Eagle Pond
Cotuit, Ma.
October 11, 2009
Eagle Pond is at the heart of the Mary Lowell Barton Conservation Area in Cotuit. It is an area of 151 acres that includes Bell Farm/Little River tract and the Charles Almy Cedar Swamp and Ropes Field. All areas except the Charles Almy Cedar Swamp are connected by trails.
Eagle Pond is a “kettle hole” created by the retreating glacier over 12,000 years ago. It averages 18 feet deep and is fed by ground water, with a half-mile of shore line. Tall pines on the northern half of the Eagle Pond area were once a white pine plantation in the 1700′s with some of the tall trees reserved for British naval vessels. The southern and eastern side of Eagle Pond was once farmland.
Eagle Pond Topo Map
Mary Lowell Barton wass instrumental in placing protections on the land
The Eagle Pond Carriage Path Trail loops around the pond with numerous opportunities to walk down to the water for a better view. I entered from Putnam Avenue, however there are other trailheads that access the area.
Eagle Pond
I took the trail off Putnam Avenue and traveled in a clockwise direction.
Beginning of trail
The pond is almost immediately visible through the trees.
Path down to water
Looking across Eagle Pond to the northeast
There are several side trails in the area. I took a walk on one that headed away from the pond in a wide sweep around the northern end of the area. This trail eventually brought me out the the Cordwood Road entrance. From here I headed back to the pond and continued my loop walk.
Wide open trail through mixed woods
Most of the trail is wide open as would be a former carriage trail.
A look at the pond
There were many trails down to the pond from the looping Eagle Pond Carriage Trail.
Eagle Pond
One of many side trails
Eagle Pond
The eastern side of the trail is on high ground allowing for views from up high.
Trail above the pond
When I reached the trailhead at Putnam Avenue I retraced my steps beginning a second loop. My intention was to walk the part of the Eagle Pond Carriage Trail beyond where I had left the trail on my first loop.
Wooden walkway over dry stream
Once I had passed the side trail I had taken the first time by, I came to this wooded bridge over a dry stream.
Wide trail
The Eagle Pond Carriage Trail is unmarked, but easy to follow. I came across these two stumps and a chess/checkers board by the side of the trail under a large pine tree. There were plenty of small stones nearby, but it would probably be best to bring your own game pieces.
Chess or checkers anyone?
I found a side trail that led down to the water and traveled along the pond’s edge.
Lilly pads in the northern end of the pond
This tree looked too good to pass up. The curve of the branch seemed ideal for lounging. With my feet propped up against the truck, it made for a nice place to recline and rest for a minute.
Resting tree with a water view
Path along the pond
The path along the water’s edge isn’t as wide or smooth as the main Eagle Pond Carriage Trail. There are plenty of roots to watch out for.
Swim at your own risk
This area has a bench where you can sit and look at the pond, or watch the kids swim. There is a small sandy area at the water’s edge, but as the sign warns, swimmers do so at their own risk.
At this point I had completed a full circut of the Eagle Pond Carriage Trail. I turned back on the trail and returned to the Putnam Avenue trailhead and my truck.
Eagle Pond
I spent a hour walking the trails of Eagle Pond on a sunny afternoon. In another couple of weeks the foliage will be peaking and the trees surrounding the pond will all be in full color. It’s a good place for a cool swim on a warm summer afternoon, or a secluded spot to strap on the ice skates in winter.
The views and opinions in the Enterprise blogs are those of the author and are not neccessarily shared by Falmouth Publishing.
