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/

20 Nature Trails with Boardwalks

Earlier this year, I received a message from a reader looking for trails with boardwalks. While perusing the Get Outdoors section of NSRWA’s website, she found herself wondering which among the 200 properties listed in the hiking category might fit the bill. 

 

Boardwalks are appealing for a number of reasons. They provide pedestrian access to marshes, freshwater wetlands, swamps, and other lowland areas, enabling us to experience these spots without harming their resident plants and animals. They offer a refreshing change of perspective – helping us to see what otherwise we might miss. They also keep our feet dry, and make the natural world more accessible to wheelchair and stroller users. And they’re just fun to explore! I’ve noticed that kids especially enjoy boardwalks. 

 

Below you’ll find a list with just some of the local nature preserves with boardwalks. I hope you’ll check them out. I also encourage you to follow NSRWA’s “365 Nature Places to Know,” our Explore South Shore program for 2024. Every weekend, we highlight two of the region’s best walking places on Facebook and Instagram. Not on social media? We’ve included all the locations on our website as well! 

John Little Conservation Area, Marshfield

This 75-acre property features a 1.5-mile trail through pasture, forest, and salt marsh, with old stone walls and cart paths offering glimpses of its agricultural past. At the end, a long, elevated boardwalk extends across the marsh to the North River. Limited on-site parking at 905 Union Street. More boardwalks nearby at Cornhill Woodland, down the road between 1087 and 1147 Union Street.

Willow Brook Farm Preserve, Pembroke

Located at the confluence of Pudding and Herring Brooks, this 167-acre Wildlands Trust propertyfeatures 3 miles of walking trails through uplands and wetlands, with several sections of boardwalk. Limited on-site parking at 99 Barker Street. Note: renovations on site may result in temporary trail closures. For up-to-date information and real time trail conditions, visit wildlandstrust.org/trails. For more boardwalks, also check out the Wildlands Trust’s Brockton Audubon preserve.

Pratt Farm, Marshfield

Enjoy views of both the South River and Zenas Brook at this 34-acre property near the town center. Its half-mile of trails features bridges and small sections of boardwalk. Limited on-site parking at 85 Willow Street.

Cato’s Ridge, Plympton

Treat yourself to a walk in this 105-acre property! The 600-foot boardwalk along Jones River Brook is just one of many highlights along the 2-mile network of woodland trails. Small on-site parking lot at 81 Main Street. For more boardwalks, visit Two Brooks Preserve nearby.

Daniel Webster Wildlife Sanctuary, Marshfield

Boardwalks abound at this 578-acre Mass Audubon property. While exploring the 3.5 miles of trails, you’ll experience a variety of habitats, including grasslands, red cedar swamp, and upland forest. Don’t miss the River Loop, with its extraordinary views of the Green Harbor River. Limited on-site parking at the end of Winslow Cemetery Road. Also check out Audubon’s North River Wildlife Sanctuary, across town at 2000 Main Street.

Norris Reservation, Norwell

Extensive boardwalks are also a feature along the 2.4 miles of trails at this 129-acre Trustees property. In particular, check out the Gordon Pond Trail, which features close-up views of Second Herring Brook. Limited on-site parking on Dover Street, across from the Norwell Post Office. For more, stop by Miller Woods, just around the corner on Forest Street, or consider the middle section of the Norwell Pathway, between the Middle School and Donovan Field.

Colby Phillips Trails, Hanover

Entering from Whiting Street, this property’s trail network actually begins with a boardwalk! Continue for 3 miles on trails through woods and wetlands through this diverse and inviting 147-acre property on Cushing Brook. Park at Hanover Middle School, then cross Whiting Street to the well-marked trailhead. Also check out the boardwalks along the Hanover Senior Center trails at 665 Center Street.

Lansing Bennett Forest, Duxbury

This sprawling property on Phillips Brook features 2.8 miles of intersecting trails through forest and red maple swamp, with occasional boardwalks. Don’t miss the blue trail loop, where you’ll find remnants of Howlands Mill and an old trout hatchery. Limited roadside parking along Union Bridge Road and Franklin Street.

Smith-Nawazelski Conservation Area, Hanson

A big highlight of this large expanse of woods and wetlands is all the way to the rear of the 101-acre property, where a rustic boardwalk crosses Poor Meadow Brook. It’s worth the walk! Limited on-site parking at 482 Elm Street. In Hanson, also enjoy the new boardwalks on the Bonney Hill Trail, accessible from Pierce Road.

Great Pond Trail, Weymouth

This Weymouth trail extends for 1 quiet mile through the woods and along the shore of Great Pond, with beautiful water views. There are trailheads with ample parking at both Gifford Playground and at Negus Park. The boardwalk is on the Gifford side. Please note that dogs are prohibited from this property, in order to protect the town’s public water supply.

Hathaway Preserve, Kingston

This 77-acre property on Spring Brook and the Jones River offers 2 miles of trails, four bridges and a boardwalk. The entrance is on the northern side of Wapping Road (Route 106) along a line of cedar trees just north and west of the cranberry bogs. Follow the dirt road over the hill and then look for the parking area. Another spot with a boardwalk nearby is the Cranberry Watershed Preserve, at 54 Lake Street.

by Kezia Bacon

November 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/

13 Spooky Places to Go for a Walk

 September had barely begun when Halloween decorations started appearing in my neighborhood. Towering skeletons, witches perched in mid-air, giant spiders climbing walls and windows... all sorts of fun, creepy stuff. This got me thinking: might this fondness for the spooky carry over into nature walks?

 Over the past five years, I’ve surveyed over 200 walking places on the South Shore. While there are plenty of similarities among our various parks and nature preserves, I’ve found that each has its own distinctive vibe. Some are quiet, some are busy, some are family-friendly, some are not. This October, I’d like to highlight the spooky ones.

 

What makes a nature preserve spooky? This too varies from place to place. Shady trails and minimal sunshine... Dark paths that skirt swamps... Crumbling ruins of factories and military installations... Toppled chimneys, rusted freight cars, and other vestiges of days gone by... Properties purported to be haunted... And of course, cemeteries. If – like me – you find spooky places fascinating, I encourage you to plan some walks at the spots listed below. 

 

Or join NSRWA for a group Spooky Walk on Sunday, October 27 at Couch Beach in Marshfield. You’ll find registration info on the events page of our website.

 

I also encourage you to follow NSRWA’s “365 Nature Places to Know,” our Explore South Shore program for 2024. Every weekend, we highlight two of the region’s best walking places on Facebook and Instagram. Not on social media? We’ve listed all the locations on our website as well! 

Fort Revere Park, Hull

Officially fortified during the Revolutionary War, this hilltop overlooking Boston Harbor also served as a prison for French soldiers, many of whom died from smallpox and were buried on site. Local lore claims that the fort – which continued to be used off and on until 1947 -- is haunted. Now maintained as a historic site, it’s a compelling spot to explore. Limited on-site parking at 60 Farina Road.

Turkey Hill, Hingham and Cohasset

A 62-acre property managed by both The Trustees and the Cohasset Conservation Trust, Turkey Hill was the site of an anti-missile radar control station (NIKE) during the Cold War. A half-mile trail at the top of the hill leads past a cinderblock building that was once part of the station. It also offers spectacular views of the Boston skyline and the Harbor Islands. There are parking areas on both Route 3A and Turkey Hill Lane.

Hatch Lots, Norwell

These 44 acres of historic woodlots contain two miles of walking trails through forest and wetlands, with a few small footbridges. Perched at the edge of Burnt Plain Swamp, the property can have a spooky vibe, especially on a damp or overcast day. Limited on-site parking at 510 Grove Street.

Rocky Run, Hanson

This 19-acre property -- located directly on the Indian Head River and Rocky Run Brook – offers more than a mile of trails with captivating views. It’s home to the lowest elevation in the Town of Hanson, at the foot of steep bedrock cliffs. Mossy and shaded with hemlock trees, it’s an intriguing spot – a dark, cool valley with historical significance. Limited on-site parking beside the State Street Bridge.

 

Ludden’s Ford Park, Pembroke

It’s hard to imagine now, but in the 1890’s, a sprawling rubber reclamation plant stood at this spot, on both sides of the Indian Head River. It’s long-gone now, but if you follow the trail into the woods, you’ll soon observe some ragged remains of the factory complex. Crumbling and covered with graffiti, they stand in stark contrast to the beautiful scenery. Ample on-site parking at 418 Elm Street.

Old Rockland Fireworks Loop Trail

Similar to Ludden’s Ford, the trails on this property offer views of graffiti-covered ruins, vestiges of the area’s industrial past. From Forge Pond Park in Hanover, follow the Clark Bog Trail from Parking Area C, heading away from King Street. The Old Rockland Fireworks Loop begins just beyond the metal gate.

Chapman’s Landing and Iron Mine Brook Trails, Hanover

Totaling about 2 miles, the Chapman’s Landing and Iron Mine Brook Trails traverse 50 acres on the Indian Head and North Rivers. Deep within the Iron Mine Brook section of the trail system, you’ll find a stretch of the former Hanover Branch Railroad, with some old freight containers at its side. Ample on-site parking at the end of Indian Head Drive.

Bonney Hill Trail, Hanson

Also known as The Last Meadows, this 1-mile woodland trail traverses the grounds of what was once the Plymouth County Hospital. Short spur trails reveal remains of hospital facilities, as well as the hearth and chimney of what was once a family home. Large parking area at 53 Pierce Ave. 

Folly Hill & Bog Iron Trails, Hanover

Iron Mine Brook runs through this property, which includes 3.6 miles of trails across 130 acres. In the woods in the western corner of the property, look for a fallen chimney, the last remains of a long-vanished house. Access and roadside parking at the Water Department land on Broadway.

 

Eaton’s Pond Conservation Area, Braintree

This 100-acre property features 2 miles of woodland trails around a pond and through a former granite quarry, with views of Hayward Creek. There’s a boardwalk, some mossy outcroppings of rock, and shadowy tree-lined ledges. Park on Bower Road extension, near the Eaton's Pond Area property sign.

Mayflower Cemetery, Duxbury

Mayflower Cemetery is a beautiful, tree-filled place with about 2 miles of paved roadways ... a great spot for a walk! But it’s still a cemetery, with crypts and gravestones dating back to 1787. Especially on a gloomy day, it can feel quite spooky! Limited on-site parking at 774 Tremont Street.

Burial Hill, Plymouth

Established in 1622, and located on a hill directly behind Plymouth Harbor, this is a fascinating place to explore. Follow the winding paths and check out the ancient gravestones, many of which are carved with skulls and ghoulish figures. Located at 12 Church Street. Metered parking on adjacent streets and in municipal lots nearby.

Historic Winslow House, Marshfield

This historic home was built in 1699 for Isaac Winslow, the third generation of Marshfield’s founding family... and some say it’s haunted. In the summer, you can tour the interior, where unusual sounds and sensations are often attributed to the spirit of Penelope Winslow, Isaac’s mother. Year-round, you can walk the loop trail behind the building (which connects to the adjacent Hoyt-Hall Preserve), and contemplate the mysteries within. Limited on-site parking at 634 Careswell Street.

by Kezia Bacon

October 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/