Lynn Woods Reservation

Lynn Wood's Reservation

Entrance to Lynn Woods from Lynnfield St.

Lynn Woods Reservation was founded in 1881, created by what was a massive plot of public grazing lands for farmers in the towns early history. These grazing lands were portioned off for specific animals to graze at and many trails and walls within the park were formed from this very reason. Lynn Woods is the second largest municipal park within the U.S. covering 2,200 acres of land and waterways. Lynn Woods doesn't just serve as a recreational park but also as Lynn's reservoirs, supplying the town with its drinking water.

Walden's Pond

Map of Lynn Woods Reservation, please note the placement of north on the map

Lynn Woods has plenty to do besides its 30 miles of trails, it provides scenic lookouts from having the highest points within Lynn and also plenty of sightseeing locations throughout the park. Stone Tower, the park's highest point, was built in 1936 by the WPA and used as a lookout point for the park to observe for disastrous fires. This point provides a beautiful full 360 degree view of the entire park and the surrounding area, including Boston's skyline. This isn't the only scenic lookout either, going north of Walden's Pond provides another vantage point of how vast the park is, proving that it really does take up 1/5 of Lynn's area.

Stone Tower

The viewpoint from Stone Tower, Walden's Pond to the north and Boston to the south

The overlook near Balanced Boulder, north of Walden's pond, over looking most of the southern portion of Lynn Woods

Lynn Woods is also an excellent location for climbing boulders, bouldering for those that love this activity, especially if you enjoy a nice hike to the location. Lynn Woods has plenty throughout the park that are also site-seeing locations themselves, especially Dungeon Rock. Dungeon Rock itself has a very rich and old history that brings legends of pirates and treasure to the park. Back in 1658, a black ship that flew no colors arrived within Lynn, and it was crewed by pirates. 

"The pirates made camp in a place now known as Pirate's Glen near the Saugus River. British soldiers stationed nearby heard about the pirates and set off to capture them. Three of the buccaneers were captured and hung but the forth, Thomas Veal, escaped into the woods. It was believed that he took the stolen hoard with him as he headed deeper and deeper into the woods. finally arriving at a natural cave in what is now Lynn Woods. Veal lived in the cave for some time and became a member of the Lynn community. The story says he mended shoes for spending money and lived in relative peace with his neighbors. Suddenly, an earthquake rocked the Lynn area, causing a gigantic piece of the rock to tip forward and permanently seal the cave opening. Poor Veal was either trapped inside or crushed to death with his treasure, locked forever in Dungeon Rock." Friends of Lynn Woods

Dungeon Rock

Dungeon Rock was left relatively alone for nearly 200 years until Hiram Marble began his treasure hunting lifestyle at the site for the rest of his lifetime. He and his son would spend decades digging within this location looking for the treasure, not for themselves but for the community and to show proof that they could speak to the dead (which proved false). During his time there, he started to believe in the idea of a public park and wanted to use any proceeds from the treasure hunt to be spent on this dream. However, Hiram and his son never found the treasure and when he passed in 1868. Hiram Marbles asked to be buried at the entrance marked under a large rock, which is still there. To this day, the gravel surrounding Dungeon Rock are what's left of Hiram and his son blasting their way through the rock and throwing it outside. As for the rest of Dungeon Rock's site, you'll have to explore it on your own treasure hunt through Lynn Woods.

There is so much to Lynn Woods that it's nearly impossible to complete it all in one day, and if you do go on an excursion to this wondrous park be prepared to bring supplies. Its important to make sure you bring plenty of water, snacks, and most importantly a map of the area. Also, wear comfortable walking shoes as its easy to hike a few miles without realizing it to get to your destination.Since you'll be in the wilds of Lynn, make sure to watch out for animals (coyotes and circling vultures) and please don't go swimming in the reservoir since that is the drinking water! 

Links for Lynn Woods Reservation

City of Lynn's website on Lynn Woods

History of Lynn Woods

Friends of Lynn Woods

Stone Tower

Dungeon Rock

Bouldering