. It was just too overgrown to enjoy the loop we had hoped to do. This might be a totally different experience in the winter or early spring/fall before everything is so overgrown.
