I went straight out West from Freeport, quite a ways, staying on the path. Pretty safe at level 7 on the trail. And came to a gate to Nektulos Forest. Went in, stuff was red. Left quickly and found I had recieved a quest.
There is also a gate further south on the western wall of the Commonlands. Think it's called the Fallen Gate. It is locked and I am looking for the quest for the key. Have to go through an area called the maze to get to this gate. But staying to the right all the way through will get you there. Saw some big scarry mobs in the maze, but they didn't attack me. Kept my distance.
Good Luck