About Appleton Farms Grass Rides |
259 acres |
This family-friendly network of grassy trails provides an ideal environment for walking, exploring, and nature watching.
What makes Appleton Farms Grass Rides a special place?
With more than five miles of wide carriage paths bordered by woods, Appleton Farms Grass Rides was originally designed for horseback riding. Like a wagon wheel, five “rides” (an English term for carriage path) meet in a central clearing called the “Roundpoint,” where a large granite pinnacle salvaged from the demolition of the former Harvard College Library stands as a silent sentry.
Don’t miss the Great Pasture Trail, which parallels a stone wall.bordered by forest on one side and the beautiful open landscape of the Great Pasture, dotted with cows. From the Pigeon Hill overlook, you can take in a panoramic view of the entire pasture and the site of another pinnacle salvaged from Harvard.
There are four pinnacles on the property, given to the Appleton family in recognition of their long 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 made up of forest, open fields, and wetlands. On the upland portion of the reservation you’ll find secondary growth forest, interspersed by occasional small fields. 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 pastureland 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.
Trails
5.5 miles of grass avenues (easy walking) that serve as a link in the Bay Circuit Trail and the "Discover Hamilton" trail system.
When to Visit
Year-round, daily, sunrise to sunset. Allow a minimum of 1 hour, 3 hours if also visiting Appleton Farms.
Facilities
Public restrooms are available in the Carriage Barn located in the farmstead.
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. Trails are closed to mountain bikes March 1 – April 30 to preserve trails during muddy season.
- Green Dogs permit required to walk dogs.
- Please observe all posted signs.
Directions
Highland Street
Hamilton, MA
Telephone: 978.356.5728
E-mail: appletonfarms@ttor.org
Latitude: 42.6565
Longitude: -70.8450
From Rt. 128 Exit 20A, take Rt. 1A North about 4.5 mi. Turn left onto Cutler Rd. and follow for 2.2 mi. At intersection with Highland St., turn right, and right again into parking area (20 cars) that also serves Appleton Farms.
Admission
When to Visit
Year-round, daily, sunrise to sunset. Allow a minimum of 1 hour, 3 hours if also visiting Appleton Farms.
Admission
Members: FREE. Nonmembers: $3. Please pay ranger when present. When ranger not present, deposit fee in collection box. Green Dogs permit required to walk dogs.
Property History
The Grass Rides, part of the larger Appleton Farms estate dating to the mid-17th century, were created by the Appleton family originally for horseback riding and carriage driving. Long ago, these areas were 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 pastureland. What you see today is the result of the slow process of vegetative succession and natural regeneration of former pastureland back into forest.
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.
Programs
Tours
Interpretive tours and programs for families and adults are offered throughout the year. For listings, visit our Events Calendar. 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.
Green Dogs: Sharing The Trail – Dog Walking Program
Green Dogs allows us to remain a dog-friendly place for all visitors, where responsible owners can walk their dogs off-leash, while being sensitive to all who enjoy this property. 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.
Pinnacle Quest
Use the clues and map that follow to find a hidden treasue and story at Appleton Farms. Download the Quest
Volunteer Opportunities
There are no volunteer positions at this reservation at this time; please check again later or click here to find other opportunities near you.
Work Parties
There are no work parties at this reservation at this time; please check again later or click here to find other work parties near you.
Maps and Resources
Printed trail maps are distributed free from bulletin boards in parking areas. Please understand that supplies periodically run out. We recommend that you download a trail map before you visit.
To subscribe to the Appleton Farms newsletter, email your name and mailing address to appletonfarms@ttor.org.
Planning Your Visit
Travel Links
Essex National Heritage Area
North of Boston CVB
Ipswich Online
North Shore Chamber of Commerce
Town of Hamilton Town of Ipswich
Before You Go
We encourage you to visit as many Trustees properties as you can.
Wherever your travels take you, please observe all posted regulations, follow special instructions from property staff, and keep in mind the Stewardship Code:
- Protect wildlife and plants.
- Guard against all risk of fire.
- Help keep air and water clean.
- Carry out what you carry in.
- Use marked footpaths and bridle paths.
- Leave livestock, crops, and machinery alone.
- Respect the privacy of neighboring land.
- Enjoy and share the landscape with others.
Click on links below for further visitor information:
Before Setting Out
Tell Us What You Think
We’d love to hear about your visit! Here are three easy ways to let us know what you think:
-
Take our visitor survey. If you have a question for us, you can ask us in the survey and we’ll get back to you.
- Post a comment about your visit on our Facebook page.
- Share your experiences with other visitors on our website. Simply fill out the form below, and we’ll post your comment right here on this page.
Announcements & Alerts
No advisories at this time.
Upcoming Things To Do
Other Trustees Properties You Might Like:
Crane Beach on the Crane Estate
Ipswich, MA
Appleton Farms
Ipswich, MA
Greenwood Farm
Ipswich, MA
Submitted by clifford smith on: November 9, 2009