Historic Essex Walking Tour

The Historic Essex Walking Tour is a self-guided tour (with a brochure and map to guide you) to 16 interpretive signs that highlight the historic significance of this New England village. Learn how 300+ years of shipbuilding produced close to 4,000 wooden vessels; find a 1797 Paul Revere bell; discover the birthplace of the fried clam; learn about the grave robberies of 1818; gain insight into how Essex became known as “America’s Antiques Capital”; and other interesting stories. Benches along the Essex Causeway provide a place to sit and relax as you take the tour.

Shawsheen River hike

Join AVIS board members for a pleasant hike along the Shawsheen River. We will hike on the Claus Dengler trail (named for a former AVIS president) which runs along the Shawsheen River from Abbot Bridge to Balardvale train station, a distance of 1.5 miles. We will walk along open meadows and into the woods. The river is visible throughout most of this hike. This is an excellent opportunity to observe a variety of wildlife and plant species. On our return, we may explore some other trails. The total distance for this hike is approximately 3 miles.

Blacksmithing Saturday in the Essex Company Forge

Step back in time with us for a day of blacksmithing in the Essex Company forge, the company that built the city of Lawrence! Richard Wright of the Granite State Hammer Alliance will be demonstrating the craft of traditional blacksmithing methods, forging both iron and mild steel to create items for practical use in our historic courtyard. The forge was first in use in the early 1880's when the Essex Company complex at 6 Essex Street in Lawrence was constructed.

Den Rock Park Hike

Join Groundwork Lawrence for a brisk hike through Lawrence’s “hidden jewel,” Den Rock Park. The park is a 120- acre wooded preserve that includes walking trails, a granite rock face, scenic overlooks, a beaver pond, and access to the Shawsheen River. Well behaved dogs on leashes are welcome. Rte 114, Lawrence, MA, 01840

Spicket River Greenway Walk

Groundwork Lawrence Enjoy some of Lawrence’s newly developed parks and be provided both historical and ecological perspectives on this important watershed. The tour will start at Manchester Street Park and highlight Steven’s Pond, in which native birds and snapping turtles cohabitate. Special Instructions: Wear walking shoes.

Hike to Holt Hill via the Sanborn Trail

Come explore Ward Reservation's Sanborn Trail with Friends of North Andover Trails. Starting from the Boston Hill trail head at Brightview, we'll hike to the scenic Holt Hill solstice stones to enjoy the view of the Boston skyline. The hike will last about 2 hours over hilly terrain.

The Stevens to Stevens Trail

Come check out the Stevens to Stevens Trail, a scenic trail connecting the Old Center Common to Weir Hill to Osgood Hill. We'll meet at the North Andover Merchant Association Fall Festival on the Common, across the street from the trail entrance on Mass Ave. 0 Likes

Salem's Bark Ranger History Walk

Starting in the back of the Narbonne House (71 Essex Street), we will walk our dogs to the Derby Lighthouse and back. Along the way we will sprinkle some forgotten but not lost pet stories of Salem. At the conclusion of our walk, there will be a swearing in of our newest Bark Rangers of Salem.

Little Harbor & Islands Walk

A walking tour around the scenic coves of Marblehead’s Little Harbor and its two rocky off-shore islands. Located at the northeast tip of the mainland peninsula, that sheltered coastal area is where the town’s early settlement began in 1629. It is bounded at the west by Peach’s Point and at the east by Gale’s Head on which Fort Sewall is situated. The tour will highlight the small tidal harbor, its islands, and their stories, starting when Native Americans summered at coastal encampments, and incorporating their subsequent early and later social history.

Bark Ranger Walk

Bring your favorite pups and join a Park Ranger for a special walk around the grounds of Saugus Iron Works. On this walk we'll discuss what it means to be a "Bark Ranger," the importance of the wetland habitat within the park, and the best ways to keep pets and natural resources healthy as we enjoy National Parks. The tour will conclude with a graduation ceremony where each dog will be sworn in as official "Bark Rangers" and receive their tag and certificate.

Pet Friendly