Explore This Easy Trail Around The Longfellow National Historic Site In Massachusetts
By Kim Falchek|Published September 29, 2023
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Kim Falchek
Author
Kim Falchek has been exploring the towns, trails, and hidden gems of Massachusetts since her college days in Boston. When not writing, Kim enjoys photography, going on road trips, and spending time at the beach. Kim has previously been a contributing writer for LA Family Travel, Global Munchkins, and Latched Mama. She currently lives in Salem, Massachusetts where she and her family embrace all things Halloween!
When it comes to historic sites in Massachusetts, what is on the outside is often just as amazing as what is on the inside. The buildings we visit are just one piece of a historic property that has been lovingly preserved for both education as well as pleasure. The gardens, paths, and, greenspaces beyond the buildings, often overlooked by busy tourists, are sometimes the most wonderful part of the experience.
The Longfellow House-Washington's Headquarters in Cambridge is one of these unique places. For almost 40 years, the house was home to poet Henry W. Longfellow.
From 1775-1776, it also served as the headquarters for General George Washington. The property is now managed by the National Parks Service. I took a tour of the property a while back and found it to be really interesting.
Outside of the Longfellow house is a short but beautiful 0.7-mile loop trail.
The path is paved, which makes it a great trail for those with strollers, wheelchairs, and other mobility devices. It is an easy walk that takes about 12 minutes to complete.
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Enjoy some time wandering through the formal garden. It is beautifully landscaped with colorful flowers, statues, and quiet places to sit.
The garden was based on the original property layout. There is also a shaded lawn area, which is a great place to relax on a hot summer day.
You don’t even need to take a tour of the Longfellow house to enjoy the grounds. The gardens are open from morning until evening and admission to them is free of charge.
Visitors may also enjoy the Longfellow House outdoor spaces by attending one of the many events such as poetry readings, music, and children's events that are put on by the National Park Service.
