Isn't it fun to surprise people!
Did you know that it is very hard to find a short yet full pine tree in the middle of the woods? Most of the sunlight goes to the big trees in the canopy above, so the little ones have to struggle to survive. We found lots of cute lopsided trees, a few that reminded us of the Charlie Brown Christmas special, and several that were nice but leaning over the very cold brook . . . then we came across this one right where two trails meet - perfect!
Make sure to take a short hike out to see it for yourself!
The trails are located at the corner of Wallace and New Boston roads in Bedford (the entrance is off of New Boston, next door to Riddle Brook Elementary School). Directions and trail maps are available at the Bedford Cross Country Ski Club site. Our tree is on the Brook Trail, and it is only about a quarter mile round trip. Although it is listed as "more difficult" on the map (which simply means that it is not completely flat), this is an fairly easy hike for even a 3 year old - the biggest hill is the one between the parking lot and the trail entrance. Park at the warming hut/skate park then follow the guard rail down to the back side of the soccer field. The entrance to the trails is almost directly behind where the soccer goal is during the summer.
BTW - Ignore all of the funny colored plastic and wood fences. They are designed to control snow during the ski season and really do serve a purpose, despite their odd appearance right now.
If you are cautious about being in the woods, feel free to stop by between 3:30 and 5:00 M, W, & F. My husband and the ski team that he coaches will be there for practice, and they will happily point you in the right direction.
