Cranberry Bog
Reservation
The Cranberry Bog
Reservation is the most recent major addition to the Conservation Commission's inventory
of land, purchased in 1986. The Bogs are a unique natural resource approximately 316
acres, 165-acre Cranberry Bog in South Chelmsford. The other half is in Carlisle (151
acres) this site is the headwaters for the Cranberry bogs in Carlisle. The trails are
limited. A main trail leads in from the Elm Street parking lot is mainly a wide flat trail
to the small Dam where the trail gets narrow around trees and over tree roots, Then the
trail widens again and connects with another trail leading to the operating bog in
Carlisle. These trails are on causeways and peninsulas. Much of the property is wetlands,
which provides important habitat for wildlife. Horses and trail bikes use the trails. It
is a great location to observe migratory waterfowl during the spring and fall migrations.
There are also resident populations of mink, otter, beaver, great blue heron, deer, and
other mammal’s reptiles, amphibians, and birds. It is also an excellent warm water
fishery, with a naturally reproducing population of largemouth Bass and chain pickerel.
Location: Elm Street, 1 mile south of
Acton Road (Route 27)
Parking for 3 cars is on Elm St in South Chelmsford (N 42° 33.407, W
071° 22.841),
the
Cranberry Bogs gallery
