Our Smaller State Parks: 15 Local Adventures

If you live on the South Shore, chances are you’ve been to Wompatuck State Park -- 3500+ acres of woods, wetlands, meadows, and waterways that extend across Hingham, Cohasset, Norwell and Scituate. Its campsites, fishing areas, and numerous trails make it an inviting place to visit at any time of year. 

Perhaps you’re also aware of other state-owned lands nearby, such as the 26.5-acre Nantasket Beach Reservation, the 700-acre Ames Nowell State Park, the 7,000-acre Blue Hills Reservation, and the 12,400-acre Myles Standish State Forest. In terms of land mass, these five properties make up the majority of our local state park acreage. But they’re really just the tip of the iceberg.

 

Ready to expand your horizons and explore some of the commonwealth’s smaller, lesser-known properties? You’re in for a treat! Use the overview below to plan your next adventure. For more information, consult the detailed listings we’ve prepared for each locale in the Get Outdoors section of our website. 

Myles Standish Monument State Reservation

Duxbury

While the driveway and tower at the 28-acre Myles Standish Monument State Reservation are only open seasonally, you can hike up Captain’s Hill anytime to explore this 28-acre property overlooking Kingston Bay. Located on Crescent Street, with limited on-site parking.

Creedon Memorial Park

Stodder's Neck

Hingham

Located on the Back River in the Hingham Shipyard development, the tiny Creedon Memorial Parkoffers expansive views and historical context. Enjoy the breeze while learning about Hingham’s role in WWII. On-site parking at 192 HMS Halsted Drive. Just around the corner, part of the Back River Reservation, is Stodder’s Neck – 23 waterfront acres with river views. Very popular with dog walkers, it has a large on-site parking lot at 457 Lincoln Street (Route 3A).

Fort Revere Park

Hull

Located atop Telegraph Hill with a spectacular view of Boston Harbor, the 8.9-acre Fort Revere Park is a fascinating place to explore. With the remains of a US military fortification as its centerpiece, the property features a water tower, a small museum, and a picnic area. Limited on-site parking at 60 Farina Road. 

 

National Monument to the Forefathers

Pilgrim Memorial State Park

Ellisville Harbor State Park

Plymouth

The largest freestanding solid-granite monument in the United States stands atop Allerton Hill, overlooking Plymouth Harbor. The National Monument to the Forefathers is located at 72 Allerton Street, with ample parking. Pilgrim Memorial State Park is just down the road, on the waterfront, with concrete trails and the iconic Plymouth Rock. On-site parking at 79 Water Street, with no fee from December through March. Or head to South Plymouth, where Ellisville Harbor State Park offers a half-mile trail with views of Cape Cod Bay. Large on-site parking lot at 1861 State Road.

Caddy Memorial Park

Quincy Quarries Reservation

Squantum Point Park

Neponset Landing Park

Moswetuset Hummock

Quincy

Quincy Shores Reservation spreads across several different properties, including Wollaston Beach and Caddy Memorial Park, a tree-shaded playground with views of the salt marshes along Black’s Creek (Quincy Shore Drive). The city’s southwestern corner is home to the intriguing Quincy Quarries Reservation (Ricciuti Drive), where you can hike up and around giant outcroppings of granite. Or head to Squantum to enjoy views of the Neponset River at Squantum Point Park (552 Victory Road) and Neponset Landing Park (2 Hancock Street). And don’t miss Moswetuset Hummock, a small historic property with stunning views (440 E Squantum Street).

Cushing Memorial State Park

Scituate

“Wait, what? There’s a state park in Scituate?” Yes indeed! Two short trails and views of a North River salt marsh enhance the appeal of Cushing Memorial State Park, the 4.8-acre burial site of an early US Supreme Court Justice. On-site parking at the end of Cushing Park Road.

Webb Memorial State Park

Abigail Adams Park

Weymouth

Situated on a peninsula between the Fore and Back Rivers, the 36-acre Webb Memorial State Parkoffers a mile of easy, stroller-friendly walking trails and breathtaking views. Ample on-site parking at 361 River Street. Nearby, the 7.6-acre Abigail Adams Park features a 0.7-mile paved trail with additional Back River views. Ample on-site parking at 770 Bridge Street.

 

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!

https://www.nsrwa.org/get-outdoors/explore-south-shore-2025/

by Kezia Bacon

 

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 “Where in the Watershed?”/Postcards from the ‘Shed Contest, visit https://www.nsrwa.org/2025-nsrwa-explore-south-shore-contest-rules/

 

Forest Walk + Brunch: 12 Local Pairings

 Ah, the weekend! Saturdays and Sundays mean different things to different people. Some are heading to work. Some are spending quality time on their children’s athletic fields. Some are sleeping in, or seeing where the day takes them. The possibilities are endless! For some, weekends are all about brunch. 

Do you know what pairs well with a long, lingering midday meal? A walk in the woods! Whether you’re building your appetite in advance, or burning excess calories after an indulgence, consider the 12 walks and brunches listed below. Detailed descriptions of each walking locale can be found in the Get Outdoors section of our website. Brunch suggestions are provided by NSRWA staff and volunteers.

 

Please bear in mind that autumn is game bird and deer hunting season in Massachusetts. If you’re planning to explore a forest trail, we recommend confirming the property’s hunting regulations in advance, and wearing blaze orange where hunting is allowed. Convenient for brunch pairings, hunting is prohibited on Sundays statewide.

Abington: Get to know the Thompson Pond Trail, located in a quiet corner of the former South Weymouth Naval Air Station. A 1.9-mile pathway extends through meadow and forest, offering views of Thompson Pond and the west branch of French’s Stream, a tributary to the North River. Limited on-site parking on Spruce Street in Rockland. For brunch nearby, check out Yaz's Table at 1209 Bedford Street.

Cohasset: Stop by Great Brewster Woods, a varied, 26-acre property with rocky outcroppings and views of Little Harbor. Its well-marked 1-mile trail descends into a valley beside a salt marsh. Look for the informational kiosk at the trailhead. Parking for 2-3 vehicles at the end of Great Brewster Trail, off Highland Avenue. Additional parking with separate trailhead at Cohasset Town Hall. For brunch, head down into Cohasset Village to 5 South Main.

Duxbury: The Knapp Town Forest and its adjacent open spaces provide various opportunities for walks of any length. Within the forest, check out the Green’s Harbor Path & Kettle Hole Loop, a 2-mile loop in the Bluefish River watershed that incorporates a pre-Colonial path. Park and look for the kiosk and trailhead behind First Parish Church at 842 Tremont Street. No hunting. For brunch, enjoy Oysterman down the road at 30 Railroad Ave.

Hanover: Explore 130 acres around Iron Mine Brook on the 3.6-mile Folly Hill & Bog Iron Trails, which wind through forests, water protection facilities, and retired cranberry bogs, with the occasional footbridge. There are numerous access points with parking, including the Water Department land on Broadway, the Lutheran Church on Rockland Street, and the Hanover Police Station. No hunting. For brunch, consider Crossroads around the corner at 216 Rockland Street.

Hanson: The Indian Crossway Conservation Area features a trail that extends through the woods, to the edge of the Great Cedar Swamp, and into the northern part of the Burrage Pond Wildlife Management Area. Look for the parking area and trailhead toward the end of Crooker Place, immediately after the railroad track. For brunch, visit Mo’s Place, around the corner at 1357 Main Street.

Hingham: The 100-acre McKenna Marsh Conservation Area offers a 1-mile trail through woodlands to a bridge over Accord Brook and along the edge of a freshwater marsh. A property sign on Scotland Street marks the trailhead, with limited roadside parking. For brunch, check out Strawberry Fair, just up the road at 14 Pond Street in Norwell.

Hull: Forests are scarce on the sandy peninsula of Hull, so make note of Weir River Woods. This charming property in the Rockaway Annex neighborhood offers a mile of intersecting trails with beautiful views of the Weir River and its estuary. Limited on-site parking in a small lot on Chatham Street. For brunch, consider Toast, not far away at 121 Nantasket Ave.

 

Kingston: Blackwater Memorial Forest recently reopened, after a successful ecological restoration that re-established the headwaters of Sampson’s Brook! Stop by this 46-acre property in the Jones River watershed and explore the 0.7-mile loop trail. Limited on-site parking at 26 Winthrop Street. For brunch, visit the Early Bird, not far away at 28 Main Street.

Marshfield: Get your heart pumping with a hike on the hilly trails of Pudding Hill Reservation, a 37-acre Wildlands Trust property. Its 1.6 miles of forest pathways lead up and down a hill that overlooks Veterans Memorial Park and the South River. Prefer a shorter walk? Take a stroll on the grassy trail beside Chandler’s Pond. Limited on-site parking at 145 Pudding Hill Lane, Marshfield. No hunting. For brunch, consider the Corner Café, just down the road at 2000 Ocean Street. 

Norwell: If you’re looking for a place for a long, lovely walk, you can’t go wrong with the Norris Reservation. This gorgeous 129-acre Trustees property on the North River and Second Herring Brook offers 2.4 miles of trails, plus a boat house with water views. Limited on-site parking. Look for the parking lot at 18 Dover Street, across from the Norwell Post Office. No hunting. For brunch, consider Cheever Tavern and the Tinker’s Son, both within walking distance in Norwell Center. 

Pembroke: Treat yourself to a walk at the Tucker Preserve, a 78-acre Wildlands Trust property with a looping network of trails through the woods and across two streams, with several captivating views of the Indian Head River. Limited parking at Ludden's Ford Park in Pembroke. No hunting. For brunch, check out the long-lived Omelet Factory, not far away at 24 Schoosett Street.

Scituate: Enjoy 2 miles of well-marked, intersecting trails through the woods and around Deke’s Pond at the Ellis Estate, which is part of the Gulf River watershed. Main parking lot at 709 Country Way, with additional parking along the driveway. For brunch, consider The Galley at 95 Front Street in Scituate Harbor.

 

If you enjoy the outdoors, be sure to check out our Explore South Shore program for 2025. Every morning, we highlight one of the region’s best nature places on Facebook and Instagram. Every Sunday, we feature a short walk. Not on social media? We’ve listed all the locations on our website as well! 

 

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 “Where in the Watershed?”/Postcards from the ‘Shed Contest, visit https://www.nsrwa.org/2025-nsrwa-explore-south-shore-contest-rules/