Nature Walks in Marshfield: 18 Places to Explore

A trail across a wetland at the Hoyt-Hall Preserve.

This month NSRWA features the town of Marshfield in its “50 Places to Explore” contest. With its many beaches and parks, as well as the walking spots featured here, Marshfield offers an extraordinary array of places to enjoy the natural world. You could visit a different property each day during the month of June and not get to them all! This list begins with some of the lesser-known properties. 

Note: At press time, Mass Audubon’s gorgeous North River Wildlife Sanctuary (Main Street) was closed due to the coronavirus pandemic. We eagerly anticipate its reopening.

Furnace Brook Watershed

Marshfield’s first major conservation acquisition is also among its least-known. Furnace Brook runs through these 287 forested acres, located between Forest, Pine, School and Main Streets. There are trailheads on each of those roads, and a network of walking paths within the property, but no official parking area. Visit https://www.nsrwa.org/listing/furnace-brook-watershed/

Ferry Hill Thicket

Another early acquisition, and also one of Marshfield’s smallest conservation areas, this 6-acre parcel where birds often congregate offers a half-mile walk through woodland and thicket. Look for the property sign on Ferry Hill Road, where there is room for one car to pull over and park. Visit https://www.nsrwa.org/listing/ferry-hill-thicket/

Coast Guard Hill

Right next to the Marshfield Recreation Department’s Ferry Street headquarters, is a trail that leads to the top of this historic 40-acre hill. The views of Humarock and the South River are amazing! Limited on-site parking. Visit https://www.nsrwa.org/listing/coast-guard-hill/

Pudding Hill Reservation

Another hill-with-a-view, this wooded 37-acre Wildlands Trust property abuts Chandler Pond. Climb to the top for a bird’s eye view of Veterans Memorial Park and the South River. Limited on-site parking on Pudding Hill Lane. Visit https://www.nsrwa.org/listing/pudding-hill-reservation/

Ellis Nature Sanctuary

Not far from Pudding Hill, this conservation area and former cranberry bog features a short loop trail around a pond within 27 acres of woods and wetlands. Small on-site parking area -- look for the unmarked driveway on Plain Street, at the Sandy Hill Drive intersection. Visit https://www.nsrwa.org/listing/ellis-nature-sanctuary/

Rexhame Dunes

Marshfield’s town beach has a secret! From the parking area (sticker or fee required in season) walk away from the ocean to find a lesser-known network of trails that extends through the sand dunes, along the South River, and over to Humarock. Visit https://www.nsrwa.org/listing/rexhame-beach/

Daniel Webster Wildlife Sanctuary

In 1832, renowned statesman Daniel Webster established a vast agricultural estate on the banks of the Green Harbor River; this 578-acre Mass Audubon property was part of it. The trails lead through meadow, marsh, and swamp, with two bridges and numerous boardwalks. The pavilion at Fox Hill is a prime spot for wildlife viewing. Limited on-site parking at the end of Winslow Cemetery Road. Visit: https://www.nsrwa.org/listing/daniel-webster-wildlife-sanctuary/

Webster’s Wilderness

These 130 acres of conservation land were also part of Daniel Webster’s estate. In contrast to the Audubon sanctuary, this property is heavily wooded, with some vernal pools and marshes, plus views of Wharf Creek. Park at Wheeler Athletic Complex on Webster Street. Visit https://www.nsrwa.org/listing/websters-wilderness/

Wharf Creek Conservation Area

Not far downstream from Webster’s Wilderness is another town-owned property, the 122-acre Wharf Creek Conservation Area. There are two short trails from two different access points; both lead through forest and thicket to the water’s edge. 

Roadside parking on Calypso Lane. Pedestrian access from Dyke Road, across from the Green Harbor Yacht Club. Visit: https://www.nsrwa.org/listing/wharf-creek-conservation-area/

Hoyt Hall Preserve

A newer property, this 123-acre Wildlands Trust preserve features a loop trail around Long Tom Pond, plus a spur to the Historic Winslow House. Limited on-site parking on Careswell Street, across from Colby Hewitt Lane. Visit https://www.nsrwa.org/listing/hoyt-hall-preserve/

Bridle Path and Rail Trail

Extending for 3 miles from the town center to the Pinehurst neighborhood, this former Old Colony Railroad route features a wide, flat trail. The terrain is mostly wooded, with some meadows and gravel pits along the way, plus glimpses of such landmarks as the Marshfield Fairgrounds. Don’t miss the Francis Keville Bridge on the South River. Limited on-site parking on Ferry Street or in Library Plaza (follow the crosswalks to the trailhead between CVS and Dandelion Park). Visit https://www.nsrwa.org/listing/bridle-trail-and-rail-trail/

Carolina Hill Reservation

A section of the Bridle Path extends along the edge of Carolina Hill Reservation, Marshfield’s largest conservation property, known to some as The High T’s. A network of well-established (but unmarked) trails traverses the summit and slopes of this 775-acre hill. Park on Ferry Street at the Bridle Path, or at the small on-site parking area on Main Street, across from Old Main. Visit: https://www.nsrwa.org/listing/carolina-hill-reservation/

Pratt Farm

Accessible from the Rail Trail, these 37 acres of town-owned former farmland feature a short trail through woods and wetlands, with views of Zenas Brook. Small on-site parking area on Willow Street. Visit https://www.nsrwa.org/listing/pratt-farm/

Nelson Memorial Forest / Union Street Woodland / Phillips Farm Preserve

These three properties on Rogers Hill in North Marshfield were once a prosperous farm. With over 260 acres total, there is plenty to explore. A small parking lot on Union Street (near Hunter Drive) provides access to a network of trails that lead through the woods, with views of the North River and Cove Creek. Visit https://www.nsrwa.org/listing/nelson-memorial-forest/

Cornhill Woodland

Another large conservation property on Union Street is the 123-acre Cornhill Woodland. Follow trails and boardwalks through woods and wetlands to the marsh at the edge of the North River. Small on-site parking lot on Union, near Short Street. Visit https://www.nsrwa.org/listing/cornhill-woodland/

John Little Conservation Area

Continuing on Union Street heading south, you’ll find this diverse and historic 75-acre property. From the small on-site parking area, walk across the pasture into the woods. You’ll cross a brook or two, and eventually work your way down the side of a hill to the North River. A long boardwalk extends through the salt marsh to the edge of the river, where the views are often breathtaking. Visit: https://www.nsrwa.org/listing/john-little-conservation-area/

Couch Beach

Farther down Union Street is Couch Memorial Cemetery, and directly behind the cemetery is the 20-acre town-owned Couch Beach. There are two trailheads -- one toward the rear of the cemetery (look for a large metal gate), and one at the very back. Both lead through a pine forest to the North River, where there is a small sandy beach and some beautiful views of extensive salt marsh. Limited on-site parking near the trailhead gate. Visit https://www.nsrwa.org/listing/couch-beach/

Two Mile Farm / Jose Carreiro Woodland

Still on Union Street, these two adjacent properties combine to provide 79 acres of woodland and trails on a hillside within the river valley. There are views of the North River and its marshes, and some steep elevations. Limited on-site parking on Union Street just south of Pine Street, and in the cul de sac at the end of Maryland Street. Visit https://www.nsrwa.org/listing/jose-carreiro-woodland/ and https://www.nsrwa.org/listing/two-mile-farm/

by Kezia Bacon

June 2020

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. For more information about the 50 Places to Explore Contest,” visit https://www.nsrwa.org/get-outdoors/enter-the-nsrwa-50-places-to-explore-contest/  

Nature Walks in Duxbury: 12 Places to Explore

This month the North and South Rivers Watershed Association is featuring the town of Duxbury in its “50 Places to Explore” contest. During this prolonged time of Social Distancing, we encourage the public to visit conservation lands and other open space areas. While a few of my favorite properties are presently closed or restricted due to the coronavirus pandemic, there are still plenty I can recommend.

Lansing Bennett Forest

You may know this 344-acre Duxbury Conservation parcel as Trout Farm. It was given a new name to honor the late Dr. Lansing Bennett, who served as chair of the Conservation Commission for 10 years and helped to develop a greenbelt plan for the town. In earlier days, it was the site of a box mill and later a trout farm. Phillips Brook, a tributary to the South River, flows through the eastern side of the property. There are several intersecting trails through the woods, some with steep sections, plus occasional boardwalks and footbridges. Limited roadside parking on Union Bridge Road. Visit: https://www.nsrwa.org/listing/lansing-bennett-forest/

Thaddeus Chandler Sanctuary

This 114-acre Duxbury Conservation woodland was a recent and happy discovery for me. It offers about 3 miles of blazed, well-maintain trails through the woods and wetlands bordering Pine Brook and Upper Chandler Pond. The lands within were once developed as cranberry bogs. A number of manmade irrigation channels are still present, but the bog areas have become considerably wooded after years of disuse. I especially enjoyed the mossy areas along the yellow trail. Limited roadside parking on Valley Street. Visit https://www.nsrwa.org/listing/thaddeus-chandler-sanctuary/

Historic O’Neil Farm

Visit the only working dairy farm in Duxbury! The 145-acre property, established as a nonprofit in 2005, has been in continuous agricultural use since the early 1700s. It offers 1.75 miles of trails through woods, wetlands and pasture. Interpretive signs provide information on the cows, wildlife, and other agricultural features. Small parking lot at 146 Winter Street. Visit: https://www.nsrwa.org/listing/historic-oneil-farm/

Whiton Woods

This 32-acre Duxbury Conservation parcel features a network of intersecting cart paths and footpaths. It is mostly pine forest, but there are also old stone walls, bubbling streams, large outcroppings of rocks, swampy lowlands, even a vernal pool or two. There is no official trail map, so visiting Whiton Woods requires a bit of guesswork. However the trails are well-established, and they are blazed either with paint or with plastic markers. A short walk around the blue trail loop might take 20 minutes. One could easily spend an hour investigating various spur trails. Limited roadside parking on Temple Street. Visit: https://www.nsrwa.org/listing/whiton-woods/

Duxbury Bogs

This 230-acre Duxbury Conservation property features active cranberry bogs, wetlands, reservoirs, and forested upland, with an expansive trail network. There are about 3 miles of trails. These are primarily wide dirt roads, but there are also some narrower woodland paths along the edge of Cranberry Factory Pond as well as the large pond known as the Sunken Forest, or Golden Reservoir. With a variety of habitats, the Duxbury Bogs attract all sorts of wildlife, especially birds. Limited on-site parking on East Street. Visit: https://www.nsrwa.org/listing/duxbury-bogs/

Bay Farm

This former dairy farm is now a popular walking spot, with a varied 2-mile trail network and spectacular views of Kingston Bay. Some trails lead through the woods, others around and through a large open meadow, and others along the bay shore. All are color-coded, with corresponding maps available online. Don't miss the large grove of cedar trees on the yellow trail. The 80-acre property is owned jointly by the towns of Duxbury and Kingston. Limited on-site parking on Landing Road. Visit

https://www.nsrwa.org/listing/bay-farm/

Green’s Harbor Path, Kettle Hole Loop and Knapp Town Forest

Green’s Harbor Path and Kettle Hole Loop are relatively new woodland trails, part of Duxbury’s 1,000-acre Eastern Greenbelt. Located within the 823-acre Frederick B. Knapp Town Forest, they combine to form a 2-mile loop around the rim of a kettle hole. Green’s Harbor Path follows the course of a pre-Colonial roadway. Look for the kiosk and trailhead behind First Parish Church in Duxbury. Also nearby, the Knapp Trail, blazed in yellow, leads into the property from the intersection of Harrison and Tremont Streets, runs concurrent with much of the Kettle Hole Loop trail, and then continues through the O'Brien Bog and into the Knapp Town Forest. Limited on-site parking at 842 Tremont Street. Additional access and parking on Mayflower Street. Visit  https://www.nsrwa.org/listing/greens-harbor-path-and-kettle-hole-loop/ and  https://www.nsrwa.org/listing/frederick-b-knapp-town-forest/

Crowell Conservation Area

Birders will especially enjoy this 60-acre Duxbury Conservation property. Formerly a cranberry bog, it is slowly transitioning back to its natural state. It offers about a mile of wide trails around marsh, ponds, and wetlands. Limited on-site parking on Lincoln Street. Visit https://www.nsrwa.org/listing/crowell-conservation-area/

Camp Wing Conservation Area

The South River and its tributary, Phillips Brook, flow through this 450-acre Duxbury Conservation property. Much of Camp Wing is maintained as wilderness for water protection and wildlife habitat, but there are walking trails in two sections. From the parking area on Franklin Street, there is a large color-coded loop system, leading through forested upland and red maple swamp. On the red trail, be sure to check out the observation deck, which overlooks fen and marsh areas. Another trail, known as the John Rubin Path, is located in a non-contiguous section of the property, off Temple Street. You’ll find the trailhead across the street from Keene's Sawmill. It leads for a mile through the woods and around a loop that offers views of the South River. Visit https://www.nsrwa.org/listing/camp-wing-conservation-area/

Round Pond Conservation Area and Cherry Lane Bogs

Round Pond is much more than just a pond. The property’s namesake – a 10,000-year old kettle hole — lies at its center. Pine and oak woods surround the pond, and contain a number of intersecting, well-marked trails, some of which traverse wetlands via boardwalk. There are other surface waters nearby too – active cranberry bogs and reservoirs, other ponds, and even a small lake. Altogether they comprise about 177 acres of town-owned conservation land. Limited on-site parking on Mayflower Street. Visit https://www.nsrwa.org/listing/round-pond-trails/ and https://www.nsrwa.org/listing/cherry-lane-bogs/

Photo by Lisa Irwin.

South River Bog

This 100-acre Duxbury Conservation property, formerly known as Feinberg Bog, was once cranberry bogs, but its agricultural days have passed. Dormant since the early 1900s, it has slowly converted to forest and marsh. The South River runs through it, plus several of the bog’s old irrigation channels are still in place. Looking out over the water, you may wonder what you’re seeing: the not-so-distant traffic of Route 3 is surprisingly close-by. There is a network of blazed trails on site, totaling about 1 mile. Look for beaver dams across the smaller streams. Limited roadside parking at 198 North Street. Visit https://www.nsrwa.org/listing/south-river-bog/

Myles Standish Monument State Reservation

Climb to the top of Captain’s Hill for a panoramic view up and down the coast. Situated 200 feet above sea level, the monument itself is a 116-foot-tall granite shaft topped with a 14-foot statue of Captain Myles Standish, military leader of Plymouth Colony. The tower is open seasonally, on weekends, but you can hike up the hill anytime, using the paved access road, or either of two woodland trails. The 28-acre property is owned by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation. When the tower is open, visitors can climb 125 steps to a small viewing area at the top. The access road is located on Crescent Street. When the gate is open, there is abundant parking near the top of the hill. Visit https://www.nsrwa.org/listing/myles-standish-monument-state-reservation/

by Kezia Bacon

May 2020

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. For more information about the 50 Places to Explore Contest,” visit https://www.nsrwa.org/get-outdoors/enter-the-nsrwa-50-places-to-explore-contest/