This is the old crossing where the Indian Head River Trail passes over the Rocky Run stream. In 2022, the Town of Hanson Conservation Commission constructed a new crossing that no longer restricted waterflow and at the same time, greatly improved the "passability" for fish, amphibians, and other aquatic life.
Another view of the old Rocky Run stream crossing. Over many years, this rock crossing became clogged with mud, leaves, and roots. During periods of heavy rain or spring melts, water backed up and eventually overflowed the crossing making it very dangerous and slippery to cross.
Rocky Run Stream Crossing
The following five photos show some before and after of the stream crossing.
Aug 21, 2022. Very low water level in the Indian Head River at Rocky Run. This is looking west (upstream) with Rocky Run being on the left side of the photo.
The design selected by the Hanson Conservation Commission allows free flow of water and a much safer crossing for foot crossing. Note the clearly visible stream channel now visible above the crossing. In the many years I've been crossing over Rocky Run, I'd never seen the actual stream bed upstream from this crossing.
Rocky Run as it descends from Trout Pond just above the point where it enters the Indian Head River. The headwaters for this stream are sourced from the wetlands just to the north of Oldham Pond.
Aug 21, 2022. Very low water level in the Indian Head River at Rocky Run. This is looking east (downstream) with Rocky Run being on the right side of the photo.
October 11, 2020 at Rocky Run in Hanson MA. Old stone bridge/dam crosses the Rocky Run stream.
August 21, 2022. Wood frog along the bank of the Indian Head River at Rocky Run. These frogs have a wide-spread distribution from the mid Atlantic to the arctic region. Wood frogs are the only frogs that live north of the Arctic Circle and they are unique in that their body can completely freeze.
Early morning light
A common sight on the woodland floor is the Starflower.
