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This steep-sloping, classic Cape Ann landscape is dominated by dense woodlands, dramatic granite outcroppings, and impressive glacial erratics. There are stone walls and other structures attributed to Indigenous people thousands of years ago. The winding trail passes above low-lying wetlands and vernal pools. To the east, a trail spur leads visitors to expansive views of Langsford Pond. To the west is a trail connection to Greenbelt’s Carter Reservation and Dogtown’s extensive trail network. Please respect our neighbors while using the trail connection.
At the time of European contact, Algonquians known as the Pawtucket were growing corn in clearings on gentle slopes. English colonists named the area Samp Porridge Hill, describing the nausamp (corn meal) that the Pawtucket were producing in hollowed tree trunks they used as mortars.
The Pawtucket had a village at the head of Lobster Cove and a watchtower at Wigwam Point where the lighthouse is today. They kept watch for enemy raiders from the north who sometimes canoed down the coast to steal corn. Annisquam Heights was a Pawtucket burial ground. Indigenous peoples hunted beavers and waterfowl at Langsford Pond, unobstructed by dams at that time, and fished for river herring and eels.
In the 18th century, the Saville family raised sheep and ran a tannery on a portion of the property.
The property was conserved in 2015 with generous support from the Dusky Foundation, the William P. Wharton Trust, City of Gloucester Community Preservation Funds, Maritime Gloucester and individual donors.
The dense woodlands are filled by mature white pine and mixed hardwoods. The wetland and forest composition and certified vernal pools provide prime habitat for many bird species, reptiles, amphibians, and mammals. Look for beavers and waterfowl at Langsford Pond.
Hutchins Court, Gloucester (opens in Google Maps)
Latitude 42.659637 Longitude -70.662434
From Route 128:
At the rotary in Gloucester, take route 127 (Washington Street) for about 3 miles. Take a right onto Revere Street. When it forks, bear right and it becomes Hutchins Court. Follow it to the end where a parking lot is located.
