Distance: 1.1 Miles Oneway
Difficulty: Easy
Dogs allowed on leash
I hate when I have driven by a trailhead so many times and did not know it was there. That is what happened with the Three Bridges Trail in Ashby, Massachusetts. Located at the intersection of Route 119 and Route 31 is a 2.1 mile out and back trail that follows Willard Brook.
There is a small parking area at the trail head. There is a gate and a sign marking this is part of Willard Brook Forest. It looks like there is a trail off to the right, but stay on the road. The road is fairly flat and even, with a couple washouts and rocky areas.
You can see Willard Brook off and on throughout the hike. As in the trail name, there are three bridges along the path. The first one is a cobble stone bridge. On either side you can get down to the water. It looks like people can dip their toes here and maybe get wet up to your waist. The water looked fairly clean.
The Second bridge also provides access to the water and I saw families enjoying the rocks and water here.
The third bridge is close to the end of the trail. This bridge did not looks like a good place to get in the water like the other two bridges.
After another tenth of a mile you come to the end of the trail and another small parking area off of Valley Road. It was 1.1 miles from end to end. It was fairly flat with a gradual incline.
I turned around and ran the trail back. It was perfect for a little trail run. I loved how most of the trail followed Willard Brook and there were opportunities to get your feet wet or your dog to get a little swim at the bridges or some side trails down to the water. While you are in the area make sure you check out Trapp Falls.
