Nature Walks: 22 Places To Explore in 2022!

At NSRWA, we have been working steadily behind the scenes, expanding the Get Outdoors section of our website. It now features 300 detailed listings of local places to hike, paddle, fish, and otherwise enjoy the outdoors! In 2021, we added 47 properties from Braintree to Brockton to Plymouth. See below for a selection of new places to explore this year. Before you go, visit our website for trail maps, parking info, and other essentials. 

This year we also refined the search options for Get Outdoors. There are now 8 additional categories to connect you quickly with the experiences you seek. Looking for a playground, a dog park, or a place to cross-country ski? Or perhaps a picnic area, paved trail, or a spot to shoot some nature photos? We can help!

In 2022, we’re changing up our Explore South Shore Contest. This year, instead of places to visit, we’re suggesting outdoor activities to try. Each week we will announce a new Explore South Shore challenge and suggest places where you can go to complete the challenge. January is a time of new beginnings, so this month we’ll encourage you to visit a place that’s unfamiliar to you, try a new nature activity, take your dog someplace different, learn something, and read a river book. That ought to keep you busy! 

 

We’ll be featuring a relevant property every day in January on Instagram and Facebook. Are you up for a challenge? Post photos from your adventures to Instagram with the hashtag #ExploreSouthShore. Each month we randomly select a winner from the posts to receive a prize package. 

Monatiquot River Walk, Braintree: This 1-mile pathway extends from Smith Beach in Braintree, along the Monatiquot River through Watson Park, then across the Fore River to the Weymouth Landing Access Ramp. Combining crushed stone and pavement, it offers numerous river views, plus opportunities for quiet contemplation in the otherwise bustling Weymouth Landing neighborhood.

King Oak Hill Park, Weymouth:

This 24-acre hilltop park on Emery Lane features a 0.25-mile paved walking loop, a shade pavilion, and views of the Boston Skyline. Looking for something else in Weymouth? Consider Great Hill Park for more skyline views, Weston Park for a combined stroll and library visit, or Lovell Field for a different paved loop, in Jackson Square.

Whortleberry Hollow, Hingham: How about a quick walk in the woods before or after your shopping trip? This 13-acre woodland parcel is just around the corner from Derby Street, on Cushing Street. The 0.4-mile trail is not only conveniently located, it features a gorgeous grove of beech trees!

Leavitt Street Entrance - Wompatuck, Hingham: - Located at the end of Leavitt Street, this alternate entrance to the 3500-acre state park features paved trails plus access to plenty of unpaved ones, including a loop around Triphammer Pond. Please note that parking is restricted on school days from 7-3, to accommodate a school bus turnaround.

Wheelwright Park and the Barnes Wildlife Sanctuary, Cohasset: The town of Cohasset is home to quite a few nature preserves, and we’ll be featuring them all in an article later this year. These two share a trail system, and are located side by side on North Main Street, with a total of 232 acres. Enjoy a long forest walk plus views of several glacial erratic boulders. Also nearby: Great Brewster Woods.

Brass Kettle Conservation Area and the Pape Reservation, Cohasset: Also located side by side, these two properties on King Street feature views of Brass Kettle Brook and Lily Pond, plus trail access to Wompatuck State Park and Whitney & Thayer Woods. Totaling 131 acres, this is a lovely destination for a serene walk in the woods! Also nearby: George Ingram Park.

 

Brockton Audubon Preserve, Brockton: Donated to the Wildlands Trust by the now-defunct Brockton Audubon Society, this 126-acre woodland is located on the Brockton-Easton town line. It features boardwalks, old stone walls, and one very large glacial erratic. Limited on-site parking on Pleasant Street.

Striar Conservancy, Halifax: Another Wildlands Trust property, this 168-acre woodland features a meandering 1.4-mile trail, plus views of the Winnetuxet River. Limited on-site parking on Thompson Street (Route 105). 

 

Williams Preserve, Duxbury: Birders will especially enjoy this newly-opened parcel off Church Street (Route 139). A 3-mile network of woodland trails offers views of wetlands, cranberry bogs, and the secluded Wright Reservoir. Limited on-site parking on Frontage Road.

Cranberry Watershed Preserve, Kingston: We added numerous Kingston properties to our website this year. These sprawling 240-acres feature several miles of walking trails through woodlands and wetlands. Limited on-site parking on Lake Street, just down the road from Silver Lake High School. Looking for something smaller but still woodsy? Visit Kingston’s Patuxet Park, off Route 3A.

Beaver Dam Conservation Area, Plymouth: As we extended our listings into Plymouth, this 783-acre property was a delightful surprise! The water views are quite nice, but there are also some challenging hillside trails -- a rarity among South Shore nature preserves. Limited roadside parking on Beaver Dam Road, just northeast of the Plymouth Transfer Station.

 

North Plymouth Rail Trail, Plymouth: In the mood for something less challenging? Try this. Begin at Nelson Memorial Park and follow the rail trail north along the edge of the Holmes Reservation, all the way to Cordage Park. The total distance is 1.2 miles. Don’t miss the side trail that leads up onto a cliff overlooking Plymouth Bay. There is parking at both ends, as well as several spots in between.

by Kezia Bacon

January 2022

 

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 25+ years of Kezia’s Nature columns there. For more information about the Explore South Shore 2021 Contest, visit https://www.nsrwa.org/get-outdoors/explore-south-shore-2021-contest/  This article is Powered by Planet Subaru: https://www.planetsubaru.com

 

Easy Access: 18 Paved Walks

As beautiful as the woods may be, forest trails are not everyone’s preference. The terrain can be challenging and unpredictable. For many, pavement has more appeal. You might be pushing a stroller, or operating a wheelchair, or walking with an assistive device, … or perhaps you’re just in the mood for an obstacle-free stroll. Good news! There are numerous parks and nature preserves on the South Shore that offer asphalt as an alternative to rocks, grass, and dirt! Ready to hit the pavement? Check out the trails listed below. Most of them are paved, although a few offer a combination of asphalt and gravel.

 

We’ll be featuring a Paved Walk every day in December on Instagram. Also, we’ve now entered the final chapter of our 2021 Explore South Shore Contest. Post photos from your adventures to Instagram with the hashtag #ExploreSouthShore. Each month we randomly select a winner from the posts to receive a prize package. 

Wompatuck State Park, Hingham and Cohasset

This 3500-acre state park offers 10 miles of paved trails! Access them directly from the Main Entrance on Lazell Street in Hingham, as well as Leavitt Street in Hingham, and Doane Street in Cohasset.

 

Whitney Spur Rail Trail, Cohasset

This 1.5-mile rail trail connects the Route 3A MBTA station with Whitney & Thayer Woods, Turkey Hill, and Wompatuck. Composed of graded crushed stone, with a very gentle uphill slope, it is suitable for bicycles, wheelchairs and strollers. Designated parking at 156 Chief Justice Cushing Highway.

King Oak Hill Park, Weymouth

This 24-acre hilltop park on Emery Lane features a paved 0.25-mile walking loop and stunning views of the Boston Skyline. Also nearby, with paved trails: Weston Park behind the Tufts Library, and Lovell Field in Jackson Square. On-site parking.

Abigail Adams State Park, Weymouth

Enjoy views of the Back River while strolling this 7.6-acre property’s 0.7 miles of paved trails. For additional views and access, consider Stodder’s Neck, just across the river in Hingham, but note that it is primarily used as a dog park. Both parks offer on-site parking (Route 3A).

Osprey Overlook Park, Weymouth

A scenic spot with stunning views of the Back River, Osprey Overlook connects directly to Great Esker Park. Paved trails offer access for all. On-site parking on Wharf Street.

Bare Cove Park, Hingham

Located directly across the river, this former military base features 5 miles of trails, mostly paved. As above, the views are spectacular. On-site parking on Fort Hill Street.

 

Pond Meadow Park, Braintree

Paved trails around a large pond plus additional woodland paths. 320 acres. On-site parking on Liberty Street.

 

Rockland Rail Trail

This 3-mile paved trail extends from the Hanover town line to North Abington, with numerous access points. Park at the Rockland’s Police Department or Senior Center. If you enjoy rail trails, also consider North Plymouth.

 

Forge Pond Park, Hanover

A wide, paved, 1-mile trail extends around the perimeter of this 40-acre athletic complex on King Street. Ample on-site parking.

Norwell Pathway

A two-mile network of paved trails, sidewalks and boardwalks, the Norwell Pathway extends from Gaffield Park to Norwell High School, and connects to several conservation properties. On-site parking at various points.

 

Widow’s Walk, Scituate

Each year from January 1 to early March, this public golf course opens its cart paths to the public. Dog-friendly. Walkers and birders welcome. On-site parking on The Driftway. Extend your journey on the Driftway Multi-Purpose Path, across the road.

Harbor Walk, Marshfield

The poured concrete Harbor Walk extends for 1 mile from the Marshfield Town Pier, to Peter Igo Park, and across the Brant Rock Dike to Careswell Street. There is also a spur trail to the Brant Rock Esplanade. On-site parking on Joseph Driebeck Way.

 

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 25+ years of Kezia’s Nature columns there. For more information about the Explore South Shore 2021 Contest, visit https://www.nsrwa.org/get-outdoors/explore-south-shore-2021-contest/  This article is Powered by Planet Subaru: https://www.planetsubaru.com

 

10 Walks in Kingston

This month we’re shining a spotlight on the Jones River watershed -- a next-door neighbor to the North & South Rivers, and our partner and ally in protecting, restoring and enhancing our local natural resources. The Jones River finds its source at Silver Lake, as well as various wetlands and small streams. It flows for 7.5 miles to its outlet at the sea at Kingston Bay.

The town of Kingston has quite a few conservation properties, nearly all of them are on the Jones River or one of its tributaries. Like the North & South Rivers, the Jones is a stream that was a primary thoroughfare for the aboriginal tribes that inhabited our region prior to colonization. European settlers relied on the Jones as well, for transportation, for sustenance, and for salt marsh hay, a naturally-occuring, multi-use crop. They named the river for Christopher Jones, the captain of the Mayflower. In later years, the river was a center of industry, with 18 different saw, grist, and fabric mills, and still later, an iron works and several tack factories.

 

Before Kingston was incorporated as a town in 1726, it was actually known as “Jones River” -- a village of Plymouth! The river itself owes much of its present-day health and accessibility to the Jones River Watershed Association (JRWA), which was founded in 1985. Thanks to dam removal projects on Wapping Road and Elm Street, the river now flows freely below the Silver Lake dam. And thanks to JRWA’s annual herring counts, as well as their successful advocacy for a temporary fish ladder at the Forge Pond Dam, this historic herring run is now on the rebound! For more information about JRWA, visit jonesriver.org 

 

Would you like to explore new territory this fall and winter? Be sure to visit the properties listed below. Proceed with caution, as it’s going to take a while for some of these properties to recover from the October Nor’easter. Also, consider participating in our Explore South Shore Contest, for which you’re invited to post photos from your adventures to Instagram with the hashtag #ExploreSouthShore. Each month we randomly select a winner from the posts to receive a prize package. We’ll also be featuring walks in Kingston every day in November on Instagram.

Stewart/Person Preserve

Well-tended woodland trails encircle two mill ponds at this enchanting, 27-acre Wildlands Trust property, where an abundance of wildlife thrives. Enjoy up-close views of a woodland stream and a historic fish ladder, which provides access to migratory fish to their spawning ground upstream at Russell Pond. Limited roadside parking on Sylvia Place Road.

Samson Forest & Memorial Park

Begin your visit at the observation platform at this town-owned property, or take a walk across the Elm Street Bridge to look farther upstream on the Jones River. From the 1920’s to 2019, a concrete dam stood at this site. Thanks in large part to the dedicated work of the Jones River Watershed Association, what you see now is a riverbed in the process of regenerating. Continue your visit on the trails, which crisscross 200 acres of forest, and feature old stone walls and glacial erratic boulders. Small parking area on Elm Street.

The Nook Preserve

It’s a short walk to a gorgeous view at this 17.5-acre Wildlands Trust property. Located close to the mouth of the tidal Jones River, in earlier times this spot was favored by Native Americans for summer encampments. Old stone walls indicate its more recent use as farmland. History lovers, be sure to cross the street to visit the homestead site of John Howland, a Pilgrim. Roadside parking on Howlands Lane, across from Leigh Road.

Silver Lake Sanctuary

This 99-acre town-owned lakeside property offers 1.3 miles of trails. From the parking lot, follow the trail to the left. It ascends a ridge to an overlook where you can enjoy a wide view of Silver Lake, the source of the Jones River. Continue in the same direction to find the path to the lake shore. Surprising fact: water from Furnace Pond in Pembroke, a headwater to the North River, is regularly diverted into Silver Lake to enhance the City of Brockton’s water supply. Limited parking at the end of Barses Lane.

Patuxet Park

The Patuxet, a subset of the Wampanoag tribe, used this property as a summer encampment prior to European settlement. The 23-acre town-owned property provides a short walk along wetlands, and through woods and open fields. Enjoy close-up views of Smelt Brook, a tributary to the Jones River. Limited roadside parking at the end of Basler's Lane.

Cranberry Watershed Preserve

This 240-acre town-owned parcel, immediately adjacent to Silver Lake High School, offers 5+ miles of walking trails through woodlands and wetlands, and around retired cranberry bogs. The Jones River, Pine Brook, and Howard’s Brook all flow through the property, which may be too large to explore in a single visit! Limited parking on Lake Street (3-4 cars). 

Gray’s Beach Park

For a short, paved walk and some beautiful shoreline views, consider this multi-use 6.5-acre town-owned public park, which offers free parking from November to March. Located on Kingston Bay.

Camp Nekon

In a former life, this 193-acre forested, town-owned parcel was a Girl Scout camp. Now it is owned by the Town of Kingston. The property contains 2+miles of trails and unpaved roadways, a DCR fire tower, and a small beach on Smelt Pond. There are quite a few additional small ponds located within, making it a prime spot for viewing wildlife. The streams, ponds and swamps on this property flow to Smelt Brook, a tributary to the Jones River. Limited on-site parking on Monks Hill Road. Look for the light blue sign. 

Bay Farm

Part Kingston, part Duxbury, this 80-acre town-owned property offers 2+miles of varied trails through woodlands and meadows, with spectacular views of Kingston Bay. The 42nd parallel runs through the Kingston side of Bay Farm. Look for the marker on Landing Road. Bay Farm is also the southern terminus of the Bay Circuit Trail. Look for the informational kiosk near the shoreline on the Kingston side. Limited on-site parking on Landing Road in Duxbury.

Hathaway Preserve

Located on Spring Brook and the Jones River, these 77 town-owned acres offer established trails, four bridges, and a boardwalk. The property is contiguous with Three Rivers Basin Area and Cranberry Watershed Preserve, creating an extensive swath of open space within a sensitive ecological area. Look for the entrance 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. (Access road may not be suitable for all vehicles.)

by Kezia Bacon

November 2021

 

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 25+ years of Kezia’s Nature columns there. For more information about the Explore South Shore 2021 Contest, visit https://www.nsrwa.org/get-outdoors/explore-south-shore-2021-contest/  

11 Secret Trails To Explore This Fall

Some trails are well marked. There are signs, and often maps, and large parking lots to direct your attention to an otherwise unassuming path into the woods. And then there are the secret trails -- the ones that are just-as-much open to the public, but more challenging to find. Today I’m going to let you in on a few secrets! Keep reading to learn where to find 11 of the best secret trails on the South Shore.

 

Also consider participating in our Explore South Shore Contest, for which you’re invited to visit five of the secret trails on your own, and then post a photo from your adventure to Instagram with the hashtag #ExploreSouthShore. Each month we randomly select a winner from the posts to receive a prize package. We’ll also be featuring a new secret trail every day on Instagram.

Beaver Brook Playground (https://www.nsrwa.org/listing/beaver-brook-playground/): Last year’s best discovery for me was the trail behind this playground in Abington. It’s a nice-looking spot, situated in the back corner of a school complex, with lots of shade trees. There’s also a small pond, a dammed section of the Shumatuscacant River. If you cross the bridge below the pond, you’ll find yourself on a trail that extends in both directions. Turn right and you can follow the river to Mount Vernon Cemetery, another nice place for a walk. Turn left to explore some short trails to the woods, which also -- eventually -- lead into the cemetery. Last time I visited, just before sunset, I saw a whole family of deer. Limited on-site parking on Ralph Hamlin Jr. Blvd.

Nelson Memorial Forest (https://www.nsrwa.org/listing/nelson-memorial-forest/): This large woodland on the North River features numerous trails and outstanding views, but accessing it requires some intel. Primary parking is on Union Street, at Union Street Woodland -- the same spot from which you can pick up a trail that leads to the Phillips Farm Preserve. Just follow the signs that point to Nelson Forest. Another way in is the Pasture Road Trail, which you can find at the base of the big hill on Highland Street, across from Rogers Pond (look for 2 parking spaces). I recommend visiting more than once. It will take some time to get to know these 180 acres!

Hubbell Preserve (https://www.nsrwa.org/listing/hubbell-preserve/): Drive slowly along Indian Trail in North Scituate and look for the Hubbell sign near #128. This varied property within the Gulf River watershed features a narrow 0.7-mile trail through a forest strewn with moss-covered granite outcroppings and glacial erratic boulders. In earlier times, this quiet corner of town was a summer encampment for Native American tribes. The Hubbell Preserve is right around the corner from the 17-acre Border Street Field, a scenic and historic landmark that the Town of Scituate is currently raising funds to preserve as open space. 

Donald Flaherty Trail (https://www.nsrwa.org/listing/donald-flaherty-trail/): On Auburn Street in Whitman, around #32, blink and you’ll miss the small sign that marks the trailhead for this 0.7-mile woodland path. There’s room for one or two cars to park at the roadside, and the trail offers a bench as well as views of woods and wetlands. The waters here flow to Meadow Brook, part of the Matfield River watershed.

Webster’s Wilderness (https://www.nsrwa.org/listing/websters-wilderness/): Thanks to the Marshfield Trails Committee and its volunteers, it’s become a lot easier to find this 130-acre property. Look for the informational kiosk in the parking area at Wheeler Athletic Complex, behind the Marshfield Senior Center on Webster Street. Or find the secondary access point: a detour off the paved loop that surrounds the baseball fields. Either way, you’re in for a treat. Two intersecting figure-8 trails provide views of Wharf Creek, a tributary to the Green Harbor River, and lead past some random historic artifacts and through a gorgeous grove of black walnut trees.

 

Forge Pond Park (https://www.nsrwa.org/listing/forge-pond-park/): This Hanover park presents itself as a large athletic complex with a mile-long paved loop around its perimeter. But if you explore the paved loop, you’ll notice some side trails … And if you turn onto any of those trails, you’re in for a treat. There’s a trail to Clark Bog, another to the Old Rockland Fireworks Loop, a trail along the edge of Forge Pond, and -- my favorite -- one that leads to the confluence of French’s Stream and the Drinkwater River, as well as Rockland’s Summer Street Conservation Lands. All of this is part of the Indian Head River/North River watershed. Dedicate your autumn to getting to know these trails. If you time it right, the foliage will be stunning. Located at 245 King Street.

Wompatuck State Park - Prospect Street entrance (https://www.nsrwa.org/listing/wompatuck-state-park-norwell-entrance/): Wompatuck is vast, and there are numerous ways to access it. Some entrances are better-known than others. From Prospect Street in Norwell, near the Hingham line, you can park along the roadside, pick up a marked trail at S32, and enjoy a pleasant hike around and around the Wompatuck’s highest point, Prospect Hill. This is a beautiful, quiet corner of the park, lushly green in the spring and summer. The waters here flow into the Aaron River, part of the Gulf River watershed.

Wompatuck State Park - Leavitt Street entrance (https://www.nsrwa.org/listing/wompatuck-state-park-leavitt-street-entrance-hingham/): This relatively new (2014) section of Wompatuck was acquired in 2004, but it took 10 years to prepare the 125 acres for public use. Thirteen former-military buildings have been removed, and now there are trails connecting directly with the “NN” section of the park. It’s also an excellent access for bicycles. There is a paved trail from NN3 that connects to the Whitney Spur Rail Trail (NN13), as well as to Doane Street (N26). The entrance itself is well-marked, but there are parking restrictions during the school day, as it’s also a turnaround for buses. Find it at 300 Leavitt Street in Hingham.

South River Bog (https://www.nsrwa.org/listing/south-river-bog/): On my initial visit, this 100-acre Duxbury property didn’t make much of an impression. But then I went back, and -- oh my -- there were some beautiful sights to behold! This is an easy spot to miss -- even with its unassuming wooden sign at the edge of North Street (with room for 2 cars). As its name makes plain, this property was once a cranberry bog complex. Nature has taken over, and while you can still easily discern where the bogs once stood, they are certainly not the main feature. Instead, it’s the South River, which you can view best from two different open spots along the trail. You’ll find additional (but unmarked) access at the ends of Highland Trail and Tanglewood Trail.

Williams Preserve and Wright Reservoir (https://www.nsrwa.org/listing/williams-preserve-and-wright-reservoir/): I love the moment of discovery. All of a sudden, because it certainly wasn’t there the last time I drove by, there is a parking area at the roadside, and then next, some signage … And so I stop to explore and -- much to my delight -- there’s a new nature preserve in town, complete with blazed trails! It was last spring when I discovered the Wright Reservoir. Just last month, the sign was installed and I learned the official name of this spot just-off Church Street (Route 139) in Duxbury: the Williams Preserve. Go check it out. There are 3 miles of trails and some lovely water views. The Wright Reservoir is a headwater to the Green Harbor River.

 

Great Brewster Woods (https://www.nsrwa.org/listing/great-brewster-woods-deans-meadow/): You’ll swear you’re pulling into someone’s driveway when you arrive at this easy-to-miss Cohasset property on Highland Avenue, but there are signs to reassure you that yes, you’re in the right place. The well-marked, 1-mile trail skirts a couple of private backyards, and then climbs over a rise and descends into a quiet forested valley. You’ll find a variety of trees there, including black tupelos, junipers, hickory, and hornbeam, plus lichen-covered boulders and some massive rocky outcroppings. Depending on where you are on the property, you could be in the watershed of Little Harbor (north) or Cohasset Harbor (south). Check this place out!

by Kezia Bacon

October 2021

 

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 25+ years of Kezia’s Nature columns there. For more information about the Explore South Shore 2021 Contest, visit https://www.nsrwa.org/get-outdoors/explore-south-shore-2021-contest/