Explore the Most Quiet Area of Maudslay State Park on a Trail That Follows The Ruins of a Former Mansion

Massachusetts is known for many things: its significance in American history, a large number of well-known institutes of higher education, a plethora of seafood, Boston sports fans who may be more passionate about their teams than any other city, and a penchant for disliking witches, especially in Salem. In spite of the numerous things it is renowned for, there are many amazing parts of the state that fall slightly under the radar. The Maudslay State Park is no exception, and even here, there’s a bit of history and intrigue, all hidden under a quiet facade and wreathed in a trail called the Hedge Drive and Mile Circle Loop. 

A large section of the Maudslay State Park encompasses the former home of the Moseley Family, who originally named it after their ancestral home in England, Maudesleigh. The family sailed to the United States in the 1630s and bought a large swath of land near the Merrimack River to build their estate in 1893. In the years to come, additional land was purchased and more buildings were added to the growing property. At the height of the family’s wealth, the property held 450 acres with many grand houses and gardens (one house had 72 rooms) and 40 staff members.

The reason for the downfall of the estate is largely unknown, but fires and a lack of family to remain on the property (and money) certainly can be attributed to it. In 1985, the land was transferred and became a state park. At this point, multiple structures had already been burned or had fallen down, but other structures needed to be demolished due to decay from disuse. 

Today, little touches of the former residence still exist despite the lack of grand buildings. A few of the foundations still remain tangled in the grass, as well as stone bridges and walls, the front gate, a cemetery, a few of the gardens, the main road, and the cellars. These can be found within the limits of one specific hike: the Hedge Drive and Mile Circle Loop. The trail is a 1.7-mile loop that takes about 35 minutes to complete. It’s flat and easy to traverse, with views of the Merrimack River, the ruins of the estate, fields, forests, and flowers—especially flowers. This area is distinctly known for its beautiful gardens and flowers, most notably for May and June when rhododendrons and azaleas bloom. 

The beauty of the entire state park is so grand, and special permits can be granted to those who wish to have events in the area. But, for those who don’t have special events, you can also buy tickets to the outdoor theater, or you can join the “Haunting of Maudslay” and bask in the park’s eerie nature during the fall (alongside a few specially placed ghouls and ghosts, of course).

Although the park does host these events and they’re loved by locals, it’s still an underrated park for the state. Looking for a peaceful (if not slightly spooky, especially considering the pet cemetery) and stunning trail to wander through when visiting a Massachusetts state park? Look no further than the Maudslay State Park and more specifically, the flowering ruins of the former estate and the Hedge Drive and Mile Circle Loop!