The North Shore has a number of areas in which to do hikes, including one that can either be done as an extremely short (and extremely scenic) boardwalk stroll or a much longer hike that includes deep woods and hills. This entry concentrates on the former, as one of the best parts of the extensive conservation land on the Essex-Manchester border is the cedar swamp that is within minutes of the start of the trailhead on Southern Avenue. The aforementioned boardwalk cuts through the heart of the swamp, with memorable views in all directions. The walk along the boardwalk only takes a few minutes, but there are so many good vantage points that you could easily spend an hour or more in the area, taking photos and looking for wildlife. For those who are looking for more of a workout, once the boardwalk ends a trail continues on, allowing for several miles of hiking over varied terrain.
Below are some photos of the cedar swamp, which by the way, is only a couple of minutes north of Route 128 (take the School Street exit).
One of the most scenic seaside settings in all of New England is that of Plum Island, a barrier island just east of the city of Newburyport, MA. Parts of the island includes the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, which is a great place for bird watching, walking, and just enjoying the solitude the area has to offer. One of the most remote-feeling sections of the refuge is about midway down the island, where the Hellcat Wildlife Observation Area and the Hellcat Trail can be found. The trail, which starts from a parking area on the right side of the road (heading south) is mostly a boardwalk that cuts through some otherwise inaccessible land that includes thick brush, high grass, and swampland. It is an easy, level trail that can be done as a fairly quick loop, and some of it is exposed, affording views of Plum Island Sound and the low hills in the distance. Figure on a half hour to an hour to do the loop, including breaks to soak in the views.