Keville Footbridge & Pratt Trails / Marshfield

The combination of the Bridle Rail trail and Pratt provides visitors a 2 mile walk with many unique features. I can imagine this being an ideal for families since the terrain is largely very flat but with many things to keep little kids entertained. The Bridle Trail is actually many miles long as it stretches through Marshfield so this is only a very small piece of it.

The Pratt trails are built around the Zena Brook, which flows through the 37-acre Pratt property. In 2017, many of these footbridges were restored to increase accessibility to the area. Residents voted to acquire the Pratt property at special Town Meeting in 2012. Additional plans are in place for the Pratt property itself which includes a beautiful but decaying home. 

TRAILS:

As reflected in the map, the trail system consists of primarily a few out/back trails - but all to unique destinations. Despite the terrain largely being flat and without many rocks, it is often very narrow and just not suitable for strollers. Additionally, there is a pretty big staircase down from the rail trail that would be challenging for stroller-users.

Regardless of whether you park on Willow St or Rt 139, you can get a 2 mile walk in by exploring all the side trail spurs. If you come from Rt 139, you'll see the large staircase off the trail that will take you down to the Pratt trails and Zena's Brook.

POINTS OF INTEREST:

• Old Pratt House - While this is not open to visitors, the house and land are property of the Marshfield CPC.
• Bridle Rail Trail - Used to be a railway line that connected the South Shore 
• Keville footbridge - Dedicated in recent years to help improve access to the South River area. 
• Kayak Launch - coming soon!

HISTORY:

Marshfield residents voted to acquire the Pratt property at special Town Meeting in 2012. Although the history for this property is not well-documented it is clear this is a house with many historic touches. It includes a large barn.