Why to visit:
The Bates Lane network of trails is a hidden treasure in Scituate. I'm embarrassed that I did not know it existed until recently. Each of the 6 trails is unique and worth the time spent on them!
What you should know:
This was my first time visiting the Bates Lane trails. I find many of my trails by seeing the parking lots as I'm driving by - there is no real parking lot for these trails which is why I never found them before. I think the best place to park is at the Mt Hope Church. This provides for a great entry via the Litchfield Trail. If you happen to find parking near Bates Lane that would also be great.
I spent 3 miles exploring all these trails and found them all to be a bit different - so I'll try to call out some of the differences below. After looking at the map, I had my heart set on getting to the brook at the end of the properties. It was absolutely worth it. There were so many great moments along the way too. So many stone walls criss-crossing the forest accompanied with gigantic tall trees. In all of that natural beauty, the trails are incredibly well maintained and marked. There is usually a moment in every trail where you are not quite sure where you are - that will not happen. I think nearly every map has a "you are here" spot - and there are maps at nearly all the intersections.
- Litchfield Trail - Primary entry point. Largely even terrain but some sections have big tree roots and medium sized rocks in the path.
- Horse Trail - More narrow path - but with a lot of smaller trees close by. Feels like a hidden wonderland.
- Bates Lane - Big wide path. Perfect for strollers and groups of friends.
- Maxwell Trail - Definitely not feasible for strollers - but absolutely worth the work. It's not a very challenging trail just narrow and uneven at times. Incredibly picturesque as you get closer and closer to the brook.
- Carl Pipes Trail - Largely very even and approachable.
