By Erin Cabral, Monadnock Conservancy Recreation Technician
Just off of Route 101 in Peterborough, there is an oasis loved by hikers, dog-walkers, and bird watchers alike. The Cranberry Meadow Pond trail (CMPT), which connects historic downtown Peterborough to the summit of Pack Monadnock, is a beautiful and public hiking trail. The trail exists because local landowners, along with the Town of Peterborough and the Monadnock Conservancy, worked together to allow the public access to the land.
CMPT is the perfect hike for a spring day: The trail guides hikers along a babbling brook through the forest, where about one mile into the journey they can stop at Cranberry Meadow Pond to take a rest and enjoy the sun on one of the natural benches.
One of my first projects as Recreation Technician for The Monadnock Conservancy was to work on the trail for Earth Day 2025. I was joined by 11 volunteers from Bellavance Beverage Co, a local company who offered us a whole team of volunteers to help enhance the scenery, get rid of invasive species, and improve accessibility of this trail.
With eager attitudes, volunteers removed hazardous stumps, overhanging branches, and piles of brush encroaching on the trail, improving the view of the wetlands and increasing safety. They removed invasive buckthorn and honeysuckle shrubs, leaving room for native plants to return to this natural landscape. Our volunteers also did an excellent job placing stones to create walking paths across wet or muddy sections of the trail.
My first time walking the CMPT, I really enjoyed crossing the boardwalk and overlooking the wetlands along the first 500 feet of trail. When I looked down at the marsh below me, I saw turtles bubbling and swimming through the water. The wetlands are alive with movement. It is incredible how much more there is to enjoy after the improvements made by our generous volunteers. The longer you stay on the boardwalk, the more you notice life at every corner.
This trail was designed for all levels of hikers, providing opportunities to view intriguing sights of the forest. I am eager to continue maintaining the CMPT and seeing the excited faces that travel through. It is a great introduction to all the beautiful places I look forward to exploring in the Monadnock Region. The map at the trailhead is a great resource for trail routes and points of interest along the hike. The parking area on Old Street Road is large enough to park six to eight cars, so bring friends and enjoy the view!