Gallows Hill Park
A park steeped in witch trial history, now a vibrant community space with a popular skatepark and a haunted reputation.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better prices
Gallows Hill Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better prices

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A park steeped in witch trial history, now a vibrant community space with a popular skatepark and a haunted reputation.
"It's full of historic energy, beautiful, and can be a bit creepy, definitely haunted."
🎯 Book Ahead for October
Salem books up months in advance for October. Secure lodging and tours early!
👟 Comfortable Shoes Needed
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the historical sites and park.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Gallows Hill Park
Salem, Massachusetts
A park with a complex history, featuring a skatepark and walking trails. Offers a glimpse into Salem's past and present.

Proctor's Ledge Memorial
Near Gallows Hill
The officially recognized site where many accused of witchcraft were executed in 1692. A somber place for reflection.

Gallows Hill Museum & Theatre
Near Gallows Hill Park
Offers engaging shows and haunted attractions, providing a theatrical take on Salem's history and lore.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything in Salem
Gallows Hill: History vs. Modern Use
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Ahead for October
Salem books up months in advance for October. Secure lodging and tours early!
👟 Comfortable Shoes Needed
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the historical sites and park.
👻 Embrace the Spooky Vibe
Gallows Hill is steeped in history and considered haunted by many.
🗺️ Check Historical Markers
Finding specific historical markers can be tricky; ask locals for guidance.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Ahead for October
Salem books up months in advance for October. Secure lodging and tours early!
👟 Comfortable Shoes Needed
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the historical sites and park.
👻 Embrace the Spooky Vibe
Gallows Hill is steeped in history and considered haunted by many.
🗺️ Check Historical Markers
Finding specific historical markers can be tricky; ask locals for guidance.
🛹 Skatepark Note
The skatepark is a modern addition that some feel detracts from the historical atmosphere.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Gallows Hill Park is a place of dualities, offering both historical intrigue and modern recreation. Visitors appreciate the park's atmosphere and the skatepark's facilities, though some find the historical markers lacking and the skatepark's presence detracts from the site's solemn past. The adjacent museum and theatre provide engaging, albeit theatrical, experiences of Salem's lore.
"Playground is not younger kid friendly. The slides have at least a 2ft drop."
Clara McKay
"I heard that they believe that witches were hanged around here but overall the park was underwhelming when we went. A small trail through some trees, a baseball field or two, and a skate park but I'm pretty sure it was under construction."
Brett Chilcoat
"This park has always been one of my favorite parks in town.
Now it has a skatepark it's even better.
Nowhere fast skate shop located in Beverly has events regularly and is closer to the park than zoomeez. So don't shop at zoomeez ok.
The local crew is friendly and looks out for each other."
John Campbell
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Gallows Hill Park is located on the outskirts of downtown Salem, Massachusetts. It's accessible by car, with parking available. Public transportation options like the Salem Shuttle can also get you close, especially during peak season.
Yes, Gallows Hill Park is a moderate walk from the main downtown area of Salem, where many of the witch trial museums and attractions are located. It's a good option if you enjoy a stroll.
Walking is great for the downtown core. For areas like Gallows Hill, consider a trolley tour or driving if you have a car. Ride-sharing services are also available.
Parking can be challenging in Salem, especially in October. There is parking available at Gallows Hill Park, but it can fill up quickly. Consider arriving early or exploring alternative parking in the surrounding areas.
While direct public transport to the park might be limited, the Salem Shuttle or local bus routes can get you to the general vicinity, requiring a short walk to the park itself.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Gallows Hill Park itself is a public park and generally free to enter. However, attractions like the Gallows Hill Museum & Theatre have separate admission fees.
Yes, tickets are required for the shows and haunted attractions at the Gallows Hill Museum & Theatre. It's advisable to purchase them in advance, especially during busy periods.
As a public park, Gallows Hill Park typically has dawn-to-dusk hours. The operating hours for the adjacent museum and theatre will vary, so check their specific schedules.
Discounts may be available for groups, children, or during off-peak times. It's best to check the official website for the Gallows Hill Museum & Theatre for current pricing and potential deals.
Proctor's Ledge Memorial is an outdoor memorial site and is generally accessible. It's a place for quiet reflection and remembrance.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Gallows Hill Park offers walking trails, a baseball field, and a popular skatepark. It's a place to enjoy the outdoors and connect with the area's historical significance.
Some visitors note that the playground equipment, particularly the slides, may have significant drops, making it less ideal for very young children.
Yes, Gallows Hill is widely considered to be a haunted location due to its historical association with the Salem Witch Trials. Many visitors report feeling a strong historical or eerie energy.
Some visitors have noted a lack of clear historical markers within the park itself, making it difficult to pinpoint exact historical significance without prior knowledge or local guidance.
Proctor's Ledge is now recognized as the most likely site where the accused were executed during the 1692 Salem Witch Trials, offering a more definitive historical marker than Gallows Hill itself.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the park's natural beauty, especially during sunset.
The skatepark offers dynamic action shots. The historical significance of the area, even without explicit markers, can be conveyed through atmospheric photos.Photography policies can vary within indoor attractions. It's best to check with the venue directly or look for posted signs regarding photo restrictions.
Generally, public parks allow photography for personal use. However, commercial photography or filming may require permits. Always be respectful of other visitors.
Golden hour, both sunrise and sunset, can provide beautiful lighting for photos. Sunsets over the park are particularly scenic.
While Gallows Hill Park itself may lack markers, the nearby Proctor's Ledge Memorial offers a poignant subject. Exploring the broader Salem area will yield many historically significant photo locations.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
👻 Paranormal Enthusiasts
🛹 Skaters and Active Visitors
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Complex History of Gallows Hill
However, historical research and archaeological findings have led to a re-evaluation of the exact execution site. In 2016, evidence strongly suggested that Proctor's Ledge, a different location on the outskirts of town, was the actual place of execution. This has led to the establishment of the Proctor's Ledge Memorial. While the historical consensus has shifted, the name 'Gallows Hill' and its association with the trials persist in popular culture and local lore, contributing to its enduring mystique.
Today, Gallows Hill Park is a modern recreational space. It features a skatepark, walking trails, and sports fields. This duality – a place of historical tragedy now serving as a community park – is a unique aspect of the site. Some visitors find the presence of the skatepark jarring against the historical backdrop, while others appreciate the blend of past and present.
Experiencing Gallows Hill Today
Beyond its historical connections, Gallows Hill Park is a functional community space. The skatepark is a significant feature, attracting skaters and providing a vibrant, active atmosphere. Instagram reels showcase the park's layout and its appeal to skaters. For families, the park offers open spaces, though some reviews caution that the playground might not be suitable for very young children due to the design of the slides.
Many visitors report a palpable sense of historic energy at Gallows Hill, with some describing it as creepy or haunted. This atmosphere, combined with the natural beauty of the park, makes it a compelling destination for those interested in the paranormal or simply seeking a unique outdoor experience in Salem.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit