5 Winter Activities to Enjoy on the Essex Coastal Scenic Byway

Winter in New England doesn’t have to mean just braving the cold. Before spring comes around, take advantage of the many winter activities along the Essex Coastal Scenic Byway!

1. Winter Birding

The Essex Coastal Scenic Byway is known for its stunning coastal scenery, woods, and wetlands, making it the perfect place for various bird species. From migratory to year-round birds, the Byway has a diverse and thriving bird habitat to delight bird watchers of all levels.

A favorite spot for bird watchers is the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge in Newburyport, featuring more than 4,000 acres of diverse habitat with salt marshes, dunes, and forests. The Cape Ann region is also a great place, with its rocky cliffs, tidal pools, and sandy beaches that attract a variety of waterfowl such as gulls, terns, and shorebirds. There are a number of organizations and groups to guide your adventure, or you can venture off on your own with family and friends. Here are just a few suggestions to get you started:

• Halibut Point State Park – Rockport
• Joppa Flats – Newburyport
• Sandy Point State Reservation – Ipswich

Bonus tip: visit the Mass winter birding page for more information on winter birding!

2. Snow Hiking or Snowshoeing

With the Essex Coastal Scenic Byway’s beauty, hiking the summer trails in the winter can brings a whole new perspective of the landscape. Try out a new spot and come back in a few months to see how it’s changed!

Be sure to pack everything you need, including your snowshoes if you’d like to go off-trail. Hiking in any season is also more fun and much safer with a friend or two. See below for some of the best spots to explore in the snow along the Essex Coastal Scenic Byway. 

• Beverly Commons Conservation Area – Beverly
• Ravenswood Park – Gloucester 
• Forest River – Marblehead
• Parker River Wildlife Refuge – Newbury
• Red Rock Park – Lynn

You can also look at the Scenic Byway’s full trail map and see what’s closest to you.

3. Sledding

The Byway is a winter activities wonderland that offers a variety of options for people of all ages. If you want speed, or if you are just looking for a beginner hill, you will be able to find the best place to sled at any comfort level. For your fun-filled day in the snow, check out some of these great options to go sledding along the Byway.

These spots are favorites for locals along the Byway, and could be the start of a new winter tradition for you, too!

• Maudslay State Park – Newburyport
• Castle Hill on the Crane Estate – Ipswich
• Stage Fort Park – Gloucester

Always be sure to double check for sledding rules and regulations before visiting. 

4. Ice Skating*

Lace up your ice skates, grab some friends, and make the most of freezing temps! Here are a couple ponds to consider, including a great indoor option:

And depending on your skill level, don’t forget your milk crate!

• Clark Pond – Manchester-by-the-Sea
• Bartlet Mall – Newburyport
• Connery Skating Rink – Lynn

*Remember, when venturing out onto the ice in the cold weather months, always follow proper safety protocols and utilize local resources to ensure that the ice is thick enough before proceeding. 

5. Catch a Show!

If venturing out to your car qualifies as an outdoor winter adventure, then consider a night at your local theater! Whether you prefer a play, concert, or movie, there’s always something happening along the Byway at these well-renowned venues.

Check out what’s happening this week near you:

• The Cabot – Beverly
• North Shore Music Theater – Beverly
• The Cut – Gloucester

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And while you are out enjoying your winter activities, you can grab a coffee or a bite to eat at some of the best Coffee Shops & Cafes along the Scenic Byway!