Ten years ago, Chuck Billy and I explored the Babson Boulder Trail at Dogtown Commons in Gloucester, Massachusetts. Over the years, the words of wisdom etched on those massive boulders have served us well. Therefore before I set course for new adventures, I thought a return trip with Mom and Dad would be a good idea. Alright, to be honest, I was a puppy on the cusp of turning 1 when I first visited, and wasn’t really paying attention. I needed this refresher course!
Dogtown is not your average dog friendly hike. It is an adventure! Comprised of 3,600 acres, the trails wind their way through the once thriving eighteenth century settlement, but later abandoned community of Dogtown, past old cellar holes, overgrown apple orchards, and along forgotten rock wall lined roads. In addition, hidden amongst the dense woods are large boulders that were carved centuries later during the 1930s with inspirational mottos.
While the early fishing community at what is today’s Stage Fort Park grew, settlers looked inland for a place to grow crops and pasture their animals. This became known as the Commons Settlement in the 1700s. Following the American Revolution, wealthy families moved away and were replaced by poorer residents. It was at this time the neighborhood was named “Dogtown” perhaps as a reference to the decline of the community, or for the poor widows who lived there and kept dogs as company and protection. By 1830 the last resident passed away, and Dogtown faded into history.
That is until Roger Babson, who founded Babson College, became fascinated with the history and began documenting the historic cellar holes, and the residents who lived there. As a means to provide financial assistance to unemployed stonecutters in Gloucester during the Great Depression, he commissioned them to carve over 20 words on the boulders scattered throughout Dogtown. As Roger Babson explained in his 1935 memoir, “My family says that I am defacing the boulders and disgracing the family with these inscriptions, but the work gives me a lot of satisfaction, fresh air, exercise and sunshine. I am really trying to write a simple book with words carved in stone instead of paper.” When this Works Projects Administration project was completed the immense boulders were located in a cleared field. However, over time, nature has reclaimed this field, making the Babson Boulder Trail a fascinating scavenger hunt through the dense woods to rediscover these important life lessons carved in stone.
Alright, truth be told the first time Chuck Billy went, he didn’t find a single boulder! However, when he returned the following year with me, he was prepared with a map that can be downloaded from Gloucester-MA.gov. On my most recent trip, armed with a map and tracks in the freshly fallen snow to follow, I found most of the boulders! Ok, I admit we missed a few we were looking for, and skipped the more difficult ones to reach altogether! However, we did enjoy our winter hike, and plan to return again to find all the boulders!
The trails themselves are overall easy on the paws, with some moderate hiking in places due to the rocky landscape. Be aware though, in order to see all the carved boulders, there are railroad tracks to cross followed by a steep climb, that isn’t dog friendly. Hence why we didn’t try to see them on this recent trip. Dogs are allowed off leash, under voice control. Please be respectful of the wildlife that call this area home, and always pick up after your dog. Parking is available off Cherry Street on Dogtown Road. Look for the kiosk. Then walk past the public works area, down the wide dirt road, to the gate at the trail head. Please note for skittish dogs, there is a sportsman club in the area, so you will hear target practice and other loud noises.
