Pairing Walks and Doughnuts

For the past few years, NSRWA’s Explore South Shore program has featured walking trails in its weekend posts. Since there are more than 200 public nature trails on the South Shore, in any given year we’re only able to highlight half of them. How many have you visited so far?

 

Know what pairs well with weekend walks? Doughnuts! This month’s article features nine trails to visit this fall. Consider stopping by a local doughnut shop as well. The chain stores have their fans, but this article focuses on smaller, locally-owned shops. 

Harbor Walk + Coffee Shack

Fully-accessible and scenic throughout the year, Marshfield’s Harbor Walk extends for a mile along the salt marshes of the Green Harbor River, and offers on-site parking on Joseph Driebeck Way, across from Harbor Park. Just a hundred feet or so beyond the western terminus of the trail is the locally-renowned donut mecca, The Coffee Shack (259 Dyke Road, Route 139). To explore further, stroll down the Brant Rock Esplanade, along Island and Cherry Streets, and past the town pier before returning to your starting place.

Cavern Rock Park + Donut King

The refreshingly challenging 0.7-mile trail at Weymouth’s Cavern Rock Park is a superb place to walk off a caloric overload. How convenient, then, that longtime regional favorite, Donut King, is just around the corner, at 411 Middle Street. In between, enjoy views of Whitman’s Pond, a headwater to the Weymouth Back River. Cavern Rock Park offers parking for 3 vehicles at 115 Westminster Road.

Wompatuck + Hornstra Farms

Have you visited Norwell’s Grove Street entrance to Wompatuck State Park? It’s an excellent starting place for exploring the southern portion of the 3500-acre park, in the Aaron River/Gulf River watershed. Around the corner on 246 Prospect Street, the farm store at Hornstra Farms offers freshly-baked apple cider doughnuts on Saturdays and Sundays, on a seasonal basis, beginning soon.

Whitney and Thayer Woods + Pour

You could spend all day at Cohasset’s Whitney and Thayer Woods! With 10 miles of trails and 824 acres, there’s a lot to explore, including Brass Kettle Brook, a headwater to the Gulf River. Fuel up in advance with a stop at Pour Coffee & Bagel. Co., right across the street at 190 King Street. Pour’s doughnuts are locally sourced, from the aforementioned Donut King. Whitney & Thayer Woods offers on-site parking at 380 Chief Justice Cushing Highway, Route 3A.

Knapp Town Forest + Hardly Saints Donuts

Stretching across 1,000 acres, the web of trails in and around Duxbury’s Knapp Town Forest might take a while to get to know. Start small, with the 2-mile Green’s Harbor Path and Kettle Hole Loop, which you can access behind the town offices at 842 Tremont Street in the Bluefish River watershed. Not far away, at 282 St. George Street, is Hardly Saints Donuts, which is open Wednesday through Sunday.

Folly Hill + Slacktide

Hanover has so many captivating conservation areas! Are you familiar with the Folly Hill and Bog Iron Trails, at 519 Broadway, in the Indian Head River watershed? The 130-acre property offers 3.6 miles of walking paths through woodlands and wetlands. Just down the street at 283 Columbia Road, Slacktide Coffee Roasters is known for the donuts it makes daily, from scratch.

McKenna Marsh + Union Square Donuts

The 2-mile loop trail through Hingham’s McKenna Marsh Conservation Area is a lovely place for a weekend walk. Enjoy views of Accord Brook, a tributary to the Weir River, along with forests and freshwater wetlands. The small on-site parking area at 130 Scotland Street is about 2 miles away from the Derby Street Shops, where an outpost of Somerville’s Union Square Donuts recently opened.

Humarock Beach + Dockside Donuts

Take a 3-mile walk on Humarock, Scituate’s expansive barrier beach, or enjoy river views along Central Ave. and River Streets, which run parallel to the water. In the off-season, you can park for free in the town lot on River Street, or near the beach entrance at 24 Marshfield Ave. A quick jaunt across the Sea Street Bridge gets you to Marshfield’s Dockside Donuts (17 Sea Street). Be sure to admire the South River as you cross the bridge!

Rockland Rail Trail + Hole in One

Rockland’s Rail Trail, is paved, wheelchair- and stroller-friendly, and scenic. It stretches all the way across town, for 3.5 miles, from the Hanover town line to Abington. It’s all within the watershed of French’s Stream and Cushing Brook, part of the Indian Head/North River system. There’s a parking area at 638 Market Street, and if you head west on the trail to #482, you’ll soon arrive at Hole in One, a donut shop with roots on Cape Cod. A walk and a doughnut -- what a great combination!

If you enjoy the outdoors, be sure to check out NSRWA’s Explore South Shore program. Every morning, we highlight one of the region’s best public nature places on Facebook and Instagram. Every weekend, we feature long and a short walking trails. Not on social media? We’ve listed all the locations on our website as well!

by Kezia Bacon

September 2026

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 thirty years of Kezia’s Nature columns there.

Visit The Historic Hatch Mill

Milestone birthdays are both a time to reflect and to plan for the future. As our nation celebrates its 250th birthday, I’ve been thinking about our local waterways -- what was happening on them in 1776, and how they have changed.

Today, we value the North River for recreation, for serenity, and for its scenic beauty. But 250 years ago, the North River was a bustling center of industry and commerce. A sawmill, iron forge, or grist mill stood on nearly every major tributary. Shipyards produced vessels for whaling and trade. Packet ships sailed up and down the river, and back and forth to Boston, buying and selling both local and exotic goods. Riverfront properties were valued for their accessibility, and in many cases for the salt marsh hay that grew there naturally.

Wouldn’t it be fun to go back in time and truly experience our local communities and waterways as they were 250 years ago? While time machines remain a fantasy, we are fortunate to have the next best thing available to us: active historical and preservation societies. There are many excellent organizations across the South Shore that provide varied historical programming – talks, tours, plays, even comic books! – along with interactive exhibits. Today I’d like to highlight Marshfield’s Hatch Mill, which stands at the edge of Two Mile Brook, a tributary to the North River.

Two Mile Brook

Prior to European colonization, Two Mile Brook sprung from Cooper’s Pond, off today’s School and Forest Streets in Marshfield, and snaked downhill, flowing for about 2.5 miles to the North River. The freely-flowing stream provided habitat for wildlife and both fresh water and a source of sustenance for the Native Americans who inhabited the area.

By the 1770’s, at least two mill dams had been constructed on the brook, with two more to follow. Each dam created an impoundment – a manmade pond – and thus along the way, Clark, Magoun, Oakman and Mounce Ponds were formed. For a time in the 1800’s, each dam fueled one or two mills simultaneously, making this relatively diminutive stream an industrial powerhouse. There were gristmills and sawmills, carding and fulling mills for the production of cloth, along with shingle and boxboard mills for processing lumber. Each was operated by a member of the Hatch family.  

As early as 1647, Walter Hatch established a home on the banks of Two Mile Brook, near its confluence with the North River. Writing his will in 1698, he bequeathed all of his land, housing and barns, along with a corn mill and a fulling mill, to his two sons, John and Israel. So while their exact locations seem to have been lost to time, we know that mills on this stream date back at least that far. 

In 1752, Israel Hatch established a grist mill at today’s Hatch Mill site on Two Mile Brook. Sixty years later, Deacon Joel Hatch added a long-log sawmill. The grist mill remained in place until 1839, and then the structure was moved to another Hatch property, to be used as a carriage shed. But in 1859, Samuel Franklin Hatch repurposed its foundation, constructing a short-log sawmill, for boxboards. In 1872, he updated the water wheel to a turbine and upgraded the up-and-down saw to a circular saw.

Hatch Mill interior

The mill site continued to pass through generations of the Hatch family, ending with Franklin Decker Hatch, who acquired it in 1912 and operated it until his retirement in 1965. Between 1965 and 2004, there were various attempts to preserve the mill site, but efforts really kicked into gear when the Hatch Mill Group took over and commenced a series of restoration projects. 

Thanks to them, visitors can now stop by several times a year to tour both the interior and exterior, to learn how the saw mill worked, and to enjoy close-up views of the associated tools and machinery. It’s fascinating, and well worth an hour of your time on a Saturday. Seeing first-hand what’s involved in operating a small sawmill significantly enriched my understanding not just of mills, but also their impact on the community. 

Two Mile Brook dam at Hatch Mill

Mills and factories still exist on the South Shore, but they no longer rely on moving water to fuel them. While the buildings and the millworks may be gone, in many cases the dams still remain in place. From Hingham to Plymouth alone, there are 225 obsolete dams! For more than two decades, NSRWA has been working with landowners, local governments, and the state’s Department of Ecological Restoration to assess these dams and determine which ones can be removed. Read my article about the South River dam removal at Veterans Memorial Park in Marshfield to learn more about the “how’s” and the “why’s” of dam removals. 

https://www.nsrwa.org/a-milestone-for-south-river-herring/

The Hatch Mill offers an excellent opportunity to go back in time and gain a better understanding of the historic significance of a little stream like Two Mile Brook. Open Houses take place each year from May to September. The next one takes place August 29, from 10 am to 3 pm with another on September 26. For more information about the Hatch Mill, visit its website, www.hatchmill.org.

Hatch Mill interior.

If you enjoy the outdoors, be sure to check out NSRWA’s Explore South Shore program. Every morning, we highlight one of the region’s best public nature places on Facebook and Instagram. Every Tuesday, it’s a spot with water access, including other historic mill sites. Not on social media? We’ve listed all the locations on our website as well!

by Kezia Bacon

August 2026

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 thirty years of Kezia’s Nature columns there. 

Favorite Local Swim Spots

Last week’s high temperatures and humidity made it evident that summer has indeed arrived. Heat tolerance is not among my strengths, so in times like these, I try to remember that it often feels cooler by the water. A walk on the beach at the end of the day can be a lovely way to escape the heat!

 

But sometimes there are better options than a stroll by the sea. Extreme heat can zap energy as the body works harder to maintain equilibrium. A cool shower, adequate hydration, and resting in a shady spot with a fan are excellent ways to lower core temperature, as is immersion in water.

 

I read recently, in a Harvard Medical School publication, about a reliable US Army hack for combatting heat. Submerging your hands, forearms and elbows in ice water for five minutes will help move cooled blood back to your core. If you have more time and space, you might also take a cool bath ... or venture out for a swim.

 

But where? Not everyone enjoys the beach, or has access to a swimming pool. Ponds, lakes and rivers can also be excellent places to cool off. We’re fortunate in Massachusetts that the state routinely checks water quality at public swim spots and posts the results online. Save this link and use it when you’re planning a swim. The list below features public swim spots in our watershed and on the South Shore.

 

Note: If you’re planning to swim in salt water, be aware that this summer is shaping up to be above-average for jellyfish sightings. Lifeguards and harbormaster’s offices can provide up-to-date information on local jellyfish activity.

Maquan Pond

Maquan Pond in Hanson is a great place to go during swim season! Weather-permitting, and as long as there is adequate staff, the beach at Cranberry Cove is open daily from 11 am to 6 pm, until Labor Day. Daily and seasonal passes are available for Hanson residents as well as non-residents. Maquan Pond is a headwater to the Indian Head and North Rivers. Ample on-site parking on Camp Kiwanee Road.

Couch Beach

If you don’t mind a 0.4-mile walk, Couch Beach on the North River in Marshfield is a lovely spot for a swim at any tide, as long as you’re mindful of the current, which can be quite swift! Look for the trailhead on the right, about 2/3 of the way into Couch Cemetery (629 Union Street). Park on the asphalt, and follow the trail that begins behind the wide metal gate. It leads to a pine forest overlooking the river and its marshes as well as a small sandy beach.

Oldham Pond

Pembroke’s town landing at Oldham Pond features a seasonal swim beach with lifeguards, for both residents and non-residents. The 189-acre pond is a headwater to Herring Brook, a major tributary to the North River. On-site parking at 183 Wampatuck Street.

Rexhame Beach

Open to the public, Rexhame Beach in Marshfield offers access to both the ocean and the South River, with sandy beaches on both sides. Look for the path through the dunes, by the basketball court, to find your way to the river. There is a large parking lot at the end of Standish Street. Town sticker or daily fee required.

Stetson Pond Beach

Located in Pembroke, at the edge of the Taunton River watershed, Stetson Pond is a small, natural pond in a serene spot, perfect for a summer swim. It is open to the public. Limited on-site parking at 350 Plymouth Street.

Plymouth’s Ponds

There are 365 ponds in Plymouth and several of them are open to the public seasonally for swimming. Fresh Pond, at 220 Bartlett Road in Manomet, and Hedges Pond, at 166 Hedges Pond Road in Cedarville, have lifeguards. In addition, there are two ponds at Morton Park (Morton Park Road). And don’t miss College Pond at Myles Standish State Forest (194 Cranberry Road, Carver). Hours and regulations vary. 

The Fore River

Weymouth, Braintree and Quincy each offer a public beach with access for swimmers to the Fore River. Check water quality first, then consider the following public spots: Mound Street Beach in Quincy, George Lane Beach in Weymouth, Wessagusset Beach in Weymouth, and Smith Beach in Braintree.

Ocean Beaches

Many town beaches require a resident sticker to park in the summertime, but some welcome the public with paid (or in rare cases, free but limited) parking Check out: Bathing Beach (Hingham), Brant Rock Beach (Marshfield), Duxbury Beach Park, North Nantasket Beach (Hull), Nantasket Beach Reservation(Hull), Nelson Memorial Park (Plymouth), Peggotty Beach (Scituate), and Plymouth Long Beach.

 

If you enjoy the outdoors, be sure to check out NSRWA’s Explore South Shore program. Every morning, we highlight one of the region’s best public nature places on Facebook and Instagram. Every Tuesday, it’s a spot with water access. Not on social media? We’ve listed all the locations on our website as well!

 

See you on the rivers!

by Kezia Bacon

July 2026

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 thirty years of Kezia’s Nature columns there. 

Celebrate National Rivers Month!

June is National Rivers Month -- an annual celebration of the beauty and importance of rivers. In honor of this designation, which dates back to 2005, this month I’m highlighting a variety of ways to experience our local rivers. We have lots of them! The North and South Rivers watershed also includes the Indian Head, Drinkwater, and Herring Rivers. Nearby, there are the Gulf, Weir, and Fore Rivers, along with the Jones, Bluefish, Green Harbor, and two different Back Rivers. And plenty more! They are all worth celebrating.

 

Take a Walk by a River

There’s nothing like a trail with a river view! Consider Norwell’s Norris Reservation, on the North River, or take a stroll through the dunes at Rexhame Beach to enjoy the South River. Bare Cove(Hingham) and Great Esker (Weymouth) Parks both offer views of the Back River. Webb Memorial State Park in Weymouth has frontage on both the Back and Fore Rivers! One of my all-time favorites is the Indian Head River Loop, which extends from Ludden’s Ford Park in Pembroke, through the Tucker Preserve and Hanson’s Rocky Run, and along the Indian Head River Trails in Hanover.

 

Plan a Paddling Excursion 

NSRWA’s favorite local launch sites include the Francis Keville Footbridge (South River), the Marshfield Launch by the Union Street Bridge (North River), Driftway Conservation Park (Herring River), Pembroke Town Forest (North River) and the Hanover Public Launch (Indian Head). To learn how to safely plan and navigate a local river excursion, attend our upcoming Timing the Tidespresentations, or watch the video on Marshfield Community Media.

Charter NSRWA’s Pontoon Boat

Looking for an effortless and inspiring way to enjoy the North River? Consider NSRWA’s Pontoon Boat! Treat yourself and arrange a 2-hour tour for 6 people, with gorgeous landscapes, river views, and glimpses or natural wildlife habitat. Join us and make memories that will encourage you to return year after year. For a true celebration, be sure to pack snacks and beverages!

Learn About Our Local Rivers

In addition to our Timing the Tides presentations, NSRWA gives free public talks at local libraries, senior centers, and community hubs. Get to know the “Rich History of the North and South Rivers,” enjoy a “Photo Tour of the Rivers,” or challenge yourself with River Trivia. View our current schedule here.

osprey photo by Lisa A. Irwin

Observe Some Birds

In the summer, it’s quite common to see ospreys in flight along the North and South Rivers, and sometimes bald eagles as well. Snowy egrets and great blue herons are often spied in the marshes, and cormorants can be observed midstream. If you enjoy birding, bring your binoculars and visit a local river. Drive up and enjoy the view from Mary’s Garden and Rogers Shipyard in Marshfield, Driftway Conservation Park in Scituate, along with Damon’s Point on the North River, or the Sea Street Bridge on the South.

 

Make Art by the River

Our rivers are also very picturesque! Pause to enjoy the view and let your creativity run wild! Any of the aforementioned spots are likely to foster inspiration. Or check out Marshfield’s Red Gold Farm (Green Harbor River), Kingston’s Mulliken’s Landing (Jones River), Scituate’s Mordecai Lincoln Homestead(Gulf River), Braintree’s Monatiquot River Walkway, and many more.

Plan Your Own Clean-Up

Another way to celebrate National Rivers Month is to help keep our local rivers clean. Plan your own clean-up event or simply bring a trash bag to a local park or boat launch and collect everything that doesn’t belong there. Empty beverage cans, tangles of fishing line, plastic bags and bottles, errant flip-flops ... Keeping this stuff out of the water can really make a difference. Want to make it a group effort? We’ve created this handy guide.

Try Yoga at the River’s Edge

Way back in 1997, I established this annual outdoor yoga program because I hoped to combine my love of rivers with my love of yoga. Thirty seasons later, we continue to gather every summer along the North, South and Herring Rivers to stretch, breathe and relax together. Ready to give it a try? Check out the schedule. We’ve sweetened the deal this year by offering a free class to everyone who makes an NSRWA membership donation between January 1, 2026 and the end of our yoga season.

Challenge Yourself to the Great River Race

Another longstanding NSRWA tradition is the Great River Race, an 8.5-mile journey on the North River through Norwell, Marshfield, Pembroke and Hanover. All non-motorized craft are encouraged to register. Paddle with the incoming tide while enjoying lively community and spectacular scenery, with a picnic and awards ceremony immediately after. It’s happening Sunday, August 9th.

 

If you enjoy the outdoors, be sure to check out NSRWA’s Explore South Shore program. Every morning, we highlight one of the region’s best public nature places on Facebook and Instagram. Walking trails, boat launches, picnic tables, and even playgrounds. Not on social media? We’ve listed all the locations on our website as well!

 

See you on the rivers!

by Kezia Bacon

June 2026

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 thirty years of Kezia’s Nature columns there.