47 acres of protected land in Pigeon Cove acquired by the Town of Rockport in 2017 with help from Essex County Greenbelt. Old stone walls trace the site's sheep-farming past, and the regenerating woods include vernal pools and pitch pine forest. Two trails form a one-mile loop with connections to the Bay State Rail Trail, Pine Pit, and the Lanesville quarries.
What to expect
Parking
Free lot free · unconfirmed
Trails
Two trails forming a one-mile loop; easy to moderate, hiking footwear advised.
Dogs
Not separately posted for Woodland Acres; this is town (not Mass Audubon) conservation land.
Hours
No gate; dawn-to-dusk is the general norm for Rockport conservation land, not separately posted here.
Accessibility
Unpaved woodland trails; not documented as wheelchair accessible.
Managed by
Rockport Conservation Commission, in partnership with Cape Ann Trail Stewards
978-546-6786 · WebsiteWorth knowing
- The land still shows remnants of Massachusetts's historic sheep industry, including numerous stone walls, plus signs of abandoned 1990s development.
Common questions
How long is the Woodland Acres loop?
About one mile, rated easy to moderate, with connections onward to the Bay State Rail Trail and Pine Pit.
Where do I park at Woodland Acres?
Free lot (free).
Is there an entry fee at Woodland Acres?
No, entry is free.
Can I bring my dog to Woodland Acres?
Not separately posted for Woodland Acres; this is town (not Mass Audubon) conservation land.
Is Woodland Acres wheelchair accessible?
Unpaved woodland trails; not documented as wheelchair accessible.
What rules should I know at Woodland Acres?
Take precautions for ticks; some vernal pool areas can be wet.