Northshore magazine showcases the best that the North Shore of Boston, MA has to offer.
Issue link: https://read.uberflip.com/i/1115953
NORTHSHOREMAG.COM 68 MAY 2019 I N - D E P T H PHOTOGRAPH BY R. CHEEK Coolidge Reservation is located in Manchester- by-the-Sea Take a hike on some of these lesser-known footpaths on the North Shore this spring. BY SARAH SHEMKUS TRAILS LESS TRAVELED I N - D E P T H Conservation areas, sanctuaries, trails, and reservations abound on the North Shore. is spring and summer, take some time out to explore some of these lesser- known corners of the natural world and discover oases of migrating birds, striking marsh views, and tranquil woodlands you might never have known were there. Here are a dozen suggestions to get you started. AT L A N T I C PAT H e Atlantic Path runs for 2 miles along the Rockport shore, crossing 50 different public and private properties as it goes, thanks to Massachusetts's unique public right-of-way laws and the efforts of a dedicated committee of town residents. Several well-marked access points let walkers easily explore different sections of the path. "It's pretty spectacular, really," says Monica Lawton, vice chair of the town's Rights of Way Committee. "It's a path that is terrific for just enjoying the experience and feeling the wind off the sea." Rockport, rockportma.gov/rights-way-com- mittee C O O L I D G E R E S E RVAT I O N At first glance, Coolidge Reservation may seem to be a typical charming North Shore stroll through woodlands and wetlands. But keep walking and you will find yourself emerging onto an unexpected open expanse of lawn sweeping down to the ocean and offering ex- pansive views of the coastline. Side paths take you down to a secluded beach or up a hill for even more panoramic views. Summer Street, Manchester-by-the-Sea, 978-526-8687, thetrustees.org M A R B L E H E A D R A I L T R A I L To explore both historic and natural Marble- head, park downtown and head out onto the trails—4.1 miles in total. e north fork of the trail passes through two wooded conserva- tion areas, skirting marshland and offering side paths down to the sandy shoreline before emerging in Salem. Bessom Street, traillink.com/trail/marble- head-rail-trail O L D TOW N H I L L In the 1630s, Old Town Hill was one of the first areas cleared by settlers and provided grazing land for livestock. Today, the 168-foot promon- tory is home to raptors and marsh birds and provides views that stretch all the way to New Hampshire and Maine. ree miles of trails let visitors choose an easy stroll through the marsh or a more demanding climb to the peak. Newman Road, Newbury, 978-526-8687, thetrustees.org N A H A N T T H I C K E T e tiniest property on this list, Nahant icket packs a powerful birdwatching experience into just 4 acres. Stroll the sanctuary's boardwalk in the spring or fall and look for migratory species including warblers, thrushes, and vireos, or visit in the winter to glimpse loons, grebes, and other wintering seabirds. "is oasis for birds provides an amazing experience for people to see these species up close," says sanctuary director Amy Weidensaul. Furbush Road, Nahant, 978-887-9264, massaudubon.org G O O S E C OV E R E S E RVAT I O N e rock-strewn tree-lined shore of Goose Cove, an arm of the Annisquam River, is one of Gloucester's most charming sights. A walk in the adjacent reservation lets you explore these areas up close. In the spring, cherry blossoms deck the woodland trails, and fishing egrets stalk the waters throughout the summer. If you look closely and get lucky, you might even spot the pawprints of otters in the tidal mud. Washington Street, Gloucester, ecga.org