Walking in Thoreau's footsteps -- at Mount Misery

The entrance to Mount Misery park in Lincoln, Mass. Though not as well known as Walden Woods, the 227-acre swath of land next to the Sudbury River was one of author Henry David Thoreau's favorite places.
(Associated Press Photo by Lisa Poole)

LINCOLN

It's not as well known as Walden Woods, but Mount Misery was one of author Henry David Thoreau's favorite places to take his rambling hikes, the AP reports.

Located less than two miles from Walden Pond State Reservation, and connected to it by walking trails, Mount Misery in Lincoln has all the natural beauty of its famous neighbor without the crowds.

"This is really a piece of heaven," said Elizabeth Shienbrood, 39, of Sudbury, who regularly walks Mount Misery's well-groomed and well-marked trails with Ruby and Riley, her mixed-breed dogs.

The name Mount Misery is a misnomer.

First of all, it's not really a mountain. The glacially carved hill that gives the surrounding land its name is just 284 feet above sea level.

And it's certainly not miserable.

-- AP