Join us for a hike in the beautiful Manchester Essex Wilderness Conservation Area, as the forest turns green and comes to life in the warming days of spring.
Our route takes us over the boardwalk across Cedar Swamp, then heads west in a loop that takes us along the Grassy Ridge Trail to Bishop’s Grave Cartway and the Bear’s Den Trail; then swings back via Baby Rock Trail to the Prospect Ledge Trail, which we follow down to the boardwalk and back across Cedar Swamp. Click HERE to see a map of the hiking route in Gaia GPS.
Manchester Essex Conservation Trust has been working for 60 years to protect this land. To learn more about MECT, you can go to their website.
To view and download MECT's map of the Wilderness Conservation Area, click HERE.
This is a moderate hike on mixed terrain, with flat, easy sections, as well as rugged, boulder-strewn trails, with many points of interest along the way. Be prepared for a few wet spots. Total distance is about 3.5 miles; allow just over 2 hours.
(view looking down the Cedar Swamp Boardwalk, entering the Wilderness Conservation Area)
Meeting Spot: We will meet at the School Street entrance to the Wilderness Conservation Area by Cedar Swamp. See the hike map for specifics.
Please arrive early (we recommend planning to arrive between 9:50 and 9:55 am in order to be ready for the group's 10 am departure). The hike will depart promptly at 10 am.
Cape Ann Trail Stewards | PO Box 690 | Essex | MA | 01929
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