Gallows Hill Park - a path with trees on the side
1 / 10

Gallows Hill Park

4.1
·190 reviews·Salem, United States

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekdays in shoulder seasons

Fewer crowds, better prices

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Gallows Hill Park - a path with trees on the side

Gallows Hill Park

Best Time

Weekdays in shoulder seasons

Fewer crowds, better prices

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

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

4.1
(190 reviews)

"It's full of historic energy, beautiful, and can be a bit creepy, definitely haunted."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 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.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Gallows Hill Park

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.

Instagram
Proctor's Ledge Memorial

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.

TikTok
Gallows Hill Museum & Theatre

Gallows Hill Museum & Theatre

Near Gallows Hill Park

Offers engaging shows and haunted attractions, providing a theatrical take on Salem's history and lore.

TikTok
Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything in Salem

Salem is incredibly popular, especially during spooky season. Book accommodations and popular attractions months in advance for October. Consider visiting on weekdays or during shoulder seasons to avoid the biggest crowds and higher prices. TikTok

Gallows Hill: History vs. Modern Use

While historically associated with the Salem Witch Trials, the exact hanging site is debated, with Proctor's Ledge now recognized as the primary location. Gallows Hill Park itself is a modern recreational space with a skatepark, which some visitors find clashes with its historical aura. TikTokReddit

Best Times

When
Weekdays in shoulder seasons
Why
Fewer crowds, better prices
Crowd
Low
When
October weekdays
Why
Spooky vibes without peak crowds
Crowd
Medium
When
October weekends
Why
Maximum Halloween atmosphere
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Historic Gallows Hill in Salem, MA #salemma #salemmassachusetts #witchcity #witchtok #fyp #foryou #gallowshill #history #salemwitchtrials #gothtok
@frost_oath
1.2K likes • 7.7K views

🎯 Book Ahead for October

Salem books up months in advance for October. Secure lodging and tours early! TikTokReddit

👟 Comfortable Shoes Needed

You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the historical sites and park. Instagram

If you are heading to Salem this spooky season maybe Gallows Hill to your list of places to check out👻#hauntrdtravels #spookyseason #hauntedlocations #hauntedtiktok #haunted #paranormal#paranormaltiktok #massachusetts #salem
@larrythewitch
131 likes • 5.2K views
New day new Skate park… Gallows Hill in Salem!
cokefinlaymrvirus
1 likes • 432 views

👻 Embrace the Spooky Vibe

Gallows Hill is steeped in history and considered haunted by many. TikTokReddit

🗺️ Check Historical Markers

Finding specific historical markers can be tricky; ask locals for guidance. Reddit

A lot of memories at that gallows hill park 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾 #fyp #reels #instagram #hoops Full Episode On YouTube Now!!!!
806theshow
13 likes • 732 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Book Ahead for October

Salem books up months in advance for October. Secure lodging and tours early! TikTokReddit

👟 Comfortable Shoes Needed

You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the historical sites and park. Instagram

👻 Embrace the Spooky Vibe

Gallows Hill is steeped in history and considered haunted by many. TikTokReddit

🗺️ Check Historical Markers

Finding specific historical markers can be tricky; ask locals for guidance. Reddit

🛹 Skatepark Note

The skatepark is a modern addition that some feel detracts from the historical atmosphere. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.1
(190 reviews)

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

Historic energy
Skatepark facilities
Scenic park setting

What People Dislike

Lack of historical markers
Skatepark's modern feel
Playground suitability for toddlers

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. TikTok

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. TikTok

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. TikTok

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. Instagram

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. TikTok

🎫 🎫 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. TikTok

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. TikTok

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. TikTok

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. TikTok

Proctor's Ledge Memorial is an outdoor memorial site and is generally accessible. It's a place for quiet reflection and remembrance. TikTok

🎫 🧭 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. InstagramReddit

Some visitors note that the playground equipment, particularly the slides, may have significant drops, making it less ideal for very young children. Reddit

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. TikTokReddit

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. Reddit

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. TikTok+1

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the park's natural beauty, especially during sunset.Instagram The skatepark offers dynamic action shots.Instagram The historical significance of the area, even without explicit markers, can be conveyed through atmospheric photos. TikTok

Photography policies can vary within indoor attractions. It's best to check with the venue directly or look for posted signs regarding photo restrictions. TikTok

Generally, public parks allow photography for personal use. However, commercial photography or filming may require permits. Always be respectful of other visitors. Instagram

Golden hour, both sunrise and sunset, can provide beautiful lighting for photos. Sunsets over the park are particularly scenic. Instagram

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. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Gallows Hill Park offers open spaces and a skatepark that older kids might enjoy. However, be aware that some playground equipment, like the slides, has been noted as having a significant drop, potentially making it less suitable for very young children. TikTokReddit Consider visiting the Gallows Hill Museum & Theatre for age-appropriate shows, but always check their content warnings. Exploring the nearby Proctor's Ledge Memorial offers a somber historical lesson. TikTok

👻 Paranormal Enthusiasts

Gallows Hill is a prime spot for those interested in the paranormal, with many believing it to be haunted due to its association with the witch trials. TikTok videos often feature ghost hunting expeditions and spirit box sessions conducted at the site. TikTok+1 While the exact hanging site is debated, the area's historical context and the reported eerie energy make it a compelling location for paranormal exploration. Reddit

🛹 Skaters and Active Visitors

The skatepark at Gallows Hill is a major draw for skaters and a highlight for those seeking active recreation. Instagram reels showcase the park's design and the vibrant skating community. Instagram+1 It's a well-maintained facility that adds a modern, energetic dimension to the park, though some feel it contrasts with the historical atmosphere. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Complex History of Gallows Hill

Gallows Hill in Salem, Massachusetts, carries a heavy historical weight, primarily associated with the infamous Salem Witch Trials of 1692. For a long time, it was widely believed to be the site where many of the accused were hanged. This belief fueled its reputation as a place of dark energy and hauntings, attracting paranormal investigators and history enthusiasts alike. TikTok+2

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. TikTok+1

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. InstagramReddit

Experiencing Gallows Hill Today

Visiting Gallows Hill Park offers a multi-faceted experience. For those interested in the Salem Witch Trials, the park serves as a starting point for understanding the historical context, even if the primary execution site has been identified elsewhere. The Gallows Hill Museum & Theatre provides a more curated and theatrical exploration of Salem's dark history, offering shows and haunted attractions that are popular with visitors seeking a spooky thrill. TikTok+1

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. Instagram+1 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. TikTokReddit

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. TikTokInstagramReddit

You may also like

1 of 2