If the pandemic taught me one thing (actually it taught me many things but that’s another matter), it is to get out there and enjoy nature walks in my own backyard. One of the walks that I have frequented in the last few months has been Willow Brook Farm Preserve in Pembroke, Massachusetts. It is owned by the Wildlands Trust, a preservation group that manages properties throughout southeastern Massachusetts.
Willow Brook Farm is located at 99 Barker Street (Route 14) in Pembroke. The small parking lot is unassuming. During warmer weather, the lot can fill up. The first leg of the path, the red trail, strolls behind and near houses. With swampland on both sides, eventually the trail comes to a clearing marked by a little library. On our first visit, my son was excited to take a DVD copy of the Incredibles 2 from this library. On subsequent visits, we always replenish the library with books.
Two roads diverged at Willow Brook Farm
Near the library, there are two choices for walks. The blue trail, also known as the Todd Trail, branches off into a 1.1-mile loop. Both red and blue are fantastic. The blue has many wide boardwalks which traverse swampland. Of course, features like this are super fun for the kids!
If you were to continue on the red trail instead, there are fantastic features here too. The red trail consists of many thin boardwalks that take the visitor over muddy areas but not to the same caliber as the boardwalks on the blue trail. (There is one larger boardwalk on the red trail though.) The highlight of the red trail is the fire tower which you can actually climb! My kids really enjoyed this aspect. My older son was sure he could see all the way to Maine. Maine, Hanover, same thing! It does afford a pleasant view and would be especially breathtaking in the fall.
Boardwalks, a Fire tower, a Library!
The red trail is 1.8 miles in length and both trails are loops. Check out this map for more information. There are also connector trails to shorten the length. Overall though, it is a great walk (either trail) for little legs. As the mileage is not too long and there are fun features such as boardwalks, the little library, and the fire tower, my kids definitely approve of Willow Brook Farm!
For more Wildlands Trust walks, try the Stewart/Person Preserve or the Tucker Preserve.
