60 Hikes Within 60 Miles: Boston. Lafe Low

the carriage road that forms the primary loop around World’s End. Stepping onto this level, gravel path, head north (right), keeping the Weir River over your right shoulder. The carriage path here is frequently punctuated with majestic ash trees.

      The fields at World’s End are regularly mowed to keep them level. Majestic elm trees once dominated the landscape, but most were lost to Dutch Elm disease decades ago. Ash trees now stand in their place. Raptors, bluebirds, and bobolinks fill the forest. Follow the carriage road as it eases downhill around the right of Planter’s Hill and arrives at sea level. The trail here is still firm, hard-packed gravel. Ahead, look for the glacial isthmus linking Planter’s Hill to the northern tip of World’s End. This spit of gravel and ground shells serves as a causeway to the outer peninsula. On a clear day, you can catch dramatic glimpses of the Boston skyline to the northwest.

      Cross over the causeway and follow the carriage road uphill, bearing right. Continuing north, the road soon reaches a split. Follow the straighter path, which takes you into what’s referred to as the Valley. Shortly you reach another junction. Turn sharply right and follow the trail as it circles the land counterclockwise. The road rises out of the dark woods of the Valley to lead back to a domed meadow. From here you’ll see the waterfront homes of Hull.