The Tompson Street Reservation is the largest property within the Greenbelt Reservation system. It features exposed bedrock known as Cape Ann granite,vernal pools woodland and swamp. There are traces of many trails that used to be wagon paths for early settlers to access their woodlots, but have since been overgrown with scrub growth. The land consists mainly of young trees and shrub growth due to numerous fires, the most devastating occurring in 1947, and the most recent in the summer of 1993.
Address
82 Eastern Avenue Gloucester, MA 1930
Driving Directions
There are two parking areas on different sides of the Reservation. The largest parking area 6-8 cars)exits at approximately 125 Bray Street. A kiosk and trail head will help guide you to many trails that traverse the Reservation. A smaller, additional parking area (3-4 cars) and trailhead are located at Jacob Cemetery, on Fernald Street in West Gloucester.
Notes & Advisories
The Tompson Street Reservation was the site of the 1716 Second Parish Church. Establishment of this church meant that West Gloucester residents did not have to make the several hour journey through the woods and across the bay to the First Parish Church in downtown Gloucester. Look for the stone circle and metal cross that mark the site on the Old Tompson Road. Thompson (note spelling different) Street, passable only as a foot trail, runs north and south through the property between Concord Street and Bray Street. Sunset Mountain, located near the cemetery in the southern end of the reservation, features a spectacular vista looking out over Cape Ann. The largest granite boulders can found just south of Mt. Jacob cemetery.
Categories
- Historic Resources
- Natural Resources
- Parks
- Wildlife Viewing
Accessibility
- Dog Friendly
- Parking Available