Mary Catherine Kingsley joined the Go-Getter Trails Challenge in June of last year, just a few months after hip replacement surgery. The timing proved ideal, aligning perfectly with her post-op rehabilitation plans and a personal goal to walk in the woods at least once a week. She began on the flat, gentle trails of Cox Reservation in Essex and Castle Neck River Reservation in Ipswich, gradually working her way up to more rugged terrain in the months to follow.
"The Go-Getter Challenge started at just the right time and gave me the perfect motivation to get outside, build my strength, and visit some new locations," says Mary, a resident of Gloucester for the past 25 years who works as a research attorney for the National Consumer Law Center. To date, she has visited 23 Greenbelt properties and shows no signs of slowing down.
In addition to discovering new properties and trails, the Go-Getter Challenge has given Mary a chance to explore her creative side, as she takes photos to document all of her outings. “I love photographing the things I enjoy most about each trail, whether it’s the glacial erratics or woodland wildflowers — it really adds to the experience,” she says. The GreenbeltGo trails app also enhances her experience, helping her navigate properties, track visits, and learn more about the landscapes she’s exploring.
A lifelong New Englander, Mary has long enjoyed outdoor recreation. She began hiking in college and has also spent time kayaking, rock climbing, and caving. While she completes most of her Go-Getter Challenge hikes solo or with her friend Beverly Bernhard, she has also explored trails throughout the region with the Appalachian Mountain Club and Cape Ann Trail Stewards.
As a Cape Ann resident, Mary has also explored a number of Greenbelt properties over the years and considers Tompson Street Reservation in Gloucester— among her go-to favorites — “one of the best places to hike in this part of the world.”
The Go-Getter Trails Challenge runs through May 30, 2026—and it’s never too late to sign up! Whether you enjoy hiking, biking, running, strolling, snowshoeing, or simply wandering at your own pace, the Go-Getter Challenge is the perfect excuse to get outside and experience the region’s beauty in every season.