The Nature Trail And Cranberry Bog at Patriot Place

Did you know there was a nature trail and cranberry bog at Patriot Place in Foxboro? Hidden away behind the giant Bass Pro Shops is a easy, kid-friendly trail that also teaches you about cranberries! The Ocean Spray Cranberry Bog is a real, working bog that was originally planted in 1929 and is still harvested every fall.

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The Nature Trail Entrance

There is no walking path for getting around Bass Pro Shops to the Nature Trail and Cranberry Bog entrance. Each time we visit, I do it a different way and you should just be smarter than me and drive around to park at the back.

If you are walking over, the worst option is the loading dock side of Bass Pro. There is no sidewalk or shoulder on the ramp so it is kind of like a death gauntlet, you just have to make it to the bottom of the ramp before a giant truck tries to come or go. On the forest side of Bass Pro it is awkward but possible without imminent risk of death. There is a grassy hillside that you can walk on safely once you shimmy down the steep hill a bit. The safest option is really to drive down. Find the road between Bass Pro and the forest and head down the hill. There is a whole overflow lot back there that probably has a use on Game Days but seems to be the authorized place to park for the trail.

Beautiful in Every Season

The short trail takes you through 7 acres of wetlands, forest and cranberry field. In the summer months you will see lots of bright green from the lily pads in the water and the cranberry fields. In the winter the cranberry fields look red and if you time it right you might even get to see the fields flooded for harvesting. The pictures for this article were taken in December.

The Nature Trail and Cranberry Bog

The trail has three distinct sections: The boardwalk, the cranberry bog and the forest. The boardwalk and the cranberry bog areas are easy and jogging stroller friendly. These two together make a nice stroll and you can just turn back instead of heading into the forest. The forest section is a very natural trail with lots of tree roots, ups and downs. If you continue through all three sections, it is a .6 mile loop back to the trial entrance.

The Boardwalk

The first section of the trail is a beautiful boardwalk that takes you over the wetlands section. In the right time of year you can find wildlife like turtles hanging out in the sun. There is a nice long & straight section perfect for running up and down!

The Cranberry Bog

After the boardwalk it turns into a packed dirt path that follows the edge of the cranberry fields. Along the way are informational signs about all things cranberry! Learn tidbits about the history of the plant, its uses and cultivation.

The Forest

After the cranberry bog, the trail leads you into the forest to complete the loop back. Still kid-friendly but lots of rooty paths make this a no-go for the stroller. It is however a nice space to take your time and let the youngest on the crew set the pace. It is a short trail so how long could you really be out there….right? The trail winds around the other side of the wetlands so depending on the time of year, there are some nice views over the water as you go.

Make it a tradition: Nature Trail And Cranberry Bog!

The cranberry theme would make an Adventure Day out to this trail a fun Thanksgiving tradition. Celebrate fall with a stroll around the bog and a stroll around the shops of Patriot Place for early Christmas shopping!

If your crew likes the Hooksett, NH Bass Pro Shop, the Foxboro location will blow their minds. This huge store is pretty cool to just take a walk around. Bring your quarters for various interactive games set up throughout.

Patriot Place’s Nature Trail And Cranberry Bog: Quick Facts