Paddle to this small upland amid the extensive Charles River floodplain and bushwhack up a hill to views of the surrounding wetlands.

What makes Bridge Island Meadows a special place?
Your timing has to be just right to reach this hidden gem – you can only reach it by canoe or kayak and only when the water is flowing in Bogastow Brook. When the intermittent waters of the brook enter South End Pond, a wooded upland rises to the east above the floodplains of the Charles River. But for intrepid paddlers, your reward is a short bushwhack to a 130-foot, tree-covered knolls that offers unforgettable glimpses of the surrounding floodplain.

Just how do you reach the reservation? It’s surrounded by wetlands, making access extremely difficult. Kayakers can paddle on the Charles River, turning west into a stream that leads to South End Pond. Bolder paddlers can creep along Bogastow Brook to South End Pond. Landing is a challenge, as grasses grow tall and thick.

Trails
None. The reservation is surrounded by wetland and comprises an upland that is dense with vegetation.

When to Visit
Year-round, daily, sunrise to sunset. Allow a minimum of 1/2 hour.

Regulations & Advisories

Dogs are not allowed.

Directions

South End Pond
Millis, MA
Telephone: 508.785.0339
E-mail: charlesrivervalley@ttor.org

Located on the southeast shore of South End Pond. Access is by canoe or kayak only via Bogastow Brook, which runs adjacent to the Reservation. Bogastow Brook is a small, intermittent brook, thick with vegetation, making access very difficult. Bogostaw Brook may be entered from South End Pond, which is connected to the Charles River via a small tributary near the Medfield State Hospital

Admission

When to Visit
Year-round, daily, sunrise to sunset. Allow a minimum of 1/2 hour.

Admission
FREE to all

Property History

Property Acquisition History
Gift of Dr. and Mrs. John D. Constable in 1974.

Programs

Click here to learn more about our Summer in the Valley Photo contest.

Volunteer Opportunities

Work Parties

Maps and Resources

At present, a downloadable trail map is not available for Bridge Island Meadows.

Planning Your Visit

Before You Go
We encourage you to visit as many Trustees properties as you can.

Wherever your travels take you, please observe all posted regulations, follow special instructions from property staff, and keep in mind the Stewardship Code:

• Protect wildlife and plants.
• Guard against all risk of fire.
• Help keep air and water clean.
• Carry out what you carry in.
• Use marked footpaths and bridle paths.
• Leave livestock, crops, and machinery alone.
• Respect the privacy of neighboring land.
• Enjoy and share the landscape with others.

Click on links below for further visitor information:

Before Setting Out

Enjoying Trustees Reservations

Safety

About Hunting on Trustees of Reservations Land

Tell Us What You Think

We’d love to hear about your visit. Click here to take our visitor survey. If you have a question for us about this reservation, you can use this form to send it to us, too.

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