11 Places to Visit with Little Kids

Caretakers of young children know that attempting a nature walk with a preschooler has its risks and rewards. On the plus side, you are likely to see things differently through a child’s eyes. That giant rock halfway down the trail? It is now a jungle gym!

 

On the other hand, you may not even make it to the trailhead because nearly everything has the potential to fascinate. A friend and fellow blogger writes about exploring only the driveway at a local wildlife preserve with his 4-year-old son. A bent stick became a ninja’s weapon, and then a fishing pole, and then an experiment with cause and effect. (Tossed into the water, it floated away. Tears ensued.)

 

Furthermore, little legs can tire out fast. Even a half mile trail can seem exhaustingly long when the only options for completing it involve whining or a piggyback ride. Pro Tip: a playground nearby serves as a valuable incentive. 

 

The list I’ve compiled here features 11 nature-based places to visit with young children. Each includes at least one of the following criteria: 

• minimal distance from the parking area to “the good stuff” 

• a trail no longer than a half mile

• the presence of a decent-sized play structure.

 

Even when it’s cold outside, a short walk can do wonders. Be sure to check out NSRWA’s Explore South Shore contest. This month we’re featuring child-friendly properties both within and beyond the watershed of the North and South Rivers. Please visit them, and then post a photo from your adventure to Instagram with the hashtag #ExploreSouthShore. Once a month, we’ll randomly select a winner. 

Hartsuff Park, Rockland

This diverse woodland property features a playground, a disc golf course, a swimming pond, a picnic area, and athletic fields, all surrounded by a 1-mile nature trail. Pets are not permitted, but since the park is set back far from the main road, it’s a relatively safe place to let your children run free. The land drains to Cushing Brook, a tributary to the Drinkwater River, part of the North River watershed. Ample on-site parking at the 146 Hingham Street entrance. 

https://www.nsrwa.org/listing/hartsuff-park-recreation-area/

Veterans Memorial Town Forest, Hanson

This quiet 37 acres of woods and wetlands at the edge of Wampatuck Pond, in the Indian Head River watershed, directly abuts town-owned athletic fields, plus there’s an elementary school across the street. If the pond, streams, and well-trod trails lose their appeal, there are options. Park at the sports complex on Route 58, or at the cul de sac at the end of Indian Trail.

https://www.nsrwa.org/listing/veterans-memorial-town-forest/

Higgins-MacAllister Preserve, Scituate

This 37-acre property features a 1-mile, boulder-strewn loop trail through the woods. However with little ones, the best part might come sooner. Close to the entrance is a long wooden bridge and a shallow, rocky stream. Not far away is a pine tree with a 17-foot circumference. What more do you need? The stream here is a headwater for Bound Brook and the Aaron River. Park at the end of Holly Crest Road. 

https://www.nsrwa.org/listing/higgins-macallister-preserve/

Woodbine Island Conservation Area, Weymouth

This diminutive 3-part property on Woodbine Road features a short trail along the edge of Whitman’s Pond, the island itself, and also a sliver of shoreline suitable for fishing or launching kayaks. The 0.16-mile trail offers plenty for the preschool set, and most days you’ll find ducks or geese on the pond (please refrain from feeding them). Whitman’s Pond is a headwater to the Weymouth Back River and a spawning area for herring. Very limited roadside parking near the intersection of Woodbine Road and Island View Road. Additional roadside parking at the end of Woodbine Road.

https://www.nsrwa.org/listing/woodbine-island-conservation-area/

Herring Run Park, Pembroke

This charming property sits directly on Herring Brook. In the springtime, you can actually see herring swimming by. In some places, the brook is only about six inches deep! There is also a large grassy area with a mammoth boulder. Herring Brook is part of the North River watershed. On-site parking on Barker Street.

https://www.nsrwa.org/listing/herring-run-park-conservation-area/

Island Grove Park, Abington

This 53-acre forest park features two ponds, plus walking trails and a playground. One pond is actually a dammed section of the Shumatuscacant River, which is part of the Taunton River watershed. Ample parking on Park Street. 

https://www.nsrwa.org/listing/island-grove-park/

Gaffield Park, Norwell

This 8-acre parcel contains multi-activity playground structures, short trails into the woods, and a small sledding hill. Large glacial erratic boulders encourage imaginative play. It is also one of many access points to Norwell’s Pathway, a paved bike and walking trail. It lies within the watershed of Second Herring Brook and the North River. Limited on-site parking on Forest Street.

https://www.nsrwa.org/listing/gaffield-park/

Ellis Nature Sanctuary, Marshfield

This 27-acre property is a beautiful spot for a quick walk, and the chance to see some wildlife. The half-mile trail leads from the parking area to and around a retired cranberry bog, part of the South River watershed. Limited on-site parking. Look for the small lot down the easy-to-miss access road off Plain Street, near Sandy Hill Drive.

https://www.nsrwa.org/listing/ellis-nature-sanctuary/

Beaver Brook Playground, Abington

This large, well-shaded playground shares an address with Abington school properties. Go all the way to the back, and you can’t miss it. For an alternative to the play structures, look for the pond, and cross to the other side, where you’ll find a secluded woodland trail along the Shumatuscacant River. On-site parking on Ralph Hamlin Jr. Blvd.

https://www.nsrwa.org/listing/beaver-brook-playground/

House Rock Park, Weymouth

A small playground with a colossal freestanding boulder is just the start of what this park offers. Behind House Rock you’ll find a 0.34-mile trail into the woods. The property lies on the border between the Weir River and Monatiquot River watersheds. Limited parking at the end of House Rock Road.

https://www.nsrwa.org/listing/house-rock-park/

Pratt Farm, Marshfield

This 34-acre property is situated on both the South River and Zenas Brook. A 0.35-mile trail leads over a bridge and along the edge of the marsh, then back into the woods and over another bridge. Imagine the possibilities! At the eastern end of the trail, a tall set of stairs leads up to Marshfield’s Rail Trail & Bridle Trail. Limited on-site parking on Willow Street.

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

by Kezia Bacon

February 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/  

 

10 New Discoveries for 2021

A view from the Indian Crossway trail in Hanson.

As challenging a year as it was, one of the upsides of 2020 was that it gave us increased opportunities to spend time outdoors. We are so fortunate, here on the South Shore, to have a seemingly endless supply of parks, preserves, and conservation areas. 

 Last year each of these Nature columns was devoted to a specific town, highlighting some of the best walking places to be found there. This year we’ll be returning to more varied themes, with the continued intention of introducing you to, or reacquainting you with, a wide variety of places to hike, to fish, to paddle . . . or just to enjoy the view. 

 

Be sure to check out NSRWA’s Explore South Shore contest, which has been extended for another full year. We’ll be branching out a little farther across the region this year, featuring properties both within and beyond the watershed of the North and South Rivers. Each week we’ll highlight a new property to explore, and encourage you to visit, and post a photo from your adventure to Instagram with the hashtag #ExploreSouthShore2021. Once a month, we’ll randomly select a winner and award a prize. 

 

I’m so excited to share this month’s column with you! Below is a list of ten places I discovered only recently. Some of them are new, some are just new-to-me, and some were improved in one way or another over the past year. I hope you’ll enjoy exploring them!

Nathaniel Thomas Mill

Not far from the Hanson Town Hall, across from Wampatuck Pond on Route 58, stands this historic structure. Indian Head Brook flows from the pond, under the roadway, right past -- and through -- this renovated sawmill. If -- like me -- you’re fascinated by flowing water, you’re going to enjoy just standing on the observation deck, looking down into the brook as it passes by. The 1.3-acre property is small but mighty. A short walk down one side brings you to the edge of the brook, which flows through Hanson into the Indian Head River, one of the North River’s most significant tributaries. Ample on-site parking on Liberty Street in Hanson. 

Visit: https://www.nsrwa.org/listing/nathaniel-thomas-mill/

 

Cavern Rock Park

What an unexpected delight it was, to discover this unusual 36-acre property! Cavern Rock Park was acquired by the Town of Weymouth in 1968. It stands out among other local offerings because of its challenging 0.7-mile loop trail, which snakes through an oak forest, and features numerous granite outcroppings, many covered with moss. The steep trail is not for everyone. You won’t need ropes and carabiners, but if you enjoy scrambling over large boulders, be sure to check this place out. The land here drains to Whitman’s Pond, one of the headwaters of the Weymouth Back River, which flows for 10 miles to Hingham Bay. On-site parking for 3 cars on Westminster Road.

Visit: https://www.nsrwa.org/listing/cavern-rock-park/

Lapham Woods

Forward thinking by the Duxbury Rural and Historical Society preserved this 36-acre woodland for posterity in 1931 and 1952. Located on both sides of Depot Street, where it intersects with Tremont (across from the Town Offices), it provides a broad swath of pine forest within a busy part of town. There are several trailheads, and about 1.5 miles altogether of trails. The land here lies within the watershed of Bluefish River, which drains to Duxbury Bay. Limited roadside parking on Depot Street. 

Visit: https://www.nsrwa.org/listing/lapham-woods/

 

Indian Crossway

If you’ve visited the Burrage Pond Wildilfe Management Area in Hanson, you already know this terrain. But the 1.1-mile Indian Crossway trail offers alternate access, as well as new vantage points. Usually when we talk about historic properties, we’re referring to places that date back to the Colonial era. But this goes back much farther. Extending along the highland between the Great Cedar Swamp and the Burrage Pond reservoirs, it was established by Native Americans as a travel route between the North and Taunton River watershed. The waters here drain through Stump Brook to Robbins Pond, a headwater to the Satucket River, and part of the Taunton River watershed. Limited parking on Crooker Place in Hanson. 

Visit: https://www.nsrwa.org/listing/indian-crossway-conservation-area/

 

Great Pond Trail

Great Pond provides Weymouth’s drinking water. This 1-mile trail network extends through a beech and pine forest and along the lakeshore, skirting wetlands and glacial erratic boulders, and offering spectacular water views. Great Pond is part of the Back River watershed. Its waters flow northeast to Whitman’s Pond and the Back River. You’ll find trailheads and parking at two locations on Thicket Street -- Gifford Playground and Negus Park. 

Visit: https://www.nsrwa.org/listing/great-pond-trail/

Crosbie Family Preserve

Scituate has been on a roll lately! Not only has the town opened hundreds of acres of conservation land to the public, it has furnished them with excellent trail maps and parking areas. You’re going to want to check these places out. The newest among several properties off Clapp Road in the West End is the 50-acre Crosbie Family Preserve, which opened this summer. You’ll find stone walls, agricultural fields, and several intersecting loops trails through the woods and wetlands abutting South Swamp. The swamp drains to three different streams -- Aaron Brook and Bound Brook, which flow to the Gulf River and Cohasset Harbor, and First Herring Brook, a major tributary to the North River. Limited on-site parking just east of 253 Clapp Road, Scituate.

Visit: https://www.nsrwa.org/listing/crosbie-family-preserve/

Masthead Drive Trail

If you’ve enjoyed the North River from the water, you may have noticed this trail and wondered how to find it. Because of its location at end of a quiet road, nearly adjacent to Route 3, it’s not really “on the way” to anywhere. But it is well-worth the trip! Follow Norwell’s Masthead Drive to the very end, and park in the cul de sac. Look for the trailhead just behind the storm drain grate. Follow the trail through the woods, up and down some moderate rolling hills, and across a small footbridge. After 0.4 mile, you’ll find yourself looking out over the North River. It’s a gorgeous spot, and if you continue a little farther to the left, you’ll find two additional vantage points. 

Visit: https://www.nsrwa.org/listing/masthead-drive-trail/

Harbor Walk

In terms of conservation acreage, Marshfield runs at the front of the pack of South Shore towns, with only Plymouth boasting more open space. For those who prefer strolling on paved trails, the newly-expanded Harbor Walk provides endless scenery without the challenges of a forest hike. Located directly on Green Harbor, this wide concrete 1-mile path connects several popular landmarks -- the town pier, two parks, and the Brant Rock Esplanade -- with views of the harbor, the estuary, and the Green Harbor River. For parking, look for the small lot across the street from Harbor Park.

Visit: https://www.nsrwa.org/listing/harbor-park-and-harbor-walk/

Berrybrook Fields

For a glimpse of Duxbury’s agricultural past, check out these rolling green fields on Winter Street. This tree-lined 40-acre property features a small drumlin hill at its center with some impossibly picturesque oaks standing tall at the top. For a pleasant walk, follow the cart path along the eastern edge of the property, and continue all the way around the perimeter. The land here drains to Bassett Brook, part of the Jones River Watershed. Limited roadside parking on Winter Street.

Visit: https://www.nsrwa.org/listing/berrybrook-fields/

 

Studley Pond

Within Rockland’s busy commercial center, there’s this 29-acre oasis of calm -- Studley Pond. Located directly behind the CVS on Market Street, this is a great spot to fish, to paddle, or even just to pause for a few deep breaths. Known first as Silver Lake, and then Reed’s Pond, through the years it has been home to a mill, a box factory, an ice company, and even a swimming pavilion. You’ll see vestiges of its past along the shoreline. French’s Stream, a tributary to the Indian Head River, flows through the pond. Limited on-site parking.

Visit: https://www.nsrwa.org/listing/studley-pond-reeds-pond/

by Kezia Bacon

January 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.