Bradley Palmer State Park

Bradley Palmer State Park's land was donated by Bradley Palmer, a Boston lawyer. The old mansion is still there and functions as an event hall. The land itself, 721 acres, has several low hills and is perfect for easy hiking, biking, mountain biking, horseback riding and cross-country skiing in the winter. During the summer the DCR charges for parking at the park. The park is flanked in the north by the Ipswich River, which can be used for kayaking in the summer. The park was written about in the Globe, but the description is lacking and does not mention the elaborate system of trails that can be found on the park's map. Due to its easy access to the North Shore the park is popular and the parking lot can fill up. There is additional parking available, though. The park has mostly Evergreens and Oaks, so during the Fall it does not have great color. It also has large fields maintained by the park. Unfortunately only 2 people showed up for the hike, but it was a very enjoyable experience.

A description of the park from Boston Globe: A stunning stone mansion, the Willowdale Estate, is a major attention-grabber here, but this 721-acre North Shore park has much to recommend it — including an accessible 1.3-mile trail (also labeled the Healthy Heart trail). Fringed with hemlock and American beech trees, the path runs parallel to the Ipswich River, offering occasional views of the waterway. A boardwalk crosses a beaver impoundment, winding through woods and open areas. A turnoff just beyond the footbridge leads to an open space along the river. The trail ends at a footbridge across the river, leading to Ipswich Road. This wheelchair-accessible, out-and-back path is mostly flat and gentle, with a 29-foot elevation. Take a moment to admire the exquisite Craftsman and Tudor Revival estate (circa 1902) built for lawyer and equestrian Bradley Palmer