Breakheart Reservation includes two lakes and a large forest. It also has an extensive network of trails and viewpoints overlooking Boston, New Hampshire, and central Massachusetts. Forest and water shape the landscape; from the viewpoints, the sights extend beyond Saugus to different parts of the region. This means you can choose from a variety of nature views within the area.

Breakheart: Forest, Lakes, and Summer by the Water

The trail network and viewpoints offer two distinct ways to explore the area: trails through the reservation or views of the wider region. Supervised swimming is also available at Pearce Lake. This is a summer activity that adds a seasonal waterside option to the landscape experiences. If you are looking for a particular focus for your visit, you can choose between forest and lakes, trails, views, and summer swimming.

Marshland and Natural History

Rumney Marsh offers a different landscape. This 600-acre salt marsh is located in the area of the Saugus and Pines River Inlet. Rumney Marsh Reservation offers tours on natural and cultural history. You can therefore get to know the area both through its distinctive landscape and through the topics covered by the tours. Unlike the forest and lake area of Breakheart, the focus here is on the salt marsh; the tours add a cultural history perspective to this natural setting.

Trails, Fishing Spots, and Habitat

The Northern Strand Community Trail offers more than two miles of community trail in Saugus along the former Saugus Branch Railroad route. It connects Everett, Malden, Revere, Saugus, and Lynn. The trail offers views of the Saugus River and conservation areas. Along with the former railroad route, views of the landscape and connections between several towns are among the trail’s distinctive features. It differs from an outing focused entirely on a single reservation.

Pranker's Pond has secluded fishing spots and walking trails. The fishing spots offer a different focus from the trails: you can plan your visit around what you want to do, whether fishing or walking. The pond is another option alongside the extensive trails at Breakheart Reservation and the Northern Strand Community Trail, which passes through several towns.

The Camp Nihan Education Center focuses on local habitat. Its 65 acres offer a chance to explore diverse nature and wildlife; the center also provides many opportunities to learn about the habitat. This offers a different thematic approach from the viewpoints, trails, and fishing spots at the other locations. When making your choice, you can consider whether landscape, an activity, or learning about a habitat is most important to you.

Discover more destinations: Marblehead, Beverly, Peabody, Andover, Methuen, Newbury, Rockport, Lawrence

For the overview of the wider region: Essex.