Northshore magazine showcases the best that the North Shore of Boston, MA has to offer.
Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/976908
112 Owners opposite page. This page 1,500 acres of forest and wetland exploration. Formerly used as a woodlot and a pasture, the land still sports historic stone walls. WHAT MAKES IT UNIQUE: ese two properties sport some of the richest biological diversity; beavers, deer, breeding raptors, otters, minks, blue-spotted salamanders, and even the occasional black bear have been spotted here. TRAIL TO TRY: Towne Pond Trail offers an easy to moderate 3.7-mile walk through mature forests, past a beaver lodge, and along the edge of its namesake pond. NU TS AND BOLTS: Several parking areas are available at different spots around the properties. Visit essexheritage.org and ecga.org for details. LYNN WOODS RESERVATION Lynn THE EXPERIENCE: At 2,200 acres, Lynn Woods is the largest urban park in Massachusetts, allowing visitors to surround themselves in wilderness just moments from downtown Lynn. More than 30 miles of trails offer wide, easy walks and more challenging off-the-beaten-path options for hikers of all levels. WHAT MAKES IT UNIQUE: e easily accessible stone tower offers beautiful views of the area, including the Boston skyline, while the cave known as Dungeon Rock adds some spooky pirate lore (was it a hiding spot for stolen treasure?) to your amble. TRAIL TO TRY: Loop around the entire park by following Pennybrook Road and Great Woods Road. NUTS AND BOLTS: Free parking. Entrances at Pennybrook Road and Great Woods Road, Lynn, lynnwoods.org. MISERY ISLANDS Salem THE EXPERIENCE: For an adventure far more enjoyable than the name suggests, take a ferry (or grab a canoe and a paddle) to cross over to Great Misery Island and wander along two acres of trails, roaming through open meadows, aspen groves, and rocky shoreline. At low tide, Above, The easily accessible stone tower in Lynn Woods Reservation. Bottom, Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary. PHOTOGRAPHS BY, TOP TO BOTTOM, JACK BOUDREAU, ROBERT BOYD