Natural Areas Near Central & North Campus
A map that leads to serenity
Compiled by Samantha Flaherty
Witch City is full of hidden gems. Between ethereal shoppes, unique eating establishments, and seasonal events, Salem is also constantly surrounded by natural beauty. There is no simple way to state which area is the best to start with during the Fall season, but here we have described some of the best spots we know are nearby campus. If you are itching for a new place to adventure, keep reading to learn more about our favorites!
Embracing Fall at Forest River Park
At just a few minutes away from campus, this park has everything necessary to satisfy your craving of nature. The park’s trees are currently bursting with vibrant red and orange leaves which paint the grass and the path surrounding it. The cold scent that Fall leaves behind gives all who visit here newfound memories to treasure. Forest River is even perfect for creative inspiration as an abundance of photographers and art majors have been seen to come here when they are seeking artistry.
The half-mile walking path is paved for the convenience of joggers and is perfect for pushing a baby carriage. There are benches along the path, accompanied by a small beach, where you can sit and listen to the soothing waves. There are also several picnic benches placed throughout the park, making it perfect for reading, meditating, or watching the many squirrels wander around. What makes this park such a valuable asset is its ample space to run and play. This is perfect for pet owners who often walk their dogs, and for children looking to get out of the house. The full playground at the park makes the forested area fun for them, as they can play on the swings, climb the ropes, and utilize the slide.
The park is very safe, as its playground is far enough away from the large parking lot, so kids are not in danger. Whether you are a college student looking to study, a caring parent, or a nature-lover, Forest River Park is ever-so inviting.
Part of why it is so loved is because of its convenient location in relation to SSU’s campus. The park is only an 8-minute walk from Salem State University’s Edward Sullivan Building. You first cross from the Sullivan Building onto Lafayette Street where you’ll see PZA, a local pizza place, on the other side. You can then turn and walk down West Avenue, which intersects the same road Forest River is on. Walk straight until the road ends and you’ll see the park’s large sign. Once you cross Clifton Avenue connected at the end of West Avenue, you will find yourself in a large parking lot next to a ballpark. Once you’ve walked through the lot, you can turn to view the park’s stretch of scenery and enjoy all nature has to offer.
– Rachel Baumann
Peace on the Path – Preserving Mindfulness
The Salem Bike Path is a community staple, as all walks of life come to stroll along and embrace the scenery around them. Dog-walkers, bicyclists, and local residents, especially students, utilize this route almost daily. As the season shifts, an autumn breeze may hover at your side, coming along for your journey. Trees have grown barren as leaves make piles on the ground below, though their warm colors press on. Ample wildlife exists along this path, as squirrels and birds are always seen playing with one another in the dirt alcoves. Bunnies often make their own appearances from underneath the bushes in attempts to eat any remaining flowers and certain patches of grass.
As you further walk behind the police station and Marsh Dining, the bike path eventually splits into a fork. If you stick to the left, follow the backroad next to the University’s baseball field and walk all the way to the end until you make it to a street with a crosswalk. Once on the other side, keep to the right for a short distance until you reach the dirt path on your left, which is the beginning of Wyman Woods Harbor Glade Conservation Area. Boots, or anything other than open-toed shoes, are recommended for this path since majority of it is made from gravel and dirt, resulting in extra mushy walking ground on days after heavy rains. Quick tip: starting your adventure in the evening at around 4:30pm is pivotal if you wish to catch the sunset skies gearing up to reveal themselves an hour later.
On either side of the wooden bridge, here, are rock formations that can easily be descended. You can climb down and fish, bring a book to sit and read, or just enjoy the tranquility of running water. If you decide to cross the bridge, more trees are present in their Fall form and bless the path with their symbolism of starting anew. This path can lead to individual’s homes, but if you stay on track it leads deeper into Marblehead. It also splits off onto a separate, narrower, path that takes you back to the bridge. This small path, as shown in the photograph, is like something out of a fairy tale; right at the entrance you are met with these cherry red leafed trees that at one moment split into magical looking pathways of their own - the kind that are tempting to explore, but are better left untouched. This path is definitely one to be used for deep thought and creative inspiration.
--Samantha Flaherty
Solitude in the Sanctuary
The Marblehead Neck Wildlife Sanctuary, known locally as the “bird sanctuary,” is a well-kept secret—so much so that on my visits, I’m often the only saunterer, or one of a few, who wander the figure-eight dirt paths through woodlands, bog, and thickets. The first impression when passing the stone pillar at the end of Risley Rd. is a spicy scent that envelops the visitor, followed by the relief of solitude in nature.
The Sanctuary is home to many species of birds; a hush among the visitors often peering through binoculars is considered good form. Granted, it’s hard to call it a sanctuary when homes can be seen through the woods half the year, and the rumble of gardening teams compete with the planes above. But still, the lushness of this sanctuary is enough to offset the suburban goings on beyond the trees.
Begin on the Warbler trail around the back of the placard, and proceed past the boardwalk trail. The path narrows and then opens up to a broad space beneath the canopy of tall, strong trees. Narrowing again, it climbs past rocky outcroppings that afford a tree top view of quaking Aspen crowns, and the pond below. The trail winds down a slope; turn left onto the Audubon trail to admire the reflection of leaves in the water. The figure-eight layout takes you back via the Middle trail, where massive tree trunks, limbs, and branches help to put one’s thoughts into perspective.
From Salem State, the 3.5-mile drive takes about 10 minutes. Follow Rte. 114 into Marblehead, drive through three sets of traffic lights, and turn right at the Fire Station onto Ocean Ave. Go straight through the next light and continue past Devereaux Beach on your right, across the causeway onto Marblehead Neck. At the end of the causeway, bear right. The next half mile provides a scenic vista of Boston before curving twice to the left, and then right up a hill. Be on the lookout for the Risley Rd. sign on your left, as bushes have been known to obscure it. Proceed slowly to the end where a parking lot for eight cars is open from dusk until dawn.
-- Laura Smith
The Hidden Atlantic Paradise
Once known as Great Head, Castle Rock is a small park known for the spectacular views it provides. As it was originally utilized as a lookout area by fishing fleets, the park has a breathtaking view of the Atlantic Ocean. The park entrance is somewhat masked within the depths of Marblehead Neck neighborhood.
From the Wildlife Sanctuary on Risley Rd., drive back out to Ocean Ave., and turn left. In about a half mile, on the right-hand side just before the road curves, a small sign reads ‘Castle Rock.’ From the sidewalk, a short path leads to a bench and a massive rock on the coastline. The park is next to a private mansion which resembles a castle. Free parking is allowed along the street, and is limited at two hours.
During your visit, you are guaranteed to see at least one other person pass you by on their own walk experiencing the sights ahead. There are a few benches scattered around the park area, welcoming visitors to sit and look out onto the ocean. To get down to the beach area, you must climb down the descending rocks that are to the left of a larger rock. It is an easy climb, and well worth the view.
From sunrise to sunset, Castle Rock is open and offers great spots for climbing, though it is not only good for physically engaging activities like fishing or offshore sailing. It is also a beautiful space for a good read, to have picnics, go sunbathing, or for watching the sunset. Along with access to a stunning view of the Atlantic Ocean, and being pet friendly, this paradise park truly offers a relaxing spot to find mental peace.
-- Christina Gelin
Edited by Samantha Flaherty and Joseph G. Bova
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