Trail Report: Grab Your Skis, Snowshoes and Camera and Head to the Fells

Deep, slick powder and few tracks transformed Middlesex Fells into a Nordic skiing and snowshoeing paradise this week—and the outlook looks good for the next few days.

Now through Monday, temperatures should remain low enough to avoid melting, according to the National Weather Service forecast. A few dustings of snow over the weekend may also freshen up the trails. But as of Thursday, conditions were ideal for skiing, snowshoeing—and photography.

Though the parking lot at Bellevue Pond was full, we found few people—and few tracks on the trails. But just enough snowshoers have tamped down a narrow track on most main trails on the south side of the reservation, making for a good glide for skiers and an easy route for snowshoers.

With the snow about a foot-and-a-half deep though, slogging through with bare boots is likely to remain challenging for some time.

The same wet, heavy wet snow that downed so many trees, tree limbs and wire in the city also did its damage here. At the Bellevue entrance, two towering pines were ringed by downed branches, and a massive limb had cracked off one.

A few trails are also now blocked by fallen trees, but trails have been broken to loop around them. Do, however, stay alert, remain cautious and avoid the trails if winds pick up, as fallen limbs may still pose a risk.

And be sure to bring a camera. With the trails frosted and the ground a pristine blanket of snow, it’s just one big, snowy photo op.