New England is lucky enough to enjoy all four seasons, even if that means having to scrape ice off the windshield before heading to work. While all of the properties below can be enjoyed year round, they each bring something different to the table depending on which season you visit.
SPRING
- Location: Essex
- Difficulty: Easy
- Total Acres: 31
- Time: 30 min – 1 hour
- Cost: FREE
What To Do: Bird enthusiasts, grab your binoculars! Ospreys are often seen from the nesting platform during the spring and summer months. From the parking lot, take the trail to your right and follow along to the scenic viewpoint overlooking this classic New England salt marsh.
Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary
- Location: Ipswich
- Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
- Total Acres: 1,955
- Time: 2-3 hours
- Cost: Mass Audubon Members: Free | Non-Members: $6 Adults, $4 Seniors (65+), $4 Children (2-12)
What To Do: With 12 miles of trails through forests, meadows, and wetlands, you’re sure to find the perfect adventure! One of our favorites is the Rockery Trail which leads to the beloved Rock Grotto and a beaver dam that’s been built right over the boardwalk. If you’re lucky, you might even see a beaver! *Advanced tickets/reservations are required.*
- Location: Hamilton/Wenham
- Difficulty: Easy
- Total Acres: 113+
- Time: 1 hour – Full Day
- Cost: FREE
What To Do: With college students heading home for the end of the year, spring and summer are a great time to explore this hidden gem. Park at Gordon College and take a stroll around Coy Pond. If you’re up for a longer hike, you’ll find trails that connect further into Chebacco Woods where you’ll pass by four other ponds and Chebacco Lake; a fan favorite for a swim!
SUMMER
- Location: Ipswich
- Difficulty: Easy
- Total Acres: 59
- Time: 1-2 hours
- Cost: FREE
What To Do: On a hot summer day, enjoy a leisurely walk by the Ipswich River, or perhaps you’ll catch a team practicing for their next polo event. If it’s birding that’s of interest, you’ll find both Northern Flickers and Black-and-White Warblers, among other native species that call this reservation ‘home’. Adjacent to Appleton Farms, you can easily tackle both properties in one day.
- Location: Beverly
- Difficulty: Easy
- Total Acres: 18
- Time: 1-2 hours
- Cost: Non-Beverly residents per-car cost of $15 on weekdays and $25 on weekends/holidays
What To Do: Best known for the location of President Taft’s summer home, Lynch Park boasts plenty of United States History. Relax on the beach, take a kayak out for some coastal views, or walk around the Italian inspired Rose Garden.
- Location: Rockport
- Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
- Total Acres: 67
- Time: 1-2 hours
- Cost: Trustees Members: FREE | Non-Members: $20 (May – October)
What To Do: Though the old Babson Farm Quarry can’t be missed, you’ll want to make sure to follow the path all the way down to the ocean. On a clear day, you can see Mt. Agamenticus which is located 81 miles away in Maine. Although the park is great for families, sunset is a popular time for a romantic walk with your loved one.
FALL
- Location: Hamilton/Ipswich
- Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
- Total Acres: 658
- Time: 2+ hours
- Cost: Trustees Members: FREE |Non-Members: $5 weekdays and $10 weekends
What To Do: With 658 acres to explore, there’s plenty of opportunities to get that insta-worthy fall photo! Appleton Farms has over 6 miles of footpaths and farm roads that will lead you through pastures, crop fields, and meadows. Don’t forget to stop by their farm store to enjoy some local produce, fine cheeses, hand-crafted jellies, and more.
- Location: Gloucester
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Total Acres: 27
- Time: 1-2 hours
- Cost: FREE
What To Do: If rock climbing is your jam, this spot is for you! Fan favorites include “Zipper”, “Morning Glory”, and “Rip Van Winkle” to name a few. If a regular hike is more your speed, the 1.4 mile loop will provide expansive views of the area’s foliage.
- Location: Essex
- Difficulty: Easy
- Total Acres: 74
- Time: 30 min – 1 hour
- Cost: FREE
What To Do: Hike up Whites Hill for a panoramic view of Crane Beach, Crane Wildlife Refuge, and Halibut Point. The view is absolutely magical this time of year with all of the changing colors in the landscape. You can also learn more about the iconic three-story tower built in the 1880s.
WINTER
Beverly Commons Conservation Area
- Location: Beverly
- Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
- Total Acres: 126
- Time: 1-2 hours
- Cost: FREE
What To Do: Also known as the “Witches’ Woods” after the witchcraft accusations in 1692, this conservation area can be enjoyed in any season. Our favorite activities include hiking and running through the 126 acres of trails. In the winter, these trails are perfect for snowshoeing and cross country skiing.
- Location: Beverly
- Difficulty: Easy
- Total Acres: 62
- Time: 1 hour
- Cost: FREE
What To Do: Though this white pine forest is smaller than some of the others on the list – this tranquil spot is a bit of a hidden gem. With limited parking, it will feel like you have the whole reservation to yourself! So pack your snowshoes and head down to the scenic overlook of Beaver Pond.
Willowdale State Forest/Bradley Palmer State Park
- Location: Hamilton/Topsfield/Boxford
- Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
- Total Acres: 2,491
- Time: 2+ hours
- Cost: FREE
What To Do: Willowdale State Forest offers an immense amount of biodiversity including forests, wetlands, and vernal pools. The 40 miles of trails look particularly magical after a fresh coat of snow, making this area a cross country skiing staple. While there’s plenty to explore in the state forest, you can also take the Bay Circuit Trail to the neighboring Bradley Palmer State Park to continue the fun.
We’ve covered just a small section of what the North Shore has to offer. For more ideas visit The Trustees of Reservations or Essex County Greenbelt Association to find a full list of properties in the area. Let us know your favorite local hike in the comments below!
