Fitzgerald Lake Conservation Area
Trail Map Fitzgerald Lake Conservation Area: Northampton/Florence, MA
Great Hiking, Walking or Running in Western MA
Today was a cloudy day, approximately 50 degrees at the end of March. There was nothing spectacular about the weather or the day and yet, jogging and walking at this conservation area was a complete joy.
There is an incredible mix of trails and views in this area, despite its relatively small size. The lake is at the center and is approximately 1 mile from either the Cook Avenue parking lot in Northampton or the North Farms Road entrance in Florence.
The area is dog-friendly as well as walker, hiker and jogger-friendly. Most dogs are kept on lease however and owners are expected to clean up after their dogs.
The pictures I took today do not do the area justice, but I will share them with you regardless.
Late afternoon view of Fitzgerald Lake in early spring.
The lake is beautiful in any season and will freeze over in winter. There is access to a long dock from the North Farms Road entrance. This entrance is also wheelchair accessible from the parking lot to the dock.
Wide path by the edge of the Lake.
If you stay on the main path from the Cook Avenue parking lot, you will be walking on wide and well maintained paths. The side paths can become a little muddy but not terribly so.
If you enter from the North Farms Road lot, the paths are very rocky and uneven but beautiful to travel along the Lake Trail or on you can head up to higher ground on the Hillside Trail.
View of the Boggy Meadow
One of the main trails (Boggy Meadow Trail) passes through a really big “boggy meadow” that looks like something from another time or place. It’s filled with wildlife, cattails, trees in all form of decomposition and is always changing.
Again, my picture here does NOT do it justice but it really is worth seeing!
A view of one of the streams running through the Lathrop Loop Trail.
If you chose to explore some of the side trails or stay on the main trails, you will have water views. Some of the most beautiful streams are located on the side trails however, like this one on the Lathrop Loop Trail.
Whether you do an “out and back” walk or explore many of the side trails, this conservations area has so much beauty to explore and enjoy. There is also a Bird Blind overlooking a large expanse of field, wildlife, etc.
I hope you’re able to get out there and enjoy it if you haven’t already. And if you have been there, I’m sure you’ll be back soon because you already know how amazing it is!