Have you seen the Bigelow Boulder or the Burbank Boulder? Have you taken a seat in Devil’s Chair? Do you know Dwelly Rock, Split Rock, or House Rock? How about Little Tippling or Big Tippling? Or the “great and impressive rock” that gives Hingham’s Glacier Lane its name?
These are all glacial erratic boulders -- giant rocks left behind by receding glaciers -- and they command a striking presence. Unexpected, sometimes incongruous with their surroundings, and also fun -- whether to behold, to photograph, or to climb upon. Many of our local parks and conservation areas were established in order to showcase glacial erratics. Keep reading, and learn about 11 places on the South Shore where you can enjoy some really big rocks.
Also, don’t miss our 2023 Explore South Shore Challenge, Know Your Local Waters. Each week we feature a river, stream, pond or other waterway, and highlight public places you can visit to experience it first-hand. Watch for daily posts on Facebook and Instagram. The program also includes a weekly trivia question, with a chance to win a custom NSRWA prize package.
House Rock Park, Weymouth
Tucked into a quiet neighborhood, this 24-acre town property near Whitman’s Pond features a small playground, a 1/3-mile woodland hiking trail, and one of the largest freestanding boulders in New England! Is it as big as a house? Stop by House Rock Road and see for yourself.
Whitney & Thayer Woods, Hingham & Cohasset
This 824-acre Trustees property on Route 3A features 10 miles of trails and carriage roads, plus views of Brass Kettle Brook. You could spend all day exploring this well-tended forest! Rock lovers, be sure to check out Ode’s Den, Rooster Rock, and the Bigelow Boulder.
Holbrook Town Forest
Ever wonder about the whereabouts of The Garden of the Gods? It turns out, it’s in Holbrook, on the blue-blazed Long Trail, within the 115-acre town forest! Turtle Head Rock is located there too, not far from Hemlock Brook, part of the Monatiquot River watershed. Enjoy woodlands, wetlands, rocky outcroppings, and 3 miles of well-marked trails. Located on Park Drive, near Pine Street.
Cranberry Pond Conservation Area, Braintree
Immediately adjacent to the Holbrook Town Forest, this Braintree gem features 140 wooded acres and 2 miles of trails. Along the way, you’ll spy vernal pools, numerous glacial erratics, and some captivating views of Cranberry Brook, a headwater to the Monatiquot River. Limited on-site parking on Eutaw Road and Hillsdale Road.
Wheelwright Park, Cohasset
Big Tippling, Little Tippling, Split Rock and Devil’s Chair can all be found within this 232-acre conservation parcel, which features a mile-long main path and numerous side trails. Established in 1916, and improved in 1935 by the WPA, this park is now very popular among dog walkers. Entrances on North Main Street and Forest Ave.
Sidney’s Pond and Glacial Boulder, Hingham
You’ll see a few scattered glacial erratics along the 0.17-mile access trail to Sidney’s Pond in Hingham, but if you’re in the mood for something extra-special, take a short walk up the road to Glacier Lane. It’s impossible to miss the “great and impressive rock,” adorned with a historic plaque. Both are within the watershed of the Weir River. Very limited roadside parking on Rockland Street.
Ellis Estate, Scituate
Nearly all of the conservation properties in Scituate’s northern quadrant and West End feature glacial erratic boulders. Interested in viewing them? The Ellis Estate at 709 Country Way is a great place to begin. For starters, find your way to the 0.6-mile Bailey-Ellis Loop, which begins a short distance from the parking area and features several glacial erratics. Located within the Gulf River watershed.
Wompatuck State Park – Doane Street Entrance
The Cohasset entrance to the 3500-acre Wompatuck State Park provides convenient access to the Burbank Boulder, which balances itself at three equidistant points. There are actually quite a few big rocks in this section of the park. With paved trails, it’s a fun place to explore on foot, bicycle, or cross-country skis. Limited on-site parking at the end of Doane Street.
Rocky Run Conservation Area, Hanson
This small but fascinating conservation property on the Indian Head River packs a lot into 19 acres. The river views are absolutely captivating, and the glacial erratics are a sight to behold. See if you can find Dwelly Rock, a whale-like behemoth with Dwelly’s name engraved on top. The freestanding boulders along the river’s edge are also worth exploring. Limited parking on State Street. Additional access via Pembroke’s Tucker Preserve.
Brockton Audubon Preserve
This 126-acre Wildlands Trust property features 3 miles of woodland trails and boardwalks, as well as old stone walls, and a 20-foot-tall glacial erratic boulder! The waters here drain to Dorchester Brook, part of the Taunton River watershed. Look for the small parking are at 1160 Pleasant Street.
Dixon Preserve at Hio Hill, Plymouth
This 116-acre woodland features a 0.85-mile loop trail with a steep climb up Hio Hill, one of the tallest hills in town. At the top, you’ll be looking out across Cape Cod Bay … Wow, what a view! If you’re up for the challenge, it is well worth it! Along the way, you’ll see quite a few glacial erratic boulders. Limited roadside parking at 1210 Old Sandwich Road.
by Kezia Bacon
September 2023
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 26+ years of Kezia’s Nature columns there. For more information about the Explore South Shore 2023 Challenge, visit https://www.nsrwa.org/get-outdoors/2023-explore-south-shore-challenge
