Located just a short distance from Boston is a lush hiking destination that conceals a hidden treasure. Noanet Woodlands Reservation in Dover contains 17 miles of peaceful, wooded trails. All the walks here are short, making this a great destination for day hiking since you can easily combine the routes or focus on just one.
We’re going to explore the Peabody Loop. At 2.6 miles, it’s long enough to feel like a workout but the difficulty level is easy to moderate, so it’s not too daunting.
Once you step under the canopy of trees, urban life is quickly forgotten as you’re immersed in nature.
Serene spots along this trail include the three ponds that you pass - each increasing in size (providing that you start the trail in a clockwise direction).
Take a moment to soak in the natural beauty all around you.
Best of all, there's a picturesque surprise waiting for you in these woods...
...the ruins of an old mill!
Water tumbles over the stones, creating a lovely melody in the forest.
The mill site is on Upper Mill Pond, the third of the three bodies of water.
The reflection of the trees in the water is always gorgeous, but never more so than in fall.
Noanet Woodlands are open all year long, from sunrise until sunset.
Here is the trail map. The Peabody Loop has blue markers.
While the woods are pet-friendly, Caryl Park doesn’t allow dogs, so make sure you don’t enter from that lot if you have Fido in tow. The Powisset Street entrance is closest to the Peabody trail. As with most parking situations in Massachusetts, arriving early in the day is a good idea to ensure you get a space!
Have you been to the Noanet Woodlands Reservation?
You should also check out World's End, another spectacular hiking spot near Boston!
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