Happy New Year from Explore South Shore! Every January, I highlight new places in our area where the public can enjoy the outdoors. Some opened recently, some have been renovated, and some aren’t new at all – just new to me! It’s so exciting to know that after 30 years writing this column, I’m still finding different spots to share! Isn’t it wonderful how our local towns have chosen to prioritize the protection of open space?
The article below features twelve places to explore, along with some basic information about location and access. Want to learn more? Visit the Get Outdoors section of NSRWA’s website, where you’ll find detailed information about 500 places we think are worth a look.
Would you enjoy a daily suggestion for a local place to enjoy the outdoors? Follow “That’s My Watershed!” our Explore South Shore program for 2026. 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! Want to win a prize? Know what watershed you live in. When we feature your watershed in our monthly contest, post the comment “That’s My Watershed!” and you’ll automatically be entered for a chance to win.
Monatiquot River Walkway, Braintree
This is my favorite new property for 2026! Why? Because it’s the result of a 20+ year restoration project that has brought the Monatiquot River out of the shadows and into the public eye! Located at the intersection of Plain and Hancock Streets, this ADA-compliant, 0.33-mile trail and boardwalk extends past the sites of the former Armstrong and Ames Dams, to a scenic spot with a viewing platform. It’s beautiful and inspiring! Ample on-site parking at Armstrong Park, at the corner of Plain and Hancock Streets, Braintree.
Middle Street Monatiquot Loop Trail, Braintree
That’s right, this article includes two different spots to admire the Monatiquot River! This 6-acre property features a 0.3-mile, ADA-compliant loop trail through a hardwood forest dotted with glacial erratic boulders. Enjoy a short walk with views of the river. Roadside parking for 6 vehicles at 41 Middle Street, Braintree.
Salt Marsh Trail at Sailors Home Cemetery, Quincy
This 0.6-mile walking loop that extends through light forest, past a small US Navy cemetery, through a grassy clearing, and along the edge of a salt marsh overlooking Black’s Creek. Surprisingly close to Quincy Shore Drive, it’s a treasure! Small parking area on Fenno Street, Quincy.
Lovell’s Grove Park, Weymouth
Situated at the foot of the Fore River Bridge, this small grassy park offers striking views of the Fore River, along with 0.5 miles of paved trails and a launching spot for canoes and kayaks. Ever wondered what it’s like underneath the landmark Fore River Bridge? Visit this historic spot and find out! On-site parking for 18 vehicles at 1 Bridge Street, Weymouth.
McKenna Marsh Conservation Area, Hingham
I missed an important feature on my first visit to this 100-acre property. What I thought was a 1-mile out-and-back trail is actually a loop! If you park at the trailhead at 130 Scotland Street, you can follow a 2-mile loop trail through woodlands and along the edge of a freshwater marsh, with a brief foray into Norwell Water Department land. There are also two spots to view Accord Brook, a tributary to the Weir River, a side trail to the Wanders Drive neighborhood, and a small meadow.
Jacobs Homestead Trail, Norwell
Extending along the edge of Jacobs Pond, past old stone walls and agricultural fields, this 0.3-mile trailoffers water views and the opportunity to contemplate earlier days at the Joshua Jacobs Homestead. Third Herring Brook flows through the pond and forms the Norwell-Hanover town line along its course to the North River. Ample on-site parking at 81 Jacobs Lane, Norwell (shared with Jacobs Pond Conservation Area).
Hobart Pond + Little Comfort Park, Whitman
This is another example of me missing some key features on my first visit. Hobart Pond in Whitman offers not one, but two small grassy parks, one on each side of the pond. Closer to the VFW, Little Comfort Historical Park is a grassy area with some picnic tables and a nature trail that extends for 0.3 miles along the edge of the pond. On the other side, near Colebrook Boulevard, there is a 1/3-mile paved walking trail. The two trails create a pleasant 0.6-mile loop. Ample on-site parking at 100 Essex Street, Whitman.
Philip Clemons Conservation Area, Hanson
Enjoy a half-mile walk through the woods at this new, 26-acre property, which was dedicated in 2025 to a longtime member and chair of the Hanson Conservation Commission. Other features include two stream crossings and distant views of Oldham Pond, which is a headwater to Herring Brook and the North River. Limited roadside parking on Lakeside Road, near Lakeside Terrace in Hanson. Look for the trailhead and informational kiosk.
Pratt Farm, Marshfield
This property isn’t new, but the 2025 completion of a loop trail connecting it to Marshfield’s Rail Trail and Bridle Path makes it even more inviting than before! Visitors can now enjoy a pleasant stroll through woodlands that border the South River and Zenas Brook, then head north for a brief jaunt on the rail trail, and then circle back along South River Street, through a clearing, before rejoining the main trail. On-site parking at 85 Willow Street, Marshfield.
Calista Farm, Kingston
Here’s another new discovery for me that’s not-so-new. Stop by this 10-acre conservation parcel to enjoy the 0.36-mile loop trail that leads downhill, along the edge of a meadow, and through a small woodland, with views of the Jones River’s salt marshes and wetlands. Limited on-site parking at 10 Elder Avenue, Kingston.
Blackwater Memorial Forest, Kingston
Now’s the time to visit this recently-renovated 46-acre property! Take a stroll along the 0.7-mile loop trail and admire the results of the 2025 restoration project that removed obsolete cranberry farming infrastructure and reconnected Sampson’s Brook, a headwater to the Jones River. On-site parking at 26 Winthrop Street, Kingston.
Whispering Woods Conservation Area, Plymouth
This quiet, 34-acre property on the Plymouth/Bourne line is a great spot for a short walk. A 1-mile trail meanders through the forest, up and down moderate hills, and includes a vista overlooking an adjacent farm. It’s situated in the Great Herring Pond watershed. Two-vehicle parking area on Sandy Pond Road, just before Sol Joseph Road.
If you enjoy the outdoors, be sure to check out NSRWA’s Explore South Shore. Every morning, we highlight one of the region’s best nature places on Facebook and Instagram. Not on social media? We’ve listed all the locations on our website as well!
by Kezia Bacon
January 2026
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 thirty years of Kezia’s Nature columns there. For more information about the “That’s My Watershed!” Contest, visit https://www.nsrwa.org/2026-nsrwa-explore-south-shore-thats-my-watershed-contest-rules/
