| |
Willowdale Mill [13]
Detail Map (35k)
Area Map (60k)
Location: On the Hamilton bank of the Ipswich River on Winthrop Street across from the Veterinary Clinic and just 3.1m south on the Topsfield Road from Route 1A in downtown Ipswich.
Parking: Small lot on the right at the mill site.
Permitted: Hiking, fishing, bicycling and snow-shoeing in season. Dogs are allowed but should be leashed.
|
|
|
History
This reservation is the site of a 19th century textile mill constructed by D. Thomas Manning. By 1834 the factory complex included the mill, a boarding house and factory building and was turning out woolen goods. It continued to be operated until 1884 when the mill was destroyed by fire. Earth, stone and wooden remains can be clearly seen.
Trail
Enter the property through the pipe gate; the old mill site is to the right next to a berm which separated the sluiceway from the mill. The trail is on the old earthen dike that channeled water from the dam to the former mill.
- To the right is a swift portion of the Ipswich River, a favorite spot for fishermen.
- The trail leads eventually to the Willowdale Dam and fish ladder. The peninsula on the dam site of the ladder is private: please respect this privacy.
- The trail divides here and the inland branch leads away from the river to a dirt road. Turning left will return you to the parking area. The other trail follows the banks of the river upstream and eventually leads into Bradley Palmer State Park.
- This is part of the “Discover Hamilton” trail which after it crosses the Ipswich River pedestrian and equestrian bridge and the Topsfield Road leads to the Bay Circuit Trail in Willowdale State Forest East.
