Murkwood Conservation Lands
Sandwich, Ma.
October 2, 2009
With free time on this Friday afternoon I thought I might get one more hike in. The Murkwood Conservation Area is nearby and has always been a favorite.
Trail sign on Route 6A
Murkwood Topo Map
The site of a former farm, the area on the small 79 acrea penninsula off Route 6A in Sandwich has always been an attraction for birds and offers marsh views and views of Scorton Creek. The trailhead parking has been moved a little more than 100 yards down Route 6A toward West Barnstable just behind the sign. The new lot offers more parking.
New trail entrance
Where old trail came out
The new trail takes you around behind a building and connects with where the former trail entered from Route 6A. The complete loop walk is just over a mile and I spent an hour on the trail. I chose to walk it in a counter clockwise loop.
Brushed out trail
Right away it was startling clear that work had been going on. The trail had been mechanically brushed out and was wide enough to drive a vehile down. There were scars on trees where clearing equipment had hit them.
The trail crosses a footbridge as it heads toward the penninsula's point overlooking the marsh and on toward Cape Cod Bay
Twisted pine
This twisted pine tree shows a scar where it was hit by clearing equipment.
Bench overlook marsh
This bench overlooks the marsh and beyond toward Cape Cod Bay. It’s a nice place to sit and enjoy the view.
Island in the marsh
Although not recommended, it is possible at low tide to walk out to this small island in the marsh. There are no trails here and the brush is thick. However, there are small grassy areas under cover that make for ideal deer habitat.
Beam from wharf
This large beam from a wharf is washed up near the bench. It is a good example of the power of the tide and probably left behind years ago in a storm.
Second half of loop trail
The trail clearing stopped once it reach the bench and turned into the interior of the area. The old trail that continues the loop remains the same.
Astors along trail
Like in many places along Cape Cod in the autumn, astors are plentiful.
Once open and grassy
Nature is reclaiming this area. A few years back this area under these tress was an open grassy spot. Today low brush has taken hold.
Footbridge
This footbridge shows how the trail on this side of the area has grown in.
Marsh off this side of the trail
This creek runs up to the marsh end.
Creek lined with marsh grass
Another view of the marsh on this side
I came across this small tidal pool on the other side of the trail. It rises at high tide.
Tidal pool along path
About three-quarters of the way around the trail it remains a pleasant walk
Old fence posts and wire
Four of these old fence posts still stand from when the area was used for farming. There is still some rusted barbed wire strung between these two posts.
Footbridge
This footbridge brings you near the completion of the circut.
Brushed out road
Just as the trail is about to complete the loop there is a brushed out road to the left. There are signs of cutting, so I took a walk to take a look.
Blue pipes
Rounding a corner I came to these three blue pipes in the ground to the left.
Well
A little further on is this well head which must be the reason for the road. This interior trail continues through coming out at the bench overlooking the marsh. Beyond the well there is no cutting and the trail resumes its natural course.
Back at my starting point at the new trailhead
While the parking area is an improvement, I wonder why all the brushing and cutting? Unlike walks through this area in the past, there were few signs of birds. One of the benches that is just over the first footbridge along the marsh was broken on the ground. The second half of the loop is worth the trip.
The views and opinions in the Enterprise blogs are those of the author and are not neccessarily shared by Falmouth Publishing.
