Mount Misery

Lost oxen? A heartbroken farmer? The origin of Mount Misery’s name remains shrouded in mystery. Here in Lincoln, Massachusetts, Mount Misery stands as a testament to the stories whispered through time. It’s a modest peak at 284 feet, but its presence is undeniable. Mount Misery isn’t about misery at all. It’s a haven of tranquility, boasting 227 acres of protected land, the largest in Lincoln. Seven miles of trails wind through its varied terrain, from rolling hills to tranquil wetlands and open fields. Mount Misery invites you to explore its rich history. In the 17th century, the Billings family established a sawmill along Beaver Dam Brook, the remnants of which can still be found near the brook’s edge at the base of Mount Misery. Centuries later, renowned writer Henry David Thoreau found solace in these woods, often hiking and chronicling his experiences on Mount Misery in his journal during the 1850s. In the mid-20th century, James DeNormandie, a visionary conservationist, recognized the intrinsic value of this land. He purchased much of the area around Mount Misery to protect it from development. He also reshaped the landscape, damming the brook to create two ponds and even building a cabin atop Mount Misery. Sadly, the cabin was later lost to fire. DeNormandie’s legacy lives on, as he ultimately sold Mount Misery to the town in 1969, ensuring its preservation as public conservation land. Today, you can still find beavers busily working along Beaver Dam Brook and explore Terrapin Lake, a kettle hole where cranberries thrived until the 1990s. Mount Misery isn’t about hardship. It’s about the enduring connection between humans and nature. It’s a place where history whispers through the leaves, and where tranquility awaits those who seek it.