Ponemah Bog — Attraction in Amherst

I learned about this place from reading the online magazine "Only In New Hampshire" and a review from a fellow Google Maps reviewer Christina Levitan. She said it was family friendly so I went to see 🙈 if I could bring my kids here. Yes I can. I was enjoying the sounds of 🐦 birds and leaves falling inspite of vehicles with loud exhausts, the occasional airplane ✈️ and leaf blower. I loved exploring here. Most of the trail is on two 6" boards placed side by side that occasionally go at an angle. The bog itself was beautiful! With the rising sun ☀️ shining through the trees and off the water 💦, it was relaxing and picturesque. I observed and could hear all sorts of birds! I even heard a falcon screeching! This would be so enjoyable to an ornithologist and a botanist! There are platforms where you can view the bog. There is signage to indicate what you will encounter at each direction. There are picnic tables available but I would recommend bringing a cleaning solution or a table covering for the picnic 🧺 tables. I did have a clear view of an airplane ✈️ that flew overhead. The trail is well maintained and has seen recent service. Five ⭐ s on all of the effort to create and maintain this trail! I want to return with a book 📖 and a drink and sit and relax next to the bog! You can wear regular shoes 👟 but I would recommend that they are waterproof. If you step on the bog, the ground has a squelching sound. Bug 🪲 repellent would be a good idea but the only insects I encountered were dragonflies. The trail is not wheelchair accessible but a regular stroller can handle the trail. A rugged stroller may be too wide for the boards. No dogs 🐕 are allowed. It is carry in, carry out. There is a decent amount of parking 🅿️. The information ℹ️ board at the beginning of the trail I enjoyed reading. It is short but if you want to have a great place to just 'veg, I...

Ponemah Bog is a GORGEOUS preserve. The bog is interesting, and always changing. It's a good place to bird watch (there's usually some manner of duck about. I saw a Wood Duck for the first time ever here!), but what fascinates ME are the native carnivorous plants. There's TONS of purple pitcher plants, and if you look carefully, there's tons of sundews, as well. And if you REALLY know your stuff, you can find Bladderwort, which is an aquatic carnivorous plant with little 'bladders' (hence the name) that operate in a quite clever and almost instantaneous manner. Just the coolest place to visit, really gorgeous views and it's a pleasant walk around the bog. Bring a hand lens and binoculars, and you'll be good to go! Oh, and wear a hat. The sun can be surprisingly fierce...

I love this trail. I've been walking this trail for years and have always found it to be an easy, light walk when I just need to get out into nature. Now that I'm pregnant, I find this to be the perfect light walk just to get my joints and blood moving. I'd bring boots or shoes you can get wet since there are times the boards are flooded. Be mindful of going after a heavy rain as this will most likely increase the chances of it being flooded. Highly recommend, and I tell all my friends to at least walk it once. The fauna and flora are beautiful, and I appreciate the observation decks. There are also some picnic tables so you can enjoy a small snack or meal after. The trail says it's a leisurely 45-minute walk, but even with stopping, it feels like a 20/30...