Misery Island Mushroom Walk

Join mycologist Jana Harris from Essex Forays for a guided mushroom walk at Great Misery Island.

Explore the fungi of Great Misery Island.

Join us for a guided mushroom walk for all those interested in discovering fungi growing on the Misery Island of the coast of Beverly/Salem. This unique island environment hosts conifer and hardwood trees that provide background to growing fungi. Fungi don’t stop there. Animals nesting and living on this island contribute in a major way to fungi/lichens growth on stone ruins of the island. Join us on an exploratory walk around the island with Jana Harris of Essex Forays, certified in Wild Mushroom Food Safety and member of Boston Mycological Club. Jana will ID mushrooms as we go and learn about edible and nonedible species. The trip will last about 2.5 hr and will give participants a chance to look close up at mushroom species that thrive in this secluded environment. Depending on weather there will be different types of mushrooms to explore. Please wear sturdy shoes, long pants, garden gloves (poison ivy is here), bring a water bottle, tick and bug repellent, ID field guide and basket (optional). Space is limited to 17participants. Please be aware that there is a lot of poison ivy off the trails on the island.

Boat Departure Location:
Naumkeag departs from the Salem Ferry dock at 10 Blaney Street, Salem MA 01970.

Please read all the information listed below before purchasing your ticket(s).

Adults: $40
Children (4-12 yr): $25
Essex Heritage Members receive a 20% discount! Not a member? Sign up here: essexheritage.org/membership
What You Need To Know Before You Go! Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the trip?
About 2.5 hours round-trip (includes 30-minute boat ride each way).

What should I wear or bring with me?
Rubber-soled shoes.
Flip-flops not recommended; NO heels.
Comfortable clothing (long pants recommended)
Garden gloves
Tick and bug repellent
ID field guide
IMPORTANT: It’s colder on the water and there is no shelter from the weather on our open boat. Bring an extra layer!
Pack water and a snack if needed.

Are there restrictions on who can go?
Yes. All passengers must be:

• At least 4 years old (No infants; in arms or baby carriers)
• Capable of negotiating the boat ramp and the rugged island terrain without assistance.

What is the trip like?
It is an adventure aboard Essex Heritage’s landing craft Naumkeag…

• Sit back and enjoy a 30-minute trip from Salem to Great Misery Island.
• Arrive at Great Misery Island to disembark on the beach.
• Walk with mycologist, Jana Harris, for a 1.5-hour exploration of the fungi that inhabit Great Misery Island.
• Be ready to depart from Great Misery Island the designated time for a 30-minute ride back to Salem.

What if it rains or is stormy?
Boat trips depend on the weather. Naumkeag has no rain or sun cover on it. You will be exposed to the elements going to and from the island.

What is the Cancellation Policy?

• If Essex Heritage cancels the boat trip: If it is too rainy or stormy or the seas are too rough, and Essex Heritage has to cancel the boat trip, you will be fully refunded the cost of your ticket
• If ticket holder cancels: If you cancel because you think it is too sunny, rainy, windy or whatever, but the boat still goes, tickets are non-refundable.

How will I know if my tour has been cancelled?
Essex Heritage staff will do our best to email all ticketed passengers in advance if your trip has been cancelled. We will also keep an updated weather advisory line at 978-998-2188.

Is smoking allowed?
Smoking is NOT permitted on the boat or anywhere on the island at all.

Are there bathroom facilities?
The bathroom facilities are VERY limited. There are bathrooms at the Salem Ferry dock, but there are no bathrooms on the boat. There are facilities located on Great Misery Island, but they are limited and will not be easily accessible during the walk.

Questions?
Please call Essex Heritage’s Visitor Information Desk (located in the National Park Service Visitor Center) at 978-224-2036. The Visitor Information Desk is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 AM-4 PM.

Essex Heritage does not assume responsibility for any lost or stolen personal property.