New for 2025! Check Out These 9 Places to Enjoy the Outdoors

Happy New Year, fellow nature enthusiasts! It’s January, which means it’s time for me to write about the new trails, paddling spots and public parks that have been established on the South Shore in the past year. I always look forward to this article. It’s exciting to see our local communities continue to prioritize the protection of open space! Below you’ll find 9 new places to explore. Some are truly new, and some are just new to me!

 

Is nine not enough? Then I hope you will visit the Get Outdoors section of NSRWA’s website. It’s such a fantastic resource, with detailed information about 500 public spots on the South Shore where the public can enjoy the natural world. Each property has its own listing, with parking information, trail maps, and much, much more.

 

Would you enjoy a daily suggestion for a local place to enjoy the outdoors? We’d love it if you’d follow “Postcards From the ‘Shed” our Explore South Shore program for 2025. This year, in addition to inspiring photos and access information, we’re including details about each property’s watershed. Every day on Facebook and Instagram, we highlight a different spot. Not on social media? We’ve included all the locations on our website as well! Plus test your knowledge with our monthly “Where in the Watershed?” photo quiz! 

 

Red Gold Farm, Marshfield

Marshfield’s newest conservation area, Red Gold Farm features about 2.5 miles of wide flat trails that wind around ponds, wetlands, and active cranberry bogs. The Green Harbor River flows through the property. Informal parking for 6 vehicles can be found in the unpaved roadside pull-off at 611 Webster Street, across from the Green Harbor Golf Club. Do not block the access road or any private driveways.

Valley Swamp Conservation Area, Norwell

Valley Swamp is among the many headwaters of the North River. Norwell’s Valley Swamp Conservation Area offers the opportunity to experience this freshwater wetland first-hand. There are two distinct trail networks — with a total of 1.3 miles of woodland trails. Look for access at the end of Shady Lane, at the end of Beers Ave. Limited roadside parking at both spots.

Beals Park, Weymouth

North Weymouth’s newly-renovated Beals Park has something for everyone, including a large playground, an 18,000-square-foot skate park, paved trails, and pickleball courts, along with a basketball half-court, benches, and a shade pavilion. There are two 9-space parking areas -- at 35 Athens Street, and on Sea Street opposite Pearl Street. The property is situated within the watershed of the Fore River.

Moswetuset Hummock, Quincy

In the 1620’s and early 1630’s, Moswetuset Hummock — located in the Squantum section of Quincy — was the summer seat of Chickatawbut, Chief Sac’hem of the Ponkapoag band of the Massachusett Native American tribe. This small historic property features a 0.4-mile woodland trail and spectacular views of Quincy Bay and the Squantum Marshes. It is located within the bounds of DCR’s Quincy Shores Reservation, with limited on-site parking lot at 440 E Squantum Street. 

 

Quincy Riverwalk

While in Quincy, also check out the Quincy Riverwalk, which extends for 2 miles along the Neponset River, from Squantum Point Park, through Neponset Landing Park, to the gazebo at the Adams Inn. This trail had been on my “To Visit” list for years. Last spring, I finally got there, and I encourage you to do the same. The trail offers views of beaches, wetlands, marshes, woodlands, and meadows ... and also the Boston Skyline! There is ample on-site parking at Squantum Point Park, at the end of Victory Road in Quincy. For further inspiration, follow the Neponset River Watershed Association, which was established in 1967!

Rocky Point Preserve, Plymouth

Take a short walk at this new property on the coast of Plymouth. It features a 0.4-mile trail through forest and freshwater wetlands, with a real treat at the end ... an overlook from a high bluff with a view the ocean. On a clear day, you may be able to see Saquish, Duxbury Beach, or even the Outer Cape! Part of the Cape Cod Bay watershed, it offers limited on-site parking at 302 Rocky Hill Road, Plymouth.

Darby Pond Well Water Protection Land, Plymouth

Hooray! West Plymouth has a new conservation property! The 197-acre Darby Pond Well Water Protection Land offers a 1.25-mile out-and-back trail through forest and reclaimed cranberry bogs. At the very end, you can enjoy views of Darby Pond, which drains to the Winnetuxet River, and is part of the Taunton River watershed. There is limited roadside parking at 266 Plympton Road in Plymouth.

 

Mordecai Lincoln Mill & Homestead, Scituate

This isn’t exactly a new property. The Town of Scituate has been working on it, behind the scenes, for a while now. Some exciting developments have taken place in the past year or so, including the establishment of a canoe and kayak launch on Bound Brook, along with a half mile of walking trails. The scenery at this property is gorgeous. Stop by if only to enjoy the view. The grounds — which feature stone walls, rocky outcroppings, and gardens — are open to the public, and restoration work is underway for the house and outbuildings. Limited parking at the top of the property's entrance drive, near the house, at 68 Mordecai Lincoln Road.

 

Fogg Forest/Carleton Property, Norwell

Just outside Norwell Center, the combined Fogg Forest and Carleton Property provide 154 acres of contiguous conservation land, views of Trout Brook, and at least 2 miles of trails... including a brand-new one known as the Cow Path. You can see it from the intersection of Main and Lincoln Streets – a long strip of grass bordered with stone walls, with a boardwalk at the end. Do yourself a favor and visit this sprawling, diverse property. Additional trail connections are scheduled for later this year. For access, look for the trailhead at rear of the field at 625 Main Street, at the edge of the woods. 

by Kezia Bacon

January 2025

 

Kezia Bacon's articles appear courtesy of the North and South Rivers Watershed Association, a local non-profit organization devoted to protecting our waters. For membership information and a copy of their latest newsletter, contact NSRWA at (781) 659-8168 or visit www.nsrwa.org. You will also find 27+ years of Kezia’s Nature columns there. Visit the NSRWA website for more information about Explore South Shore 2025.

Short Walks: 15 More Trails to Explore

The other day, while out-and-about doing what felt like an endless stream of holiday errands, I treated myself to a quick stop at the Hanover Branch Rail Trail. The sun was shining, and it felt so good to take a break from “doing,” and let myself “just be.”

My walk up and down the paved trail took less than a half hour. Along the way, I paused to observe Cushing Brook flowing downstream toward the Drinkwater River. I watched the maple branches sway in the breeze. I noticed a bird soaring overheard -- too far away to identify. By the time I returned to my car, I felt restored, and ready to proceed to my last few stops.

 

I had the trail to myself that day, but it reminded me how – during other similar “nature breaks” -- I’d shared it with others: a pair of senior citizens with hiking poles; a family with young children eager to explore; joggers, cyclists, fellow walkers. This particular trail is wheelchair- and stroller-friendly, so it appeals across a broad range.

 

As winter approaches, I encourage you to keep spending time outdoors. Ready to try someplace new? The Get Outdoors section of NSRWA’s website features more than 200 properties with walking trails. Many are on the shorter side – often less than a mile – which makes them ideal for a quick “nature break.” 

 

In addition, you can follow “365 Nature Places to Know,” our Explore South Shore program for 2024. Every day on Facebook and Instagram, we highlight a different spot on the South Shore where you can enjoy the outdoors. Every Sunday, it’s a place for a short walk. Not on social media? We’ve included all the locations on our website as well! The list below is just a small sampling.

Island Grove Park, Abington

This historic 53-acre property is situated on a pond-like section of the Shumatuscacant River, part of the Taunton River watershed. It offers both open and forested areas, a playground, and a mile of walking trails, some of which are stroller-friendly. Ample on-site parking at 123 Park Avenue. Wheelchair accessible parking on Wilson Place.

Monatiquot River Nature Trail, Braintree

This trail is short – only 0.11 miles – but it is also very scenic – extending through a woodland along the edge of the Monatiquot River, part of the Fore River watershed. It is tucked into an unusual spot -- off John Mahar Highway, between Shaw’s and Beth Israel Lahey Health. Park in the Shaw's Plaza, behind the grocery store, at 125 Pearl Street.

Savery Avenue Conservation Area, Carver

Savery Avenue was the first divided highway in the country. Today you can walk up and down its paved roadways, in the shade of tall pine trees, about 0.85-mile round trip. There is also a short woodland loop. It’s all part of the Weweantic River watershed. Limited roadside parking on Savery Ave. off Main Street.

Great Brewster Woods, Cohasset

At this varied property, a well-marked 1-mile trail descends into a wooded valley, past numerous rocky outcroppings, to the edge of a salt marsh. It is part of both the Gulf River and Little Harbor watersheds. There is parking for 2-3 vehicles at the end of Great Brewster Trail, off Highland Avenue, and additional parking, with a separate trailhead, at Cohasset Town Hall. 

Gifford Bog, Duxbury

The oldest working cranberry bog in Duxbury is now conservation land! Stop by and follow the flat, 0.73-mile perimeter loop trail around the bogs. A popular spot for birders, it is part of the Green Harbor River watershed. Limited roadside parking at 104 Temple Street.

Hanover Branch Rail Trail

This wide, paved, shady pathway follows a former railroad bed for about a half mile, with views of Cushing Brook and the Drinkwater River. It connects directly with the Rockland Rail Trail, which extends all the way to North Abington (3 miles). Both are wheelchair- and stroller-friendly. Limited on-site parking at 1409 Hanover Street (Route 139). 

Poor Meadow Brook Conservation Area, Hanson

This 115-acre property features a 1-mile, relatively flat trail through woods and wetlands, in two intersecting loops. There is also a short, wide, gravel trail from the parking area to the Shumatuscacant River. Limited on-site parking at 891 West Washington Street (Route 14).

Whortleberry Hollow, Hingham

Take a nature break at this small wooded property on Cushing Street, part of the Weir River watershed. A 0.4-mile trail leads in a loop past an old stone wall, over a small stream and into a beautiful grove of beech trees, with benches for quiet contemplation. Limited roadside parking on Cushing Street, across from the property sign and entrance trail.

Patuxet Park, Kingston

Enjoy a little bit of everything along the 0.6-mile trail that traverses this charming property in the Jones River watershed, with woods, open fields, freshwater wetlands, and views of Smelt Brook. It is named for the Patuxet, a band of the Wampanoag tribe who inhabited today’s Duxbury, Kingston and Plymouth. Limited roadside parking at the end of Basler's Lane, off Route 3A.

Couch Beach, Marshfield

The views of the North River are extraordinary at this 20-acre conservation parcel in Marshfield. Follow a wide trail for about 1/3 mile through a pine forest to a clearing with a sandy beach at the water’s edge. A shorter, narrower trail completes the loop. Access via Couch Memorial Cemetery, 629 Union Street. Look for the small paved parking area and trailhead about 2/3 of the way into the property, on the right. 

Miller Woods, Norwell

This 47-acre conservation parcel offers just over a mile of loop trails and boardwalks through forest and wetlands that flow to Second Herring Brook. In the woods, you’ll see glacial erratic boulders and several old stone walls. Limited on-site parking at 38 Forest Street.

Dixon Preserve at Hio Hill, Plymouth

If you’re up for the challenge, follow this sometimes-steep 0.85-mile loop trail up to the top of Hio Hill. The views of Cape Cod Bay make it well worth the trek! Limited roadside parking at 1210 Old Sandwich Road.

Rockland Town Forest

Enjoy boardwalks, woodland trails, and views of French’s Stream within this 43-acre treasure, part of the North River watershed. Limited on-site parking at 482 North Ave. 

Hubbell Preserve, Scituate

Located in a quiet corner of North Scituate, in the Gulf River watershed, this 40-acre wooded propertyoffers a 0.7-mile out-and-back trail with moss-covered rocky outcroppings and a few small stream crossings. Limited roadside parking near the entrance at 128 Indian Road.

House Rock Park, Weymouth

Stop by to see the enormous namesake rock, but also spend some time in the woods, where a 1/3-mile trail with a footbridge leads up and down some moderate hills through a pine and oak forest. Part of the Back River watershed, the 24-acre property also features a small playground. 4 parking spaces on House Rock Road. 

by Kezia Bacon

December 2024

 

Kezia Bacon's articles appear courtesy of the North and South Rivers Watershed Association, a local non-profit organization devoted to protecting our waters. For membership information and a copy of their latest newsletter, contact NSRWA at (781) 659-8168 or visit www.nsrwa.org. You will also find 27+ years of Kezia’s Nature columns there. For more information about the Explore South Shore 2024 Challenge, visit https://www.nsrwa.org/get-outdoors/2024-explore-south-shore/