Battle Road Trail

It’s been nine months since we moved to Massachusetts and some days I still am in awe of the history surrounding us and in all directions. Don’t get me wrong, some days I’m also completely immune to it. Another stone wall rambling alongside the road? Snooze. An old garrison from the Revolutionary War just sitting there 6 feet from the road? Yawn.

But some days, and Wednesday was one of them, I am speechless and completely enthralled. Wednesday, I decided to take advantage of more good weather (and an extended preschool day) and drive the 15 minutes to Concord so Prairie and I could walk a portion of the Battle Road Trail.

The Battle Road Trail runs five miles, winding through the farmland, woods, and wetlands between Concord and Lexington. More specifically, it is also the route the British took from Boston into Concord to seize munitions stored by colonists. On April 19, 1775 after the brief battle at the North Bridge, the British troops began their long march back to Boston.

Once reaching Meriam’s Corner, they were faced with more armed colonists and another battle ensued before the British traveled the 16 miles back to Boston, facing more fire as they went. Markers placed along the trail denote particular battles held along the way and also offer information about the land itself and the people living in the area at the time.

The dog, of course, was oblivious to all of this as we drove through the scenic streets of downtown Concord, passing the Orchard House before we arrived at the parking lot at Meriam’s Corner. Parking is free and there are ample spaces before you begin the gravel and dirt trail. Dogs are welcome on leash (bring your own bags!) as are bicyclists and runners.

The walk was lovely and each person we encountered had a smile and, “good morning.” The dog was consistently suspicious of all bicycles and all baseball hats, but otherwise content to sniff obsessively and root around for rotting sticks.

We met another Golden named, Brody, and the two dogs shared snacks and rubbed noses for a bit before we moved on. I know Massachusetts has a reputation for rudeness or unfriendliness, but I have to say I have not encountered much of that since we’ve been here. Hell, I’m a native and also remembered it as an aggressive place, but not in the bucolic confines of the Metro West apparently.

We only made it a mile on Wednesday, but in that short distance we strolled through the woods, through some active farmland, and over a charming wooden bridge set in the wetlands.

Next time I’m going to have to see if I can make it the full five miles and read the signs along the way, but even for a short stroll or bike ride you can’t go wrong here.