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WEEKLYNEWS.NET - 978-532-5880 FEBRUARY 4, 2021
PHOTOS | SPENSER HASAK
Skull Cliff is a 30-foot cliff located in the abandoned Kallenberg
Quarry in Lynnfield. Rocks located around the cliif are covered
in graffiti and art including colorful skulls and bones that
have stood the test of time after being painted by an anonymous
artist, “Ichabod,” in 2001.
Where the
writing’s on
the wall
By Daniel Kane
Thousands of cars drive
by the Kelly Jeep dealership
on Route 1 in Lynnfield everyday,
but the lot isn’t just
filled with new cars. Almost
hidden in the back is a
parking spot only big enough
for several cars at a time,
spaces for those heading
into the long abandoned
Kallenberg Quarry.
Lynnfield nature enthusiasts
may think of other spots
when they want to get away
for a hike or a walk, but
Kallenberg, also known as
Bow Ridge Reservation, is a
backyard spot good enough
to scratch the itch.
The reservation is certainly
no secret to local mountain
bikers. The rocky trails
lining the woods have been
known as some of the best
around, including some interesting
names like “Awesome
Sauce,” “Chicken Soup” and
“Wicked Hard Trail.”
Filled with blocks of
granite, once harvested to
construct buildings in the
surrounding area, the vast
woods is also home to the
town’s highest point in a 30-
foot tall mound of rock.
That point is remarkable
for a different reason as well
and you’ll know it when you
see it. The rock is tiered with
worn-down graffiti depicting
blue, green and red skulls.
Fittingly named Skull Rock,
the graffiti has been there for
more almost two decades and
while it’s been the victim of
some unwelcome additions
in the form of spray-paint
over the years, it’s become
an unofficial monument for
hikers.
On the other side of the
rock, the artist responsible
for the macabre mural calls
his or herself Ichabod — although
the signature has been
covered with spray paint over
the years. A quote on the rock
reads, “Take the knowledge
that you will someday be
these bones and enjoy now
all that is precious.”
The wall of bones is even
featured in the book Weird
Massachusetts.
Taking a path to the top of
the rock provides a few unlike
any other in town where
on a clear day you can see
the Boston skyline and the
tops of the apartments at
Lynnfield Commons.