Stony Brook Dam at Bristol Blake State Reservation - Norfolk, MA
Posted by: 
NorStar
N 42° 06.537 W 071° 19.037
19T E 308410 N 4664471
This stone/concrete dam that once powered a saw mill has a pond that extends many acres that has become a major place to watch wetland birds and wild life.
Waymark Code: WM9PHN
Location: Massachusetts, United States
Date Posted: 09/14/2010
Views: 4
In Norfolk is a hiking and bird watching recreational area that is maintained by both the Stony Brook Reservation of Massachusetts Audubon (Mass. Audubon) and Bristol Blake State Reservation of the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR).
North of the visitor/nature center, there is a path that leads right to a dam. This dam appears to be a combined masonry and concrete dam, supported by earth on the flanks. The spillway part is a series of concrete steps about a foot high, each, and span at least 10 feet wide. The entire drop is about 12 feet.
The dam was originally for a saw mill that operated there.
The impoundment behind the dam stretches for many acres and forms at least two ponds, the larger of which is called Kingfisher pond. The ponds are really a wetland area, with lily pads, shallow water, and plenty of wildlife. The two operations have set up a set of walking paths in the area. This includes boardwalks that allow you to walk and observe from the center of the pond, as well as walk to one of the islands. From the observation areas, you can see all sorts of water fowl, snapping turtles, painted turtles, muskrats, ducks, geese, and other creatures.
To get there, from US-1, take MA-115 north to a four-way intersection (there is a sign to the Bristol-Blake Reservation at this intersection). Turn left and go a few hundred feet to the reservation on your right. Follow signs to the dam.
There is a fee for entry (about $5). If you are a member of Audubon or a passholder for the state parks, the admission is free.
For More Information:
Massachusetts Audubon (Stony Brook Sanctuary):
(
visit link)
Massachusetts DCR (Bristol Blake Reservation):
(
visit link)