| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Dogtown, MA |
|
 | Trails: |
Dogtown Road, Adam’s Pine Trail, Common Road, Babson Boulder Trail, Old Gravel Road |
|
 | Date of Hike: |
Friday, February 28, 2025 |
|
 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Parked in Dogtown Rd off of Cherry St. Dirt and room for several cars. I may have been the only one around 1:15pm when I arrived but I believe more were there for evening hikes when I returned around 5pm. |
|
 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Ice - Black, Wet Trail, Ice - Blue, Wet/Slippery Rock, Standing/Running Water on Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable, Mud - Significant, Snow - Spring Snow, Snow/Ice - Small Patches |
|
 | Recommended Equipment: |
|
|
 | Water Crossing Notes: |
I think the only crossings were on Old Gravel Rd, one of which was near the southern end which was a legitimate but easy crossing of an inlet to the reservoir, then possibly another one or two north along the trail but I think these were mostly just wet, clogged areas. |
|
 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
Old Gravel Rd seems to be abandoned. Many old, faded, red blazes, but also lots of blowdowns and very difficult to follow so pretty sure it’s not being maintained. I don’t recall the blazing on any other trails but I don’t think jcts were signed and I don’t recall any blowdowns on any other trails other than Gravel are . |
|
 | Dog-Related Notes: |
Dogs are allowed but must be leashed. Good trails for dogs and some water present. |
|
 | Bugs: |
Snowless I think. |
|
 | Lost and Found: |
None |
|
|
|
|
 | Comments: |
First hike of the day! Tackled the trails in Gloucester and tried to keep it near Boston before picking up my hiking companion, Lil Young, from the airport. My route: Dogtown Rd —> OAB on Adam’s Pine Trail and Common Rd —> Dogtown Rd —> Babson Boulder Trail —> Old Gravel Rd —> Dogtown Rd back to car. Note that on Gaia Babson Boulder Trail is shown as Moraine Trail as it nears Dogtown Rd. I also went all the way to the reservoir which I guess you don’t technically need for redlining.
At the time, snow was mostly still release but there were some stretches without snow as well. Some ice and wet rock were beginning to appear but were minimal and it was predominantly melting snow that was probably usually only a few inches to maybe a half foot deep, if that. Some mud and very wet areas on Old Gravel Rd. The trails were mostly flat and carved out rocks were interesting. I found Babson Reservoir scenic, especially as the sun was starting to set but be aware that there appears to be at least one homeless person living here. Others have noted this as well and between this and the gunshots sometimes heard throughout the hike (easily explained by the shooting range next door), I know at least one Elaina said they would not have been comfortable hiking there alone. Only other thing to note is that Old Gravel Rd appears to be abandoned and is very hard to follow. May be easier now without snow hut at the time, it was very difficult to follow. Luckily, there still some faded red dots on the trees that help guide your way.
Gaia had me at 7.8mi, 350ft of gain, 3hr35min. |
|
 | Name: |
Liam Cooney |
|
 | E-Mail: |
liamcooney96@gmail.com |
|
| Date Submitted: |
2025-03-17 |
|
 | Link: |
 https:// |
|
|
Disclaimer: Reports are not verified - conditions may vary. Use at own risk. Always be prepared when hiking. Observe all signs. Trail conditions reports are not substitutes for weather reports or common sense. |
|
