This family-friendly 1-mile hike navigates the historical "Beacon Pole Hill' as it was once known because of a ship's mast mounted on the highest point of land along the eastern boundary above Wheeler Street.   While this may be a short hike, it is not without interest.  Full of amazing vistas of the surrounding area and chock full of history, this hike will not disappoint. The Native Americans utilized Pole Hill as a solar observatory, ceremonial landscape, and gateway to the spirit world. There are three important seasonal alignments of the sun on Pole Hill.

If you hike in from Riverview Road along the fire road, the first historic feature you'll come upon is the gnomon. Continue up the firewood, and take the first trail to the right, and you'll come to the Summer Sunset Rock with views of the surrounding area. Continue back down to the fire road from there and take a left onto the road.  Take a right near the parking area off Riverview Road, and you can hike over to the Summer Sunrise Rock along the eastern border of the conservation area for more spectacular views of Gloucester and the ocean.

Access is from two parking spaces off Riverview Road near the trailhead.