The Bay State is filled with opportunities for exploration and adventure wherever you go. And while caves always have quite the allure, there’s a man-made cave in Lynn that has a fascinating origin story. This secluded cave in Massachusetts can be reached via a hike in Lynn Woods Reservation and it is one place that is worthy of an adventure.
The 2,200-acre Lynn Woods Reservation, the second largest municipal park in the country, is located in the city of Lynn in Essex County.
Brad Coleman/AllTrails
This forest park is home to over 30 miles of trails including ones that lead to a historic stone tower and the historic rock formation with a man-made cave called Dungeon Rock.
Virginie Prevot/AllTrails
The best way to get to Dungeon Rock is via the Pennybrook Road to Steel Tower, Stone Tower, Dungeon Rock Loop, a 4.2-mile loop trail that is rated as easy.
Billie Gettel/AllTrails For this hike, please wear appropriate footwear and keep in mind that the trail can be quite muddy after it rains.
The trail leads to both a steel tower as well as the historic Stone Tower set atop the highest point in Lynn. The Stone Tower was built as a fire tower in 1936. From each tower, visitors can enjoy epic views of Boston.
Daniel Logan/AllTrails
Eventually, you will arrive at the historic rock formation known as Dungeon Rock. Within the rock is a door to a cave that was dug by a man who was seeking pirate treasure.
Daniel Logan/AllTrails
Legend has it that, in the 1600s, a pirate hid his loot in a cave at the rock but an earthquake destroyed the cave, burying him and his treasure. In 1852, a man by the name of Hiram Marble bought the rock and dug out a new cave as well as a tunnel that remain today.
Tony Martinez/AllTrails
Visitors can make a request with the park rangers to open the steel door to the cave for a few hours during the warmer months. The door can be found within the rock crevice. If you’re keen on exploring the cave, remember to bring a flashlight. To learn more about Dungeon Rock and the cave, read our previous coverage.
Halle Hughes/AllTrails
Brad Coleman/AllTrails
Virginie Prevot/AllTrails
Billie Gettel/AllTrails
For this hike, please wear appropriate footwear and keep in mind that the trail can be quite muddy after it rains.
Daniel Logan/AllTrails
Tony Martinez/AllTrails
Halle Hughes/AllTrails
Are you ready for a hiking adventure to a secluded cave in Massachusetts? Tell us in the comments if you’ve been to Dungeon Rock before. For a trail map and information, visit AllTrails. To learn more about Lynn Woods Reservation, visit the City of Lynn website.
If you’re interested in hiking to ruins, head to this post to read about five fascinating ruins to hike to in Massachusetts.
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Address: 106 Pennybrook Rd, Lynn, MA 01905, USA
