This lovely little pond is perhaps the most hidden from view of all Marblehead’s conservation acres. Two trail entrances off the Path, one from the cul de sac at the end of Hawthorn Road, and one from West Shore drive give access. The trails total less than half a mile and can easily be walked in under half an hour, unless, of course, one pauses to enjoy the surroundings or look for the several varieties of birds visiting or nesting in the area during the year.

A short, easily seen way extending from the old rail bed to the pond’s edge about midway between the two trail entrances from the Path, ends at a spot for spotting birds, particularly the mallard ducks, and the occasional trail of bubbles breaking the surface of the water, an indication that snapping turtles are feeding on the bottom.

Hawthorn Pond at a Glance

Area: 8.8 acres
Trails: 0.39 miles
Where: Entrance on Hawthorn Road has limited parking. Entrance on West Shore Drive does not offer parking. Two hike-in entrances from the rail bed path.
Trail Map:Open this PDF to use it from your smart phone or to print your own copy:
Location: