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/
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