12 Outdoor Ice Skating Spots

Getting ready to skate at the Ellis Nature Sanctuary in Marshfield!

As much as we may dislike the coldest days of winter, when the air temperatures drop below freezing and stay there, there is at least one upside. Pond skating! It can feel so liberating to lace up the skates and glide around a frozen lagoon. At least for me, it conjures vivid memories of my youth, when the neighborhood kids would gather at the cranberry bog behind our houses and spend the hour between school and dusk trying to emulate Dorothy Hamill or Bobby Orr. Need a breath of fresh air this winter, or a change in your workout routine? Consider pond skating to get your blood pumping a little faster. 

It takes a few days of deep freeze to render a pond or a lake safe for skating. The best policy is to wait until the ice is at least four inches thick. Even then, avoid flowing waterways, where the thickness of the ice is less consistent or predictable. Our local history books feature anecdotes about skating the length of the North River, but this is never a good idea. Even on lakes and ponds, be wary of spring holes or other inflows or outflows that could weaken the ice.

Some other important tips:

• Check the ice carefully. New ice is stronger than old ice. Clear, freshly formed ice is the safest outdoor place to skate.

• Remember that ice doesn’t freeze uniformly. Continue to assess its thickness as you venture out. Experts recommend using a chisel, augur or cordless drill to make test holes, plus a tape measure for accuracy.

• Be smart. Don’t go alone. Know how to respond to emergencies like falling through the ice. Review rescue techniques by scrolling down past the ice fishing info at https://www.mass.gov/news/learn-to-ice-fish

Below are 12 local ponds on public lands with convenient parking -- places where you might consider skating this winter.

• Jacobs Pond, Norwell - This 60-acre pond on Jacobs Lane is also popular for ice fishing. https://www.nsrwa.org/listing/jacobs-pond-conservation-area/

• Denham Pond, Hanover - This small woodland pond is accessible via a gravel road off Circuit Street. https://www.nsrwa.org/listing/denham-pond-park/

• Oldham Pond, Pembroke - You might have to share space with ice fishers at this 235-acre pond on Wampatuck Street. https://www.nsrwa.org/listing/oldham-pond-town-landing/

• Island Creek Pond, Duxbury - Drive right up to the 35-acre pond at this secluded woodland setting on Tobey Garden Street. https://www.nsrwa.org/listing/crooker-memorial-park-and-island-creek-pond/

• Ellis Nature Sanctuary, Marshfield - Look for the unmarked access road on Plain Street near Sandy Hill Drive, and then follow the short path through the woods to the small pond. https://www.nsrwa.org/listing/ellis-nature-sanctuary/

• Aaron River Reservoir at Wompatuck State Park, Hingham - Enter the park at Lazell Street, and then drive to the boat launch area for access to the reservoir. https://www.nsrwa.org/listing/wompatuck-state-park/

• Forge Pond, Hanover - Enter Forge Pond Park from King Street, and drive all the way to the back, to Parking Area E. From there, it’s a short walk to this medium-sized pond. https://www.nsrwa.org/listing/forge-pond-park/

• Furnace Pond, Pembroke - This 107-acre pond in a neighborhood setting is the perfect spot to lace up your skates. Access via Furnace Colony Drive. https://www.nsrwa.org/listing/furnace-pond-beach/

• Maquan Pond, Hanson - Turn onto Camp Kiwanee Road from Route 58 and soon you’ll arrive at Cranberry Cove, where there is direct access to the 48-acre pond. https://www.nsrwa.org/listing/maquan-pond-and-cranberry-cove/

• Indian Head Pond, Hanson - The access road (off Route 58) to this 121-acre pond is not easy to spot. Proceed down a long dirt road to the Marcus L. Urann Fisherman’s Landing for pond access. https://www.nsrwa.org/listing/indian-head-pond/

• Stetson Pond, Pembroke - This 93-acre pond on Plymouth Street offers an open setting, surrounded by woods, with plenty of parking. https://www.nsrwa.org/listing/stetson-pond-beach/

• Harding’s Pond, Whitman - This small pond at the intersection of Pine and Beal Streets features a row of benches for skate-lacing and spectating. https://www.nsrwa.org/listing/hardings-pond-conservation-area/

by Kezia Bacon

December 2019

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 20+ years of Kezia’s Nature columns there. 

10 Places to Walk Off Your Holiday Indulgences

A secluded trail, deep within the J. J. Shepherd Memorial Forest in Pembroke. Photo by Kezia Bacon.

Did you enjoy second helpings of the stuffing and the potatoes and the delicious brussels sprout casserole that your aunt made on Thanksgiving? Did you choose both the fudgy brownie and the gleaming slice of lemon meringue pie? How about all those local craft IPAs you just had to sample? Holiday meals often involve indulgence. And then we lean back in our chairs, loosen our waistbands, and pledge to do better tomorrow, before nodding off. But then the next day there’s the leftovers, and the following weekend the holiday parties begin. By the time the New Year arrives, we might be feeling the effects of all those tasty morsels. 

One way to counteract our indulgences, and the regret that sometimes accompanies them, is to get moving. Being active can restore energy levels and help to burn off all that delectable creamed spinach you devoured last night. Not sure where to go? Read on for ten scenic and invigorating walks within the watershed of the North and South Rivers. Visit our website for trail and parking information and other important details. 

A view from the Thompson Pond Trail in Abington. Photo by Kezia Bacon.

Thompson Pond Trail, Abington

When Union Point took over the South Weymouth Naval Air Station land, they worked with the Wildlands Trust to develop trails at the southern edge of the property. Now the public can access open space on both sides of what once were runways. In Abington, this is the Thompson Pond Trail system, about 1.9 miles through meadow and forest, on the banks of a large pond and along the west branch of French’s Stream.

https://www.nsrwa.org/listing/thompson-pond-trail/

A beautiful beech grove at the Twin Pond Trail system in Rockland. Photo by Kezia Bacon.

Twin Ponds Trail, Rockland

The Rockland side of the former South Weymouth Naval Air Station runways is now the Twin Ponds Trail system. More heavily wooded than Thompson Pond, this area offers another 1.9 miles of walking, with two different loops, plus two ponds and the east branch of French’s Stream.

https://www.nsrwa.org/listing/twin-ponds-trail/

One of many bridges in the Melzar Hatch Preserve in Hanover. Photo by Kezia Bacon.

Melzar Hatch Preserve, Hanover

Half of the loop trail on this property runs along the edge of athletic fields, but the other half extends through beautiful woods and wetlands, with numerous footbridges over Longwater Brook and the Drinkwater River. The trails are wide, and often flat, but sometimes heavily rooted.

https://www.nsrwa.org/listing/melzar-hatch-preserve/

This trail at the Alton J. Smith Reserve in Hanson runs around the perimeter of a retired cranberry bog.
Photo by Kezia Bacon.

Alton J. Smith Reserve, Hanson

This retired cranberry bog on Indian Head Pond is a great place to stretch your legs and observe some wildlife. Trails loop around the bogs and wetlands, with spurs that head off into the woods. Extend your walk by continuing to the J. J. Shepherd Memorial Forest, immediately adjacent.

https://www.nsrwa.org/listing/alton-j-smith-reserve/

Indian Head Pond, as viewed from the J. J. Shepherd Memorial Forest in Pembroke. Photo by Kezia Bacon.

J. J. Shepherd Memorial Forest, Pembroke

Continue past the athletic fields of this town-owned property, and into the woods. You’ll be stepping into a network of wide trails around a retired cranberry bog and along the banks of Indian Head Pond. Extend your visit by continuing to the Alton J. Smith Reserve, immediately adjacent.

https://www.nsrwa.org/listing/j-j-shepherd-memorial-forest/

A boardwalk at the edge of Phillips Brook, in the Lansing Bennett Forest in Duxbury. Photo by Kezia Bacon.

Lansing Bennett Forest, Duxbury

This large wooded property surrounds Phillips Brook, a tributary to the South River. A network of intersecting trails includes the occasional boardwalk or footbridge. Look for wild brook trout in the deep pools and covered edges of the brook. There is also an old millpond on site.

https://www.nsrwa.org/listing/lansing-bennett-forest/

A trail connecting Marshfield's Cornhill Woodland to thee North River salt marsh. Photo by Kezia Bacon.

Cornhill Woodland, Marshfield

Some call this property “the dog parcel” because its shape resembles a Scottie. A newly-installed kiosk in the parking area offers a review of the area’s agricultural history as well as detailed trail information. Check out the three loop trails, plus the occasional boardwalk over wetlands, all totaling about two miles. A spur leads to the salt marsh along the North River.

https://www.nsrwa.org/listing/cornhill-woodland/

Don't miss this observation platform at the edge of Herring River, at Driftway Conservation Park in Scituate.
Photo by Kezia Bacon.

Driftway Conservation Park, Scituate

It’s not immediately evident, when you enter from the parking area, that this property extends for quite a distance, through wetlands, meadow and woods, and onto the salt marsh. Continue along the banks of Herring River to the A. J. McEachern Trail sign. A color-coded network of paths -- some wide, some narrow -- offers access to a variety of habitats, and the viewing platform is one of the best around.

https://www.nsrwa.org/listing/driftway-conservation-park/

A new boardwalk under construction at the Hatch Lots Conservation Area in Norwell. Photo by Kezia Bacon.

Hatch Lots, Norwell

Historically this property was maintained as a woodlot. The forest is primarily beech now, with plenty of pine and oak, as well as some hemlock, holly and birch. There is an out-and-back trail of about 1 mile (each way) across an unnamed stream and through the woods, plus a loop adjacent to Burnt Plain Swamp, with a second loop still being developed.

https://www.nsrwa.org/listing/hatch-lots-conservation-area/

Wompatuck State Park in Hingham offers over 70 miles of paved and unpaved trails. Photo by Kezia Bacon.

Wompatuck State Park, Hingham 

With 3500 acres, and 70 miles of trails, Wompatuck has a lot to offer. Using the official trail map for guidance, try this 3.8-mile loop. From the Visitor’s Center, proceed to N2, then N11, N16 and N25. Continue to N31, then C8 and C7. From there, proceed to N33 and N32, and then return to the Visitor’s Center via N14. This loop trail is mostly unpaved and wooded, although some sections involve pavement. It’s a great introduction to the park! https://www.nsrwa.org/listing/wompatuck-state-park/

by Kezia Bacon

November 2019

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 20+ years of Kezia’s Nature columns there.