Fun, educational hike! The history here goes deep; really interesting. Be sure to bring a map, charge up your phone. It's really easy to lose your way.I have visited here for the past 7 years, if i don't stay on designated trails i get lost. This may not happen to you. BUT head my warning :)
A peaceful spot on Cape Ann. If your expecting a spooky ghost town experience, this isn't it, as there are very few traces of the town itself. I found a few cellar holes and plenty of Babson Boulders, that's where the exploration ends. Still a very interesting site. Very easy trails.
Decent trails but nothing to see here. Really not impressed. I guess all of the old structures are just gone. Depressions in the ground are all that’s left unless you like rocks. The inspirational messages on the stones are just weird. The map was confusing but sort of made sense. The numbers were not always out on the trail and the map lacked the colors used on the trail. So it was tough to plan. Careful - the full perimeter route was more than 8 miles!
Fascinating history and great hiking. Spend some time reading up on the story of this place; it will make the experience richer. But it's a great place for a hike even if you aren't a history fan.
Trails lead to abandon village from 1700, see sink holes where cellars were. See 20 giant rocks along trails, each inscribed with words of wisdom and encouragement
A nice hike . Have a good map , water & dress in long pants, socks & good hiking sneakers due to sandy soil for ticks. Many have gotten lost due to rather poor trail markers.
I entered from the Blackburn Industrial Park to catch all the boulders. It doesn't seem like this approach is being encouraged as there is no apparent parking on the Old Rockport Road side of the access road. Crossing the trestle bridge feels more than a little sketchy, but that's where the little placard map sends you. You are rewarded, however, with great views of the reservoir and the full complement of rocks. The main trails are well defined, but there are quite a few branches so make sure your phone is powered up.
Dogtown is a great area to explore. There is large network of trails radiating out from this area. The Babson Boulders are interesting to encounter along the way.
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