The Pickerel Pond trail in Natick makes for an excellent winter hiking experience, especially when the trails are largely snow-packed.

The last time I ventured there it was fall, the trails were mucky, the boardwalks were challenged (we’ve been there for summer hikes, too)

This time around, I strapped on my Yaktrax and entered the trail from Huron Drive on the northern end of the pond, trekking on both the blue and red trails. Judging from the footprints and paw prints, not many others had been there recently, and I came across no one on this below-freezing Saturday afternoon.

Among the must-see sights were the partially snow-covered ’53 Ford Customline and beaver dam, along with the pond itself, and the DPW pumping station (OK, that last one isn’t a must-see).

pickerel pond trail winter — Beaver dam, with frosted over informational sign in foreground

Footing was fine with the grips on my boots, but there were sections that were iced over and that would break through to a foot or so of chilly water. Somehow I avoided stepping into this, having seen others that had done the dirty work.

One thing to possibly look forward to at this location is a connecting boardwalk between the north and south ends of the Pickerel Pond trail.