       
 | Property Description | 259 acres | Established 1970 | Noted for its more than five miles of grass avenues (former carriage paths) bordered by woods, Appleton Farms Grass Rides was designed by the Appletons for the pleasure of family and friends who enjoyed horseback riding. Like a wagon wheel, five "rides" (as they are called in England) converge on a central clearing called the "Roundpoint." Here, a large, granite pinnacle, salvaged from the demolition of Gore Hall (the former Harvard College Library), stands as a silent sentry. It is one of four such pinnacles which were given to the Appleton family in recognition of their long and distinguished association with Harvard University. Over the centuries, many Appletons held important positions in both the military and government, practiced law or entered business professions. Many retained strong ties with Appleton Farms and its traditions, and some continued to live on the farm and manage its day-to-day activities. Appleton Farms Grass Rides is composed of forest, open fields, and wetlands. Secondary growth forest, interspersed by occasional small fields, occupies the upland portion of the property. Long ago, these areas were originally covered by mature stands of white pine and oak. However, in the 17th century, these old growth forests were cleared by colonists to meet their needs for timber and pasture land. What you see today is the result of the slow process of vegetative succession and natural regeneration of former pasture land back into forest. Wetlands found on the Grass Rides are part of the watershed for the Miles and Ipswich Rivers. At one time, these wetlands were more extensive than they are today. In the past, many farmers, who did not fully understand the ecological importance of wetlands, took measures to drain or divert them. As you walk the trails, look for the many fine examples of stone culverts and bridges that, thanks to the skilled craftsmen who constructed them, are still working effectively to maintain the existing wetland habitat. Click here for information about adjacent
Appleton Farms. |
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| | Trails | | 5.5 miles of grass avenues (easy walking) which serve as a link in the Bay Circuit Trail and the "Discover Hamilton" trail system. |
| | Green Dogs: Sharing The Trail - Dog Walking Program |
 For more than 30 years, Appleton Farms Grass Rides has welcomed dogs and their owners, becoming one of the most popular dog-walking destinations on the North Shore. This popularity has led to increased conflicts among visitors and negative impacts to the property. After hundreds of incidents and complaints over the last few years due to dogs, it was decided that a change needed to take place.
Rather than requiring leashes or banning dogs altogether, The Trustees of Reservations has implemented our Green Dogs program, which has seen success at other properties. Green Dogs will allow us to remain a dog-friendly place for all visitors, where responsible owners can walk their dogs off-leash. The Green Dogs program requires a free (to members) dog walking permit in exchange for agreeing to follow the Grass Rides dog etiquette. Click here for Appleton Farms Green Dogs Rules & Regulations
Click here for a Green Dogs permit application.
For more information, call 978/356-5728. Green Dogs is an experimental pilot program developed to help keep trails open for multiple kinds of visitors and encourage responsible dog-walking. Those wishing to walk their dogs at another nearby Trustees property may wish to explore Ravenswood Park, Ward Reservation, and Old Town Hill. |
| | | Tours | | Interpretive tours and programs for families and adults are offered throughout the year. For listings, visit our Events Calendar or contact the Northeast Region Interpreter 978/921-1944. |
| | Special Events | | Appleton Farms Family Fun Day hosted every fall and featuring face-painting, pumpkin decorating, pony rides, music, and much more. Consult the Events Calendar for details. |
| | Literature | Printed trail maps are distributed free from bulletin boards in parking areas. Please understand that supplies periodically run out. You may also download trail maps from this web site or mail order trail maps in advance of your visit. To subscribe to the Appleton Farms newsletter, email your name and mailing address to Office Manager Claire McKnight at appletonfarms@ttor.org |
| | Property Acquisition History | | Original acreage a gift of Col. and Mrs. Francis R. Appleton, Jr. in 1970. Additional land given by Mrs. Appleton between 1970 and 1998. |
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Telephone:
978-356-5728 E-mail:
appletonfarms@ttor.org When to Visit:
Open year-round, daily, sunrise to sunset. Allow a minimum of 1 hour, 3 hours if also visiting Appleton Farms. Admission Fees & Permits:
Admission free to members of The Trustees. $3 daily use fee for non-members. Green Dogs permit required to walk dogs. Regulations / Advisories:
Due to the softness of trails and sensitive wetland vegetation, horseback riding is NOT permitted in Appleton Farms Grass Rides.Mountain biking is permitted only on designated trails May 1-Feb 28 - closed to mountain bikes Mar 1- April 30 to preserve trails during muddy season.Please read dog walking guidelines below left.The reservation closes at sunset.Please observe all posted signs. How to Get There:
From Route 128, take exit 20A and follow Route 1A north for 4.5 miles. Turn left onto Cutler Road and follow for 2.2 miles. At intersection with Highland Street, turn right. Parking area (20 cars) immediately on right. The Highland Street parking area provides access to Appleton Farms as well. Road Map:
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