The Lynn Woods Reservation, founded in 1881 and located in Lynn, Massachusetts, is the second largest municipal park in the United States. The Woods offers 2,200 acres of over 30 miles of scenic trails for hiking, running, horseback riding, mountain biking (not allowed during the winter), cross-country skiing, and nature walks. Three active reservoirs provide pretty pond-like scenery among natural forestland, as well as clean water for the City of Lynn. Dungeon Rock is a well-loved underground tunnel with a history of pirate lore and treasure seekers. The Rose Garden, Houghton Horticultural Garden, and Amphitheater areas provide more formal settings to explore.
According to legend, a pirate by the name of Thomas Veal traded silver for metal goods made from the Saugus Iron Works while hiding from the authorities in the Lynn Woods. Thomas reportedly buried a large treasure within a deep natural cave in the Lynn Woods. He was allegedly trapped by an earthquake in 1658, and news of the buried treasure continued to create interest in the site for years.
In 1851 Hiram Marble, a wealthy Massachusetts man, purchased the rock and a few acres of the surrounding land in search of the treasure. Consulting with psychic mediums to contact the pirate's spirit and guide his excavation, he spent large sums of money and used explosives to dig 175 feet into the rock. The treasure has not yet been found, but the public is welcome to venture deep into the cave and listen for the ghost of the pirate himself...
Open to the public May 1 - October 31
9:00am - 2:30pm, Tuesday - Saturday
Subject to change. Contact the Ranger for weekly schedule at lynnwoodsranger@aol.com
For more information, click below to view accounts of the Lynn Woods dating back to the 1630's.
"So Near the Metropolis"- Lynn Woods, a Sylvan Gem in an Urban Setting
Elizabeth Hope Cushing. 1988
Lynn Woods, with Pen and Camera
Nathan Mortimer Hawkes. 1893
Alonso Lewis. 1829
William Wood. 1634
Stone Tower was built for observation in 1936. 48 ft tall.
Open 9am - 2:30pm, Tues - Sat.
Subject to change. Contact the Ranger for weekly schedule at lynnwoodsranger@aol.com
Lynn Wood's largest reservoir, offering serene water views and wildlife. No swimming, fishing or boating in our drinking water.
Formerly a mill pond in 1870, this was Lynn's first water storage purchase after a fire prompted supply concerns.
On a clearing atop Mount Gilead (272 feet, second highest point in Lynn Woods) includes the metal frame of an old tower.
From the 1700's, wolves were a constant threat to livestock. Visit the pits theorized to be wolf traps.
Over 30 miles of trails to beautiful vistas and natural features, with varying trail difficulty.
Exiting and challenging opportunities for trail riding. Visit New England Mountain Biking Association for more info.
Excellent bouldering opportunities all over the woods with nearly 1000 routes on mountain project.
For your safety and the protection of the woods, the Lynn Woods reservation is closed at night.
You must stay on officially marked trails only. Official trails will have a colored paint blaze and are on this map. Take the time to learn the layout of the trail system so that you will not accidentally ride on an illegal or closed trail. If it isn't on the map it isn't an official trail. Biking is not allowed on the trails marked "foot traffic only". Responsible riding will help protect the forest and the future of biking in the Lynn Woods reservation.
City Ordinance for restraining dogs is in effect throughout the reservation. Owners are responsible for removing waste from trails, roads and parking lots. Pets are prohibited from entering in or upon reservoirs due to the potential for contaminating our drinking water supply. Poop pollutes: Waterborne diseases such as E.coli, Camphylobacter fetus and Crytosporidiosis are caused from fecal contamination.
No swimming or boating is permitted in any of the reservoirs in the reservations as they are all used for Lynn's drinking water supply. Fishing is also prohibited due to the impact on the water supply.
Riding is permitted on orange blazed fire roads only. Please do not run horses or ride on the hiking trails.
No fires are allowed, except by permit. Fire has been a major threat to the forest in Lynn Woods. In order to prevent future fires from destroying the woods, we cannot allow grills, stoves or fire to be lit without a permit.
Camping, paintball, ATV and dirt bike riding are prohibited due to the safety and conservation concerns. See kiosks at both entrances for a full list of rules and regulations plus other park information.
106 Pennybrook Road, Lynn, Massachusetts 01905
118 Great Woods Road, Lynn, Massachusetts 01904, United States
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