Conservation Areas & Walking Trails

Forest River

This area of about 25 acres is located along the Forest River between Lafayette Street (Route 114) and Leggs Hill Road.  It includes forest, meadows, wet lands, estuary, salt marsh, glacially-scared outcroppings, small ponds and a small river.  There are walking trails throughout.  The estuarine land is subject to tidal action and serves as a spawning ground for much marine life as well as home for waterfowl.  The Conservation area is remarkably variable, consisting of ledge outcropping sloping from a plateau at the cemetery to the Forest River at sea level.  Access to the area is best obtained off Old Salem Road (near the cemetery off Lafayette Street) or at the bend on Leggs Hill Road.  There are also two access points along Lafayette Street.

Hawthorn Pond

Access to this approximately ten acre site is gained by driving to the end of Hawthorn Road and walking down the path to the small pond and swamp or off the railroad right of way.  The swamp is highlighted by a boardwalk crossing the swamp.  It is a prime ecological study area and in the winter months provides a natural area for ice skating.  There is a loop trail around the pond.

Steer Swamp

The Steer Swamp Conservation Area, about 43 acres in size, consists of high land with pleasant vistas, low land with meadows, swamps, ponds and brooks and abounds with native plants and wildflowers.  Small game as well as many wild bird species are continually observed and heard.  Access is readily available via Stony Brook Road as well as Beacon Street (two entrance ways), Norman Street, Barry Road and Blueberry Road.

Ware Pond

Consisting of approximately 8.5 acres, the Conservation area is near Rockaway Avenue in the Clifton section of Marblehead.  Entrances are on Marion Road, Marion Road Extension, Warren Road and the railroad right of way. The pond occupies about one-half of the area and is a rich wildlife refuge for waterfowl, particularly during migration periods.  In the winter the frozen pond is used by ice skaters.  The pond and its surrounding areas support a wide variety of plants and animal life including water lilies, large turtles, muskrats and many swamp-dwelling bushes and trees.  Vistas of the pond can be enjoyed from two newly-constructed viewing areas.  One is about mid-way between Marion Road and Marion Road Extension at a small granite wall.  The other is at the end of a boardwalk connecting the railroad right of way to the pond.  There is an extensive trail network available.

Wyman Woods

This 33.5 acre area extends from the rear of Gatchell's Playground to Salem Harbor and adjacent areas.  Wyman Woods Conservation Area is most easily reached by parking at the end of Everett Paine Blvd., off Lafayette Street, and walking up the path into the woods.  It is an undeveloped upland and an ideal hiking area with trails that are easily followed.  Another point of entry is off West Shore Drive, reached by walking along the rail road right of way towards Salem.  Wyman Woods features up lands, low lands and a wide variety of trees, shrubs and wildflowers.  Near the railroad right of way there is a pleasant viewing point on the edge of Salem Harbor.

Robinson Farm

The newest addition to Marblehead's conservation lands, the Robinson Farm, was purchased by the Town in 2005.  For almost 200 years this 3.5 acre site was a working dairy farm.  There are no longer any buildings standing but some of the old stone foundation walls from barns are still in place.  The entrance to the Robinson Farm, which is open for passive public enjoyment, is at the end of Abbot Street.  Parking is available for a few cars.