Sunday Morning Hike -Briar Swamp from Summit Ave.

HIKE FOR SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2022

Briar Swamp Loop from Summit Ave.

https://www.gaiagps.com/public/Nr3GLkv6HJvlZmuEurItPbaG

Join us for a winter hike through the scenic woodlands around Briar Swamp, which straddles the boundary of Gloucester and Rockport, on the northern edge of Dogtown.  

Our route will take us on the Town Forest trail up to Squam Path, then down Common Road to Whales Jaw, across a boardwalk through the swamp, and along side trails through Pool Hill Woods back to our starting point.  See the map and route here.  With trees bare of leaves, we’ll have a good view of the landscape along the way.   

The route is a mix of wide and narrow trails, easy to moderate, with normal ups and downs and  plenty of rocks and roots underfoot.   Total distance is about 3.2 miles.   Allow two hours from the starting point.  

Meeting spot:   Meet at the open field and circular drive at the upper end of Summit Ave., off Route 127 near the Commuter Rail in Rockport.  Heading into Rockport on Route 127 (Main St.), take a left at Five Corners onto Railroad Ave.  Summit is the first left after the train station (granite bank on the right corner).  There is plenty of parking at the top of Summit.   Please arrive early.  The hike will depart promptly at 10 AM.

As always, please wear proper hiking footwear and bring water; also poles if you use them. At this time of year, be prepared for wet and muddy conditions. It is also advisable to have crampons or micro-spikes as conditions may still be icy.

Please note that dogs are not permitted on the Sunday Morning Hikes.

In the event of rain or snow, the hike may be cancelled, and an email notification will go out at 8 AM the day of the hike.  

Registration is limited to 20.  Please register early to ensure a spot, and if you cannot make it, please cancel your reservation, so others on the “wait list” can attend.   Please do not be a “no show.”