Ten Popular Outdoor Locations in Cape Ann to Visit This Fall and Winter

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CATA trail stops sign at ravenswood park in massachusetts

Looking to get outside this fall and winter? Cape Ann has plenty of trails, wooded paths, and coastal views to explore, even as the weather gets colder. Many of these destinations are accessible through CATA’s regular bus routes, making it easier to enjoy the outdoors without a car.

Here are 10 local outdoor spots to add to your list. Each location includes the nearest CATA stop and the route(s) you can take to get there.

1. Goose Cove Reservation, Gloucester

This 29-acre wooded property borders Goose Cove Reservoir and features narrow trails and beautiful water views. Look for wildlife along the shoreline and enjoy a peaceful walk.

CATA Trail Stop: Goose Cove Reservation, #3 Lanesville (Blue) Route

2. Halibut Point State Park, Rockport

Explore oceanside trails, rocky ledges, tidepools, and expansive Atlantic views. The park is also adjacent to The Trustees’ Halibut Point Reservation.

CATA Trail Stop: Halibut Point State Park, #3 Lanesville (Blue) Route

3. DeLamater Sanctuary and Waring Field, Rockport

Enjoy a loop through an old cranberry bog and wooded uplands, with granite outcroppings characteristic of Cape Ann.

CATA Trail Stop: Cape Hedge Inn / DeLamater Sanctuary and Waring Field, #4 East Gloucester/Thatcher Road (Red) Route

4. Seine Field, Gloucester

This 15-acre conservation area offers a short, easy walk around an open field. Its wide, flat trail makes it a nice option for a quick outdoor break in East Gloucester.

CATA Trail Stop: Seine Field, #4 East Gloucester/Thatcher Road (Red) Route

5. Stage Fort Park, Gloucester

Take in ocean views, explore the park’s beaches and cliffs, or enjoy a picnic overlooking the water.

CATA Trail Stop: Stage Fort Park, #6 Magnolia (Yellow) Route

6. Rafe’s Chasm, Gloucester

This 10-acre coastal park features rocky shoreline and views of Norman’s Woe and Kettle Island. Stay on marked public trails and respect private property boundaries.

CATA Trail Stop: Rafe's Chasm, #6 Magnolia (Yellow) Route

7. Magnolia Woods Recreation Area, Gloucester

Explore wooded trails and old woods roads across this city-owned property. A connecting trail also leads toward Rafe’s Chasm.

CATA Trail Stop: Ravenswood Park/Magnolia Woods, #6 Magnolia (Yellow) Route

8. Ravenswood Park, Gloucester

With 600 acres and 10 miles of trails, Ravenswood offers woodland paths, wildlife viewing, and peaceful scenery.

CATA Trail Stop: Ravenswood Park/Magnolia Woods, #6 Magnolia (Yellow) Route

9. Fernwood Lake, Gloucester

Located next to Ravenswood Park, Fernwood Lake connects to a larger trail corridor extending toward Rafe’s Chasm and the ocean.

CATA Trail Stop: Fernwood Lake, #5 West Gloucester/Essex (Purple) Route

10. Tompson Street Reservation, Gloucester

This 320-acre reservation features Cape Ann granite, vernal pools, and miles of trails through wooded landscapes.

CATA Trail Stop: Tompson Street Reservation, #5 West Gloucester/Essex (Purple) Route

Getting There with CATA

CATA makes it possible to access many of these outdoor destinations using regular bus routes. The CATA Trail Stops initiative is made possible by Cape Ann Trail Stewards (CATS), Mass in Motion, Essex County Greenbelt, The Trustees of Reservations, the Department of Conservation and Recreation, and local conservation organizations and municipalities.

CATA's fixed routes are fare-free through the end of 2027, so it's affordable and convenient to visit! Look for designated trail stops on signage and in CATA's master schedule, marked by the orange circular Cape Ann Trail Stewards logo.

Before you go: Trail conditions, hours, and access can change with the seasons and weather. Check each destination’s website or contact its management team for the latest information before visiting. Contact CATA dispatch with transportation questions at 978-283-7916.