"There was a shopping mall Now, it's all covered with…read moreflowers" (Talking Heads) Our May 10th visit to the Bridge of Flowers was marked by two things -one thing we saw and one thing that we didn't see. What we saw were gates locked on both sides of the 400-foot-long bridge to prevent foot traffic. What we didn't see were any flowers on the Bridge of Flowers! We learned that when the Bridge was opened in the Spring, something was wrong with the soil in the flower beds that line the bridge. I heard that the vendor that delivered the soil delivered the wrong thing, so the planted flowers weren't exactly flourishing. Everything (over 500 varieties of annuals and perennials) had to be dug out, all of the plants went to temporary" foster homes" in the community, and the bad soil was removed and replaced with the correct type of soil. Everything should be back to normal very soon, so we'll have to make a second visit to the Bridge of Flowers to actually see the flowers.

The Bridge of Flowers in Shelburne Falls, Massachusetts, is an absolute gem. Its located on a…read moreformer trolley bridge. It is easily accessible with nearby free parking, wonderfully kept up by dedicated volunteers, and filled with breathtaking, ever-changing floral displays. It's right in the heart of a charming town with quaint little shops

I went off season after a wind storm so there was a lot of crunching down to get through the…read morerhododendrons leaning over the path in some spots so be aware of that. Wear sneakers! Bring bug spray if you're going when it's warm and not windy because the mosquitoes will carry you away if you don't. Ps they bloom in July, but it's still cool to see off season. Very impressive!

Lovely, short forest trails with the tallest, densest collection of rhododendrons we've ever seen…read more Natural growth of the trees creates canopies and archways you walk under on the mostly-flat dirt trails. Mucky in shady spots, roots and rocks pop up along the path, so watch your step. The rhododendrons bloom in July, and the state park seems to keep an updated blog so you can time your visit. It is a half-mile loop trail, Luxury porta-potties (mini cabins) for convenient pit-toilets. A few picnic tables in this very woodsy area. Carry-in, carry-out trash on the premises.

It is a very nice hiking trail. It was easier going up…read more I went to the north side and that is a tad more challenging and longer.

We drove up to Mt Sugarloaf State Reservation hoping for that big Connecticut River view and it was…read moreraining sideways and super windy and probably like 40 degrees out. We were freezing honestly and didn't stay up there very long at all. You can drive right to the top which is nice, and even with all the fog and rain you could still see the river and that little white church and the bridge down below. It was kind of moody but also really pretty in a weird way, I kept thinking it would be amazing on a clear day. We basically just huddled under the little stone lookout, snapped a couple quick pictures and then ran back to the car because our hands were freezing and we just couldn't take it anymore. Definitely one we'd go back to, just not in weather like that. Check the forecast before you go because we did not and yeah lesson learned. Oh it's a $5 entry fee abd you pay at a little kiosk stand thing,

Beautiful views from the top of the mountain, on a clear day you can see for miles and miles. It…read morewas a little overcast, but we could make out the tall buildings in Boston. They have an access road to the top for a $5. access fee (free with handicap placard) or you can hike one of several trails (last time I did that was decades ago!!) and also ski lifts are open.

Went on a spontaneous hike since its close by, it was a steep hike however my husband and i…read moreenjoyed the scenery and the breeze

Driving by and I saw this wooden covered bridge so we had to pull over and check it out! So glad…read morewe did, The bridge is located right with this cute,well cared for small park. Well maintained trees, bushes and plants. Love to see how well they take care of the landscape here, also lots of garbage cans around. The park even has a few benches to sit and relax on. The wooden covered bridge was very cool to see and walk through. No cars allowed.... so this allows you to walk right inside the bridge ( love that there is a picnic bench inside too)The bridge goes over a small stream loaded with rocks and wildlife. On the outside of the bridge there are also another pathway to get a closer look at the stream. Very cute area perfect for a quick lunch break and rest before getting back on the road.

Living Memorial Park is a local gem. Just past the quaint Creamery Covered Bridge off Rt 9, you'll…read morefind this park, central to the Brattleboro community. On one side of the entrance around the corner from the public pool there are play areas, basketball hoops, a gazebo and benches. Residents and non-residents alike may use the pool and small children's water park for a small fee. There are public bathrooms, but they are what you would expect from an old, public park bathroom...built with concrete blocks and minimally cleaned (ie: kinda gross), but at least they're available. On the other side of the entrance is a baseball field. In the winter, the hill is a popular spot for sledding and skiing. There is a T-bar and the capacity to make snow. Many local children get their start skiing here because it is incredibly inexpensive to buy a day pass and free for children under 5. If you venture further up the hill you'll find other fields, an ice skating rink, a small outdoor stage, and a picnic pavilion. The views from the top of the hill are beautiful, and from the top there are hiking trails through the woods around the park.

I have hiked A LOT of mountains in New England but I had never hiked the mountain it seemed like…read moreeveryone I knew had hiked. Fortunately, I had the opportunity to change that and now I can see what all the hubbub is about. What a great mountain with fantastic views. After doing a bit of homework, I realized it was in my best interest to make a park reservation so that I could secure a parking space for the day at the start of the trailheads I was eyeing for the next day. As one of the most hiked mountains (in the world?), this park reports hosting a massive number of visitors each year and from first hand experience, I can attest that it is a busy one. The $15 was worth the peace of mind and my ability to pull right in and hop onto the trail. I had a hard time locating their "opening hours" but I arrived shortly after 8am with about 20 cars there ahead of me. I really appreciated the park ranger that checked me in for my reservation at the Poole Road entrance. Incredibly welcoming, inquisitive about plans, quick to offer advice for the best experience, and even shared a weather update (30 mph+ winds at the summit that day) before I was on my way. Supplied with a paper map and an idea which trails would be least busy and most scenic, I felt well-prepared for an enjoyable morning on the mountain. I opted to start out on the White Dot Trail. For less crowds, I branched off to the Cascade Link, then hooked a left onto the Red Spot Trail which delivered me to the summit. Gaining elevation at a slow and steady pace, I found the whole climb quite enjoyable. I rejoined the crowd at the summit but still with plenty of room for photos of the scenery and some quiet time to enjoy a snack. Wide open, bald summit with views for days. I would have stayed longer if not for the strong winds. After nestling in between the rocks away from the air currents to enjoy a brief snack, I was on my way down the mountain via the White Cross Trail. There were even glimpses of Boston in the distance! Each trail was clearly marked by it namesake (literally white dots, red dots, and white crosses) which made wayfinding a breeze. That said, I still came across a party or two that had gotten turned around. Do your homework, connect to a trail app if you have the means, practice your map reading skills, and heed the recommendations of the rangers and you should have the basic tools you need to keep you on track and still smiling. So many trails and options that can keep you coming back for more. The visitor center at this entrance was a welcome amenity, restrooms, and all. I cannot comment on the park store because it was closed for lunch when I was finishing up. All in all I got in just under 5 miles using the route that I did. Beautiful peak, beautiful day. Highly recommend.

Great day hike and not for those with weak ankles! Took the white dot trail up and used the white…read morecross trail to come down. Forgot the bug spray which would have kept the critters at bay with much of the trail having slow or puddled water. Parking wasn't too crowded, $15 for access to park. Snack and gift shop in the lot and the headquarters building just up the trail. Great restroom facility to use prior to starting the hike as well. Very rocky terrain all the way up, clearly marked with white dots (crosses as well for the return). Enjoyed the fact there were multiple volunteer guides hiking or positioned at locations (one steady at fork for dot/cross) if needed. Had low reception all through the hike for emergencies as well. Beautiful views towards the top and of course 360 once on the summit. Definitely worth the time spent. Pack in pack out, bring water and snacks along with the spray (both bug and sun)! Enjoyed a quick snack on the top with the views and a quick tsp of the marker before heading back down. Time to get up to the peak, what are you waiting for?!

This is our first time staying at a DCR campground west of 495, simply because none of them have…read morewater and electric. Now we have a basic solar kit to keep the batteries charged I was ready to go for it. This place is BEAUTIFUL. Pros and cons aside for a minute, we didn't want to leave. My husband is the beach lover but said this was probably his favorite we've camped at so far. (Granted some of it had to do with it being less than perfect weather and come Sunday morning we had almost the whole section to ourselves.) In our opinion the north side is nicer, and more set up size-wise for trailers. Any site from 101-112 is truly lake side and you can put your kayak or canoe in the lake right from there. We stayed at 116, and that section is more of a steep drop off but you still have wonderful lake views. But, it is also set up somewhat awkwardly with having to drive over the grass with not super clear markings. (119 is in front of 116 FYI. We felt bad setting up as we blocked some of their view.) That said, if you camp with friends, esp. tent camping it's a great area to reserve. The row of pull-through sites one up from the lake-side still offer a great water view and nice privacy between. The drawback is that if you are a family with young kids the access to the beach/swimming area is over at the east side. The bathrooms on the north side are small, very rustic and don't have dishwashing stations. However the ladies room shower has been updated to a real shower head and dial control that will let you regulate the hot water and stays on, not like the push button ones at Scusset or Salisbury! They were as clean as they could be, meaning they are old with an eroded cement floor so not much could be done. Oh and other reviews have mentions the traffic noise from 202 is loud at those sites that are nearest to roadway, and yes, we rode our bikes over there and it was terrible. And FYI some of the east side noise travels across the lake if you are at 113-118. Overall a totally different experience from Horseneck Beach, Scusset or Salisbury if you've been to those, but we really enjoyed it.

Kids love it. Large and somewhat private campsites. Ice cream truck at least once a day. Don't have…read moreto go far to find bathroom block. Near the water the bathrooms are old and full of bugs. Could be worse

Wonderful little lake just North of Athol MA on Rt.32. There is plenty of parking, a boat launch,…read morerestrooms and several wooded picnic spots bordering the lake. This is a perfect spot for an outing for the entire family. Tully Lake is beautiful any time of year but make it a point to visit during the Winter months when its frozen over and covered with snow. You won't be alone as a small number of folks like to walk across the lake with their family and/or pets. Oddly enough, I think I prefer a Winter visit as Tully displays its cold breathtaking wintery pristine splendor in the sparkling Winter's sun.

I went kayking in the Tully lake and connecting river. It was really nice. There are a lot of…read moreanimals. I saw a heron, a bluebird, a red-winged blackbird.....and the highlight was a beaver!!!! I saw it on the land and it swimming. So cute! Relaxing day.