Red Maple Swamp Trail

Overview

A compact, easy stroll with a big payoff. The Red Maple Swamp Trail is a 0.8‑mile total, mostly boardwalk wander through a shady freshwater swamp in the Fort Hill area. Expect gentle grades, a few steps down to reach the boardwalk, and an unrushed 20–30 minute outing. It’s best known for fiery foliage when the red maples pop in autumn.

Why go

If you like short, low‑effort walks with a sense of place, this is a gem. The elevated boardwalk keeps your feet dry while you thread between maples and wetland plants, with chances to spot frogs, snakes, and birdlife. Many visitors link it with the adjacent Fort Hill Trail for bluff‑top looks at the salt marsh, outer beach, and ocean—turning a good stroll into a great loop.

Route options

Do the boardwalk as an out‑and‑back for the 0.8‑mile total. For a longer sampler, connect with Fort Hill to make roughly 1.6–1.8 miles; you’ll descend to the swamp, traverse the boardwalk, then climb back toward Indian Rock and the open bluff for those classic marsh views.

Access and parking

Start from Fort Hill (near the Captain Edward Penniman House) or from Hemenway Landing. The Fort Hill area has a small main lot (about fifteen vehicles) with an overflow lot a short drive farther. Hemenway Landing has seasonal restrooms; parking there typically requires a town permit in season, so most visitors should use Fort Hill.

Accessibility

The boardwalk is wide and smooth in many sections, with edge barriers in places. The first ~0.6 miles counterclockwise are generally the most accessible, but there are steps and a brief steeper grade on the wider loop. Full wheelchair or stroller access around the entire loop is unlikely without assistance or adaptive equipment.

Best time to hike

Late September through October is prime—cooler temps, fewer bugs, and the red maples living up to the name. Summer can be buggier and the boardwalk can feel humid; spring is quieter and lush. Go early or late in the day for softer light and easier parking.

Heads up

Mosquitoes and biting flies are a thing in warmer months—bring repellent. The boardwalk can be slick after rain; keep kids close and tread carefully. Pets aren’t allowed on this trail.