This park has something for everyone. First of all there is the towpath that traverses the park that is perfect for biking, running, or walking and passes through the heart of the park. It runs along an old canal which you can still see parts of (even some of the old locks are visible!). The path cuts through beautiful green forests (this time of year starting to turn fall colors) and along the river and is a great way to see the beauty of the park. We took the opportunity for an early morning run along the path and were not disappointed!
Another popular feature of the park are the waterfalls that are scattered throughout. We stopped at 2 of the falls, Brandywine Falls and Bridal Veil Falls. Brandywine falls is near the Boston Store Visitor's Center close to the middle of the park. It is about a 65' waterfall that tumbles to the bottom a canyon filled with greenery and amazing rocks and boulders. The falls is reached by a fantastic boardwalk that takes you along the rock ledges, down into the canyon, and to the top of the falls. The boardwalk was our favorite part of this experience, it made us feel like we were walking out to a tree house, like the Swiss Family Robinson! So cool!
Bridal Veil Falls is in the north part of the park on Tinkers Creek. The creek is pretty shallow this time of year, perfect for wading. The falls has great potential to be awesome, but because we are at the end of the summer, only a small trickle was making its way over. The shame of the falls, a miniature gorge, seems like it would be awesome with full flow.
Some other attractions at the park that we didn't do include exploring the copious biking and horseback riding trails, visiting the historic village area, and seeing the beaver marsh. All of the areas in the park can be accessed by bike (bikes can be rented in the park), hiking, or by car, whichever works best for you!
The park had a different feel from the other parks we have thus far visited. It felt like a city park on a grand scale. As you travel around the park you are in and out of towns, residential areas, and even on the edge of some city areas. The various features and attractions heightened the sensation, it wasn't just about the beauty of the scenery, it was also about the historic aspect of the canal and the activities and attractions available.
Personnel:
The ranger we talked to was very excited about helping us find things to do in the park and was very detailed in her explanations of each option and how to navigate our way there.
Climate/weather:
Hot and humid. We were VERY glad we ran first thing in the morning, because by the end of the jog, we were feeling toasty! Even with the heat when we got down close to the waterfalls it was quite pleasant, but anywhere in the sun was a little warmer than we preferred.
Facilities/signage:
The bathrooms at the main Boston Store were very nice. They were in a separate building which was accessible 24 hrs (we assume, it was open before the VC) and they were clean and well maintained. The restroom at Brandywine falls, though, was less pleasant. The restroom has an internal waste processing setup (located underneath the restroom) so there are no sinks, pit toilets, only hand sanitizer, and the restroom was kinda dirty and had standing liquid on the floor. Not a pleasant bathrooming experience overall.
The signage throughout the park were also not great. The park isn't simple to navigate and the signs are regular street signs with only occasional park directions. Also many entrances don't have a nice "National Park" sign, so we had to try several before we could take our picture with one. Definitely take a map with you or get one at the visitor's center when you visit here.
Trail experience:
The run along the Towpath was quite pleasant (especially in the shade, which was most of it where we were). The tunnel of trees just north of the Boston Store was our favorite part, but running along the canal, seeing the locks, catching a glimpse of the river, and seeing the fall flowers were all enjoyable. The path is very well maintained and there were many other bikers, walkers, and runners out as well.
The boarkwalk to Brandywine falls was definitely a highlight! It is also well maintained and the feel of a boardwalk through the forest and canyon is just fun! The waterfall at the end felt quite full even though there wasn't much flow because of the way the water spread to engulf the rock. There is plenty to see along the entire boardwalk (the rock ledges you pass for example).
The quick walk out to Bridal Veil Falls starts out with a short boardwalk, follows a trail to the creek, crosses over, and ends at the overlook. This time of year it is essentially a pretty trail with a creek to wade in, but it seems like in the spring the falls would be beautiful.
Driving experience:
The driving experience was also very different from other parks. The roads weren't set up to take you to the amazing overlooks or lead you to the highlights, they felt like the roads were set up for the towns nearby, and you can use them to access the park, but that isn't their primary role. It made finding things a little bit less effortless. You have to pay attention to where you are driving and it is harder to just cruise and enjoy the views. We didn't find any amazing overlooks or anything like other parks have, we found that experiencing the scenery was better by foot or bike.
Camping options:
There are five primitive campsites in the park (reservations required in the summer) and any campgrounds located nearby, both state owned and private. We stayed at a travel center about 7 miles from the Boston Store Visitor's Center. Because it is in such a populated area there are plenty of options.
Hammockability:
Trees: YES! Humidity... yes... So, if you want to hammock here there is no shortage of locations, but it might be good to find a place in the shade near a river or down in a canyon.
Scenery:
The scenery in the park is best accessed via the numerous biking and walking trails provided. The Canal Towpath Trail travels over 20 miles through the park forests and along historic canal features including the towpath itself and several canal locks. Other trails throughout the park take you to waterfalls (best in spring and early summer) and other scenic park features. The scenery didn't feel epic like some other park but was beautiful none the less and offered plenty to do for visitors.
Nearby food:
Well... there is food all over the place. You are in the middle of several towns that are in and around the park.
This felt like a grand city park with historic significance thrown in. Beautiful for sure, lots of things to do during a visit, but seemed to be missing the solitude that we have enjoyed in previous parks.
Next up: Acadia National Park on the coast of Maine with a stop at Niagara Falls on the way!
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