Public Ways
During the early days in Marblehead, many ways were established throughout the town to maintain the rights of public passage. While many of these ways have disappeared over the years, there are still 18 open for public use — eight in downtown Marblehead and ten on Marblehead Neck.
Downtown Marblehead
Lookout Court
Lookout Court, though appearing as a street, is open for foot traffic only. Located in Marblehead's Historic District near Abbot Hall, this public way narrows to stone steps and a small path between houses that is known as Prospect Alley. The vista offers magnificant views of the town and Marblehead Harbor.
Prospect Alley
Prospect Alley leads down stone steps and a paved path connecting Lookout Court and Lee Street.
Hollyhock Lane
Hollyhock Lane begins as a narrow flagstone path located close to a house and becomes a grassy lane ending in a driveway on Merritt Street. This short public way is accessible from a small private parking lot off Circle Street, near #116 Front Street.
Alley Steps
The Alley Steps, a set of steep granite steps located between #11 and #15 Washington Street, provides a shortcut to High Street. Traditionally lined with hollyhock flowers, the Alley Steps were once used by fishermen to climb the hill to their fish flakes — fish spread on wooden racks to dry.
Gingerbread Lane
The entrance to Gingerbread Lane, which looks like a country lane, is found on the left off Beacon Street, just past Little Harbor. This narrow dirt road leads to a fork; bear left towards Old Burial Hill and Redd's Pond or continue straight along a grassy path bordered by a split rail fence. The path ends on Norman Street, where it is identified by a street sign, across the street from the entrance to Steer Swamp.
Knight's Hill Road
While beginning as a paved street, Knight's Hill Road quickly turns into a narrow dirt and gravel path leading down a steep hill between houses. The path exits at the corner of Dunn's Lane and Elm Street, directly across from the Elm Street Alley. Together, these two public ways offer a short cut from Redd's Pond to Washington Street.
Elm Street to High Street Alley
Across from #17 Elm Street, at the corner of Elm and Dunn's Way, are seven stone steps leading to a small landing then four more steps. From there the alley becomes a partially-paved, mostly dirt path up a hill to High Street where one encounters a stone wall. While appearing to be private property, with abutters storing boats on either side of the path and cars parked at the High Street entrance, it is nevertheless a public way.
Washington Street to Mechanic Street Alley
This public way near the Old Town House at #4 Mugford Street begins as a paved pathway divided by a wooden railing. The alley leads uphill to stone steps with a rusted iron railing, exiting at the top near #22 Mechanic Street.
Marblehead Neck
Desmoulin Lane
This mostly-paved lane runs 254 feet from Ocean Avenue all the way to the water. A narrow path at the end of the paving leads through trees and thick brush to a rocky beach prized by local fishermen for bass fishing.
Fuller Lane
This paved lane off Ocean Avenue extends for 342 feet. A sign on the chain link fence at the end claims the beach beyond is private property.
Castle Rock Lane
Castle Rock Lane leads from Ocean Avenue to Castle Rock. Steps to the left of the rocks descend to a small beach and some deep tide pools full of sea stars and anemones.
Point-o-Rocks Lane
This 25 foot wide, 211 foot long lane leads from Follett Street to a grass strip, then to a stone wall and rocks below.
Lighthouse Lane
Beginning on Follett Street, this lane ends at scenic Chandler Hovey Park and Marblehead Light Tower. The park is a perfect location from which to watch boats sailing in and out of the harbor.
Cove Lane
This 20-foot wide lane begins on Kimball Street and continues for 225 feet to the low water mark. A set of wooden steps leading to a small cove and beach can be accessed by crossing a lawn beside the stone wall.
Nahant Street
This 50-foot right-of-way extending to the low water mark, located next to the Corinthian Yacht Club, has no street sign. The paved way ends at a grass strip and stone wall, offering views of Marblehead Harbor and the mainland from Peach's Point to Abbot Hall.
Peabody Lane
This 40-foot-wide public way extends from Harbor Avenue, across a lawn to steps leading down to a rocky beach and low water.
Harvard Street
Harvard Street is a 40-foot public way located off Harbor Avenue and leading to the low water mark. The street ends at a set of stone steps to a pebble beach with a view of the mainland across the harbor.
Parker Lane
This public way off Foster Street begins with a paved section that continues over an unpaved hilly area to wooden steps leading down to a pebble beach. A bench at the top of the steps provides a pleasant view of the town.