Swampscott Conservancy Leads Hike Connecting Local Trails to Salem

The Forest River Conservation Area Connector sign in Swampscott. || Monica Sager

The Swampscott Conservancy led a guided walk Saturday through forested conservation land starting at the town’s dog park and continuing to Eagle Hill in Salem.

The Forest River Conservation Area, a network of trails in Salem, can now be accessed from Swampscott via a path behind the cemetery on Essex Street. The connector opens access to nearly 100 acres of conservation land in Salem, featuring woodlands, marshes, and hiking trails.

“We wanted to connect Swampscott with the wonderful trails in Salem,” Sami Lawler, who is on the conservancy board, told the Swampscott Tides. “It’s very nice. We’re really happy.”

Richard Frenkel, one of the conservancy directors, led the group through the woods to a scenic overlook atop Eagle Hill.

“We have a program of walks, and this is one of the ones that starts in Swampscott,” Frenkel told the Swampscott Tides. “People like walking it…It’s an opportunity to get out in nature.”

Along the way, the group passed markers made by Eagle Scouts, benches installed by Girl Scouts, and a bridge donated by Mark Gelfund to enhance safety and accessibility.

People on the conservancy hike walked across the bridge || Monica Sager

The trail is peaceful, filled with the sounds of cicadas, wildlife, and the occasional passing train. Clearly marked, the trail offers both a “harder” route, which requires balance on rocks, and an “easier” path that uses a bridge. Hikers can observe a variety of plants and fungi, including the edible puffball mushroom, which Frenkel pointed out during Saturday’s walk.

Signs detailing the trail || Monica Sager

“Swampscott is a very crowded community, as you know,” Frenkel said. “This allows us to get out in nature.”

Saturday’s hike was part of the Trails and Sails series organized by the Essex National Heritage Area. The program allows people to go through unique experiences on land and sea, explore historic properties and take part in different cultural activities.

Now in its 24th year, the series features events across Essex County. In Swampscott, the Trails and Sails series continues with:

An exhibition at 89 Burrill Street on the Swampscott schools on Sunday, September 21 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Tours of the Olmsted Subdivision Historic District on Sunday, September 21 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
A history program at the Humphrey House with the Swampscott Historical Society on Sunday, September 28, with sessions at 10:15 to 11:15 a.m., 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., and 12:15 to 1:15 p.m.