Elevation gain: 245 feet
Trails used: Osgood Hill Trail, Summit Trail.
Highlight(s):
We were headed down to North Andover, Massachusetts for Christmas dinner with some of Desi's relatives so we figured we could get in a hike in the area before we went to eat. There are numerous conservation areas and little hikes that dot this area so there is plenty to do. This would be a nice hike on an almost 50+ degree day, which is a rarity at this time of year.
Osgood Hill is located in North Andover, Massachusetts. This hike is also located on the Stevens Estate property which is on the National Register of Historic Places. For other maps in this area, and a map of this hike, go here.
We parked at the trail head for the Osgood Hill Trail off of Osgood Street. You can also drive up the Stevens Estate Driveway an start the hike from the nice parking area there.
The Osgood Trail kiosk, complete with map.
The trail was really muddy in spots (the few days of rain before will do that to these southern trails) but it was still easy to follow.
The trails are blazed and easy to follow. There are signs at the junctions that point you in the right direction so make sure to download the map.
Along the way, the various trees have signs that tell you what they are. I photographed the ones we don't see often in New Hampshire. This is a Hornbeam.
This is a Shagbark Hickory.
This sign said this was a Mapleleaf Vibirnum but we think it is incorrectly placed as the Viburnum is a shrub.
This is an old tower of some sort, with a massive amount of old timber and cables strewn about. I could not find any information on-line on what it was though.
Panorama of Lake Cochichewick, and the southern trail head which sits at the bottom of Half Mile Hill. There are a couple of chairs at this view point.
The summit area of Osgood Hill (elevation 343'). Not much of a climb but a nice hike with multiple trails in the area.
Desi down by one of the buildings for the Stevens Estate. Its also where you can park to go hiking on the property, which we did not know about at the time.
Desi hiking on the way out and back to the car on the boardwalk at the beginning.
A nice little hike in nice open woods if you want something light to do and you are in the area. We saw lots of people out hiking, jogging and walking dogs on this Christmas day and who can blame them. It's not often we get nice weather this far into December. A quick few miles and then it was off for Christmas dinner. Happy Holidays everyone.
No comments:
Post a Comment