Bay Circuit Trail: Ipswich MA Prospect Hill to Linebrook Woods.

The enthusiasm Ipswich evinces for the Bay Circuit Trail and its own extensive trail system is noticeable as soon as you cross the border in the north.

It is one of the more exciting aspects of Essex County, a convergence of astute organizations collaborating at adding to the value of a region covering everything from heritage facets to critical ecology research in the Great Marsh.

South of Prospect Hill, the trail passes Dow Brook and an easement generously allowed by the Ipswich Country Club community. 

There are avid and thoughtful communities of trail runners and bicyclists in the area and they also contribute to trail upkeep and quality.

If anything, this northern entry stretch is as good an example as you'll found of how the intrinsic unity of the natural aspects of a sense of place can be deftly assisted and supported by helpful land owners and inspired organizations.

The mix of wetland woods and upland shade slope gives way to the back fields of a working farm.

This weaving of it all through farmland further supports a robust and vivid ecosystem.

And it is a seamless transition to Willowdale marked by a traverse of Linebrook Road.