Ponkapoag West (Blue Hills Reservation)
Hike Type: Spaghetti
Distance: 3.2 miles
Elevation: 183 feet
Time: 1 hour, 5 minutes
Hiking Challenges: Blue Hills 125-Mile Challenge
The Hike
Following my short jaunt around the Houghton area, it was time to hit some trails off of Ponkapoag Trail and (attempt) the boardwalk - I did not yet know about the condition of the board walk before this hike... I started by hiking in and turning left at 5330, hiking to 5343, and then returning via No Name Path to 5311. These were calm, quiet trails. I then followed the Redman Farm Path to 5174, hit that trail, and then began my journey to the boardwalk!
The boardwalk is announced by a nice plaque and scattered, wide boards, with only a little bit of wiggle. The water on either side was crystal clear ice, but clearly thin. The further I walked, the more the boards wiggled. Even further, each step was accompanied by a loud cracking of ice, and then I finally hit one of the boards that sinks. One step on it and water flooded around, sending the board back under the ice. I made the brave choice to turn around and try again later when winter has winter-ed a little more. I returned via the trail at 5218 which was calm and quiet... minus the sound of I-93. Thankfully, I'd be back for that boardwalk in just a couple weeks!
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