Follow This 3-Mile Trail In Massachusetts To A Former Mill, Marsh, And Ponds
By Melissa Mahoney|Published January 19, 2023
×
Melissa Mahoney
Author
I'm an east coast girl living in a west coast world. I grew up in New England before moving to SoCal for several years. I then lived in NYC or a year before moving to AZ in 2009. I worked in the entertainment industry for many years of my adult life and have a deep love for photography, writing, and traveling around the U.S. as well as to far-flung locations around the world. Travel is my life and writing about it is a dream!
We are so lucky to live in a state with endless outdoor activities. With all the state parks, beaches, and mountains in Massachusetts, it’s hard not to want to spend time outdoors. Hiking, of course, is your best bet to explore all the natural beauty our state has to offer. One of the best hikes in Massachusetts happens to be in the town of Dover and it will lead you to several ponds, through a marsh, and to the site of a former mill.
Located in the town of Dover, not too far from Boston, lies the 595-acre Noanet Woodlands. This nature preserve is home to forests, ponds, a marsh, a former mill, and views from atop Noanet Peak.
Visitors can take a three-mile loop trail that will take just over an hour to complete. You'll be able to take in the gorgeous scenery along this moderately difficult trail.
Keep your eyes peeled for birds and other wildlife, especially near each of the four ponds you'll see along the route. It's also quite a popular place for birdwatching so you'll surely see other hikers.
Today, the only parts of the mill that remain are the 24-foot-tall dam along with a 20-foot-wide pit. Take a look at the ruins and just imagine what it was like when it was in operation back in the 1800s.
How would you like to go for a hike at Noanet Woodlands in Dover? What are some of the best hikes in Massachusetts in your opinion? Let us know in the comments. To learn more about hiking at Noanet Woodlands, visit The Trustees website.
Want to go on some easy hikes around the state? Check out these easy hikes in Massachusetts for your next outdoor adventures.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.