An 85-acre nature preserve on the Beverly-Wenham line, co-managed by the Trustees of Reservations and Essex County Greenbelt, with soft-soil paths that skirt Wenham Lake and pass the ruins of the old Highover mansion. Trails are easy walking and there are no restrooms on site.
What to expect
Trails
About 2.6 miles of soft-soil paths on a network of roughly 19 mapped trails, easy walking, skirting Wenham Lake and passing the ruins and footprint of the…
Dogs
Popular for dog walking; keep dogs under control on the shared trails
Hours
No gate; open dawn to dusk
Accessibility
Not accessible; natural soft-soil trails with no paved route. Contact Greenbelt for details.
Birdwatching
Allowed year-round
Managed by
Jointly managed by The Trustees of Reservations and Essex County Greenbelt
978-768-7241 · WebsiteWhat's here
Not here
No drinking water
No restrooms or water on site
Common questions
Is JC Phillips Nature Preserve open today?
JC Phillips Nature Preserve is a public preserve in Beverly, MA. Posted hours: No gate; open dawn to dusk.
How long are the trails at JC Phillips Nature Preserve?
The main loop skirting Wenham Lake is about 2.6 miles of easy, soft-soil path, part of a roughly 19-trail network.
What are the ruins at JC Phillips?
They are the remains of Highover, an Italianate mansion built in 1913 that burned down in 1968; its footprint is still visible along the trails.
Where do I park at JC Phillips Nature Preserve?
Free lot (free).
Is there an entry fee at JC Phillips Nature Preserve?
No, entry is free.
Can I bring my dog to JC Phillips Nature Preserve?
Popular for dog walking; keep dogs under control on the shared trails
Is JC Phillips Nature Preserve wheelchair accessible?
Not accessible; natural soft-soil trails with no paved route. Contact Greenbelt for details.
What rules should I know at JC Phillips Nature Preserve?
Wenham Lake is a public water supply; body contact with the reservoir is not permitted.