Like a wagon wheel, five “rides”—an English term for carriage path—meet in a central clearing called the “Roundpoint…”
Distance
3.5 Miles
Hike Time
1.5 Hours
Overcast early this morning but perfect weather for a 3.5-mile hike through the Appleton Farms Grass Rides.
Most of the trails are wide & flat with very little elevation. Only found one of 4 pinnacles on the property – a stone tower salvaged when Gore Hall (the old library) was demolished at Harvard to make way for the new Widener Library – it has a dramatic round point setting and is worth the hike.
Francis Appleton was chairman of the library at the time it was demolished. There is some very interesting history behind the property and surrounding area if you have the time to look it up.
This granite pinnacle, salvaged from the demolition of the old Harvard College Library
One of the markers at the foot of the pinnacle.
Mask and hat - I was ready for anything!
The Appleton Farm Grass Rides provided us with plenty of beautiful flowers and plants to enjoy.
White Flowers along the trail
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