Date visited: February 20, 2016
Hours: open everyday, 8 a.m. to sunset
Location: School St., Manchester-By-The-Sea (it’s easy to miss so keep an eye out for it)
Cost: Free
People travel far and wide to Agassiz Rock (pronounced “A-ga-siz”)to visit a rock. Yes, a rock.
Actually, they travel to see rocks. Lots of them.
Agassiz Rock is a deceiving name. There are actually two main rock structures that are the highlights of the park creatively named “Big Agassiz” and “Little Agassiz.”
The trail is not difficult. At least it’s not too bad when there’s not ice and snow on the ground. There are a few sharp inclines but mostly it is a fairly easy trail.
Along the trail, there are many eye catching rocks and streams.
The trails are clearly marked and signs point to the two rocks.
Left to “Big Agassiz.” Stay straight on the trail to get to “Little Agassiz.” The trail about a 2 mile loop. So, you can see both rock locations if you take the trail in its entirety which is what I did.
Big Agassiz is only a quarter mile or so from the sign.
Yup, that’s “Big Agassiz” it all its glory.
A trail leads to “Little Agassiz.” Ironically, the “Little Agassiz” is the better part of the attraction.
Along the way, I had a feeling I wasn’t alone based on the paw prints or hoof prints I saw in the snow. I quickly made my way up to “Little Agassiz.”
A short hike that includes one of the few inclines leads to the top of the Beaverdam Hill where “Little Agassiz” is.
There are several rock formations, trees and a area to just sit and chill. If I brought a book I would have been right at home. I could have stayed all day. But, I was a little disappointed in the views or lack thereof. There are mountains or other wonders of nature to look at. You do get a nice view of the roadway, though. Just a few tips: it can get pretty windy up there and if you do go in the morning during the winter be aware the rocks and the surfaces can be slippery.
You get a pretty good view from on top of the rocks.
I found one more rock formation of notice on my way out.
The parking area for Agassiz Rock is off a busy roadway and while I didn’t have any problems finding a spot I think it would be a little tough during the summer. There is probably room for a dozen or so cars if people park normally.
Below is a video of Little Agassiz.
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New England Nomad 
February 25th, 2016 at 4:31 am
That looks like a fun hike. I’m curious … were the rocks left from earthquakes? Is there an explanation for their mammoth proportions?
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February 25th, 2016 at 4:51 am
Great question, Laine. In short, glaciers caused the rock formations. The main boulders were pulled up and dragged by the glaciers. Additionally, the hills worked to push the glaciers up rather than across the land and forced the boulders up.
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February 25th, 2016 at 4:55 am
That is interesting. I’m kind of a nerd when it comes to things like this. Thanks for the explanation 🙂
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February 25th, 2016 at 5:00 am
I am, as well. Sometimes I don’t do enough research before I go off on my adventures. But that is because I like to be surprised when I get there. In fact sometimes I don’t decide where to go until I’m on the highway.
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February 25th, 2016 at 5:02 am
That’s what makes it an adventure!
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February 25th, 2016 at 5:11 pm
You’ve hit 60 likes! 😀
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February 25th, 2016 at 7:50 pm
I know! I can’t believe it! Thank you everyone who has stopped by and liked or commented!
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