Surrounded by local nonprofits and Revolutionary War reenactors—and with support from Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll and other North Shore leaders—Essex National Heritage Area formally kicked off the 25th season of its Trails & Sails program on Tuesday.
Trails & Sails takes place from Saturday, Sept. 12, through Sunday, Sept. 27, with free exhibits, lectures and events along the themes of “Essex County Revolution 250,” “Outdoor Explorations,” “Life by the Water” and “Stories We Share,” welcoming residents and visitors to discover the region’s history, culture and natural beauty. Events take place throughout the county with many nearby events scheduled in Andover, Haverhill, Lawrence, Methuen and North Andover.
“You’re next to a centuries-old mill, a salt marsh at sunrise, the amazing places in our harbor, the stories that literally shaped our nation here in Essex County,” Lt. Gov. Driscoll said at the kickoff event at Armory Park in Salem. “That’s what Trails & Sails has been about for the last 25 years: Making sure people know the benefits in their own backyard.”
Essex Heritage CEO Annie Harris praised staff members who work year-round with partners on Trails & Sails programming, having grown the event from a single weekend to 16 days and more than 200 activities. An estimated 30,000 people attended a Trails & Sails event in 2025.
“Through Trails & Sails, you may discover a farm you never knew existed that becomes a regular stop on your day-to-day travels. Or, you may visit a historic house that connects you with stories of the past,” said Cheri Grishin, Essex Heritage director of operations. “With hundreds of events to choose from, there is truly something for everyone.”