Discover a former cranberry bog and the birds, turtles, and mammals that now call these wooded wetlands home at Goldavitz Bog in Marion. Tucked away at the end of a quiet unpaved road, these 75 town-owned acres next to Aucoot Woods are a fantastic spot for all ages to walk, jog, ski, and explore.

Goldavitz Bog and its neighbor, the Sippican Lands Trust’s White Eagle Parcel, were once both actively farmed cranberry bogs. Goldavitz Bog was retired and has transitioned to a more natural habitat, rich with wetlands, ponds, and fields. Running through this peaceful scenery, Goldavitz Bog has flat, well-worn paths that are excellent for walking, skiing, and exploring with kids.

Even though it’s deep in the woods, Goldavitz Bog is a beautiful destination to watch the sunset. The reflection of the sky over the bog turns the water’s surface into a fantastic array of pinks, purples, and blues. The colorful views make these trails perfect for an evening walk or trail run. Wetland habitats make Goldavitz Bog a great place for a wildlife adventure. These wetlands teem with wildlife, from frogs and salamanders to songbirds and waterfowl. The surrounding forest of upland pine and hardwood is home to deer, fox, and mink, which an early-morning walker might spot slipping into the trees. A constantly changing array of migratory birds and local waterfowl make these bogs a great place for a quiet birding expedition, while kids will love searching for turtles sunning themselves at the water’s surface.

Goldavitz Bog is home to a set of wide, looping trails. Although they’re unmarked, these paths are easy to follow. You’ll only need about half an hour to walk here, though you can extend your journey into the White Eagle Parcel for a longer adventure. 

Start your walk from one of the small pull-off parking areas along the dirt-access road known as Old Indian Trail. This main trail loop follows an old service road around the bog. With lush swamps and ponds lining the edges of the trail, there’s always something to pause and look at.

From the western corner of the bog, you’ll find another small loop trail. This loop has two connections to White Eagle’s red trail. Take the trail connection leading south to see White Eagle’s large bogs, or venture north on the second connection to head deeper into Aucoot Woods past an old stone chimney.