[Andrew]

Maudsley State Park

I grew up right next to it and spent most of my teens and twenties riding and walking around in there. Maudsley is a great place for an evening jaunt for anyone that lives on the north shore. Once you get inside, you will think you are in a much bigger park.

I've fished the Merrimac from the shore in Maudsley and caught some HUGE stripped bass. (There is a big eddy that collects baitfish that most people don't know about.) You can't fish in the park, but I'm pretty sure you can fish the Merrimac.

I was friends with one of the old grounds keepers for the Maudsley family and learned tons of interesting facts about the place. Anyone ever check it out?


Map of the park

Some great pictures


:cuke:

[Andrew]

Went for an hour walk in Maudsley Park this morning!

I'd like to call it a hike, but Maudsley is more of a walking park. It covers about 400 acres and has some really nice places to sit and relax. There is a little waterfall, stone bridges, a mile or so of path right on the Merrimac River, and enough trails and history to keep you busy for hours.

I know a ton about the park itself. I was friends with the caretaker that worked for the Moseley family. They owned the land before it went to the state. When I was younger, I showed an interest in the history of the park so he would tell me new tidbits each time I saw him.

Very interesting stuff in there! It's riddled with some great glacier topography for the geology buffs, including an awesome kettle hole. Not to mention, the Moseley family were big time horticulturalists, so the park is full if great vegetation and one of the largest naturally-occurring groves of laurel in Massachusetts. Catch it in season and it’s really incredible.

I love that place, and its close enough that I can spend an hour in there and get to work on time... easy.

I didn't see too much wildlife today, just a big red-tailed hawk that we startled out of a tree. I've seen foxes, beavers, deer, and eagles there before.

Good Stuff!

[Andrew]

Went to Maudsley again this morning. This time I brought my camera!













I just love New England.
:banana:

[Chris]

That place is picture paradise. Here's one I took over the winter.

[Forrest Greene]

I lived in Beverly for a while, & used to go up to Maudsley all the time. Wonderful place. I recommend following up a walk there with coconut-orange-beer batter shrimp at The Grog in Newburyport, & maybe a trip over to Plum Island, too.

Thanks for the photos!

[Stickball13]

Very nice
My wife and I love Newburyport, just never knew about Maudsley Park.

[Andrew]

It amazes me how many people I talk with from the area do not know about the park. I highly recommend checking out!

The family that owned it before it became a park where big horticulturalists. The estate was kept immaculate, well groomed, and clean. They planted all sorts of cool stuff around the place. As you walk around the trails you may see a shrub or tree that looks completely out of place because it was probably shipped in and planted as an accent. If I recall, they would hold gatherings around the greenhouses during certain seasons to let people see the exotic plants in bloom. It's been a while, but I think they had one of the rarest collections of cactus at time. They even had a big chamber cut out of one of the hills by the Greenhouses to use as a plant cellar. You will see the big green doors as you walk around.

Good stuff...

[Andrew]

Jogged in the park yesterday morning before the sun came up. It was a little dark, and I stumbled over roots, but man... what a way to wake up.

[Stickball13]

My wife and I finally made it to Maudsley State Part today. We spent about 2 hours walking the Merrimack River Trail and assorted other paths. Very nice, we really want to go there during the summer when everything is in bloom.

After this nice stroll we went to the Black Cow for a late lunch. With a list of micro brews I settled for an Ipswich Ale.

[fishmonger]

Place looks great, just called and was happy to find out that they allow dogs. I'm moving to Salem next month and definitely want to check it out. Thanks for the info!

[Andrew]

Well, I woke up and did a couple miles in the park again this morning. Did not see another single person... good stuff.





I posted more at my blog:
http://www.gronkyco.com/blog-posts/maudsla...rk-newburyport/

[Stickball13]

My wife and I are planning on snowshoeing Maudsley on Friday then head into town for the afternoon.
Hoping there will be enough snow.