George Washington Forest, also known as the Hingham Town Forest, offers 197.6 acres of wooden open space featuring conifer groves, winding eskers, and fern carpeted swales not found elsewhere in Hingham. The trails are actually carriage paths wide enough for forest maintenance but are excellent for walking. The forest uplands are mainly composed mainly of Red and White Pines and Norway Spruces. Wetland depressions are full of maple shrubbery. The forest is east of Fulling Mill Pond, and glacial ridges and hills surround the area. Many people come to the forest to birdwatch, jog, and horseback ride. A small pull off parking area is available along South Pleasant Street.
The George Washington Town Forest was diagnosed with “Red Pine Scale” and the “Pine Shoot Beatle” which has contributed to the wide- spread mortality of the Red Pine Trees in the forest. After extensive research and plant diagnostic site work performed by the University of Massachusetts Extension’s diagnostic team it was determined that all trees that could potentially fall onto the roads or trails should be removed for Public Safety. About 80% of the trees that were a threat to the public have been removed and an on-going tree removal program is in place which evaluates and removes any threats to the public. (source: Hingham Conservation Commission Town Map)
Why visit? Nice, wide paths that make it easy to walk with a friend or your dog. Very popular with dog owners but still serene enough to provide peaceful moment.
TRAILS
Approximately 3 miles of trails through the forest. Trails are not completely flat but kept wide and clear of brush or big rocks. The wide paths are used for forest maintenance. The map helps delineate which trails are wide and which ones are perhaps more narrow and less-maintained.
LOCATION:
Pleasant Street
Hingham, MA
STROLLER SCORE: 1
