Rowley, Massachusetts

Total Acres: 8

Year Conserved: 1990

Property Description

Sawyer's Island sits in the Great Marsh, of Plum Island Sound, one of the most pristine marsh systems in the United States. Much of the land surrounding the island is protected by Greenbelt or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Special Features

The site of the former Salem Boys Camp, the island is bordered by Sawyer Creek and Mud Creek, which curves around its northern end. The views in every direction are spectacular, and the details within the panorama are a delight. Stands of oak and hickory on the northwest edge of the island provide a lovely sheltered camping spot (permission required) or picnic area. A portion of the island - though protected by Greenbelt with a conservation restriction- is still privately owned, and we ask that you respect the fence-marked boundary.

Get Out and Paddle 

Ability: Intermediate
Terrain: Tidal, marsh, open ocean
Distance: 1-6 hours

Best months: October or November, when the insects have departed, and when you can float among the scoters, Long-tailed Ducks, goldeneyes, mergansers, and possibly harbor seals.

Link to GPS

Pitch your tent, then launch your boat into Mud Creek. There are endless opportunities for exploring. If you’re feeling ambitious, cruise through Plum Island Sound and out to open ocean. Or stay inland and explore the Parker River Wildlife Refuge in the Great Marsh. Camping is allowed at Sawyer’s Island by permission only. Please email camping@ecga.org or call 978-768-7241, ext.15 to make a reservation.

Sawyer's Island Trail Map 

Parking

There are two options for parking. First, you can park at the property entrance (2-3 vehicle limit) by taking the first left off Stackyard Road onto Patmos Road. Follow that about one mile to the end. Park on the left near  the property sign. Do not block private drive to the right of entrance. Second, you can park in the turnout on the right at the beginning of Stackyard Road, across from the forked intersection where Patmos Road turns to the left. From this point, you can take a very pretty mile-long walk along Patmos Road through the salt marsh out to Sawyers Island.

Directions

From the traffic light in Rowley Center:

Drive north on Route 1A for about two miles. Turn right onto a dirt road marked Stackyard Road. Take the first left onto Patmos Road and follow it one mile to the property entrance.