The town of Essex offers many things to residents and visitors. Great shopping in its charming downtown district; historic points of interest thanks to its proximity to the Connecticut River; and hundreds of acres of preserved open space, courtesy of the Essex Land Trust. In Ivoryton, one of Essex's hamlets, travelers will encounter gingerbread house Victorians, a downright jolly town green, the famous playhouse and a lovely little waterway called the Falls River.

This river has been dammed since 1701, according to the land trust, but it maintains some semblance of winding direction. A hike in the Falls River Preserve offers first peeks, then mood-altering full views of its waters, set behind the properites of lucky residents. You almost feel like you're observing another world from the water's edge. Or, thanks to the regular echo of train whistles emanating from the Essex Steam Train at the Valley Shore Railroad, you might prefer to imagine you've stepped into another time.

In any case, the trails are short and well-established, and tougher hikes up and over ancient rock ledges offer a great workout. Paddlers are welcome to put in at Falls River Landing, situated next to a little park, which appears shortly after the turn onto Falls River Drive.