McKenna Marsh is a 100+ acre open space in Hingham along Rt. 228. The land is rich with history and natural resources. Access to McKenna Marsh is provided through Marchesiani Farmland, a large field located along Main Street. This historic farmland was once a part of Pushcart Farm originally purchased by the Marchesiani family in 1934. Upon arrival, visitors will immediately notice the large field that leads hikers from the main road deeper into the woods. The preserve has several water elements including a freshwater marsh once used as a waterfowl preserve, with a beaver dam of unusual length. Additionally, Accord Brook weaves through the area, highlighting its importance for Hingham and Norwell town water supplies. The Hingham Conservation Commission has described the land as having "considerable high ground and open...
Triphammer Pond Conservation Area consists of 98 acres and was acquired by Hingham in 1945. Although not well documented on maps, Triphammer is connected to the Wompatuck State Park trail network. The 19 acre pond provides for a wonderfully quiet moment exploring the historic mill and looking for wildlife. The Triphammer Pond trails provide access to many recreational activities. The trails enable visitors to hike along narrow wooded trails and enjoy views of the pond or fish. Kayaking and canoeing are also permitted. In the winter months, ice skating is also permitted however visitors should be careful to test the ice. A reconstructed old mill dam, fish ladder, spillway, sluiceway, a stone well and remnants of other historic mill features are also found at this location. Access to Triphammer Pond...
More-Brewer Park is located off Hobart Street in the West Hingham area of the South Shore. The park is slightly obscured from the main streets which keeps it from being a very active trail system. During a recent visit, there was only one other car - but it is also clear that there are loyal visitors. The Park is reminiscent of the Worlds End experience on account of the original owner growing up on his father's farm near Worlds End. The park totals 186.5 acres of varied land, much of it interlaced with winding carriage paths. An outstanding feature is a spacious meadow, surrounded by pine. Larch and dogwood. Brewer Pond, gorgeous when water lilies are in bloom, and the more secluded Ice House Pond, provided habitat for many creatures....
Happy October! With each passing day of Fall, we find ourselves itching to spend more time outdoors and embracing the season. There are so many great trails on the South Shore - and it feels like we discover new hidden gems every day. For this edition, we decided to focus solely on Hingham! World’s End and Weir River Farm are hallmark opportunities for the region … but there are also several others! So here’s to celebrating Hingham. OH- and this newsletter is sponsored by the South Shore Model Railway Club! Want to know more? Check out this Boston Globe article on the history and members. Their annual Fall show is this coming weekend (10/28-29) and you could win 2 tickets. Just follow the directions on this Facebook post! Enjoy your fresh air and fun adventures! P.S. We are...
Turkey Hill is a 62 acre piece of land that is managed by the Trustees of the Reservation in partnership with the Towns of Cohasset and Hingham. Turkey Hill abuts the Whitney-Thayer Woods, Wompatuck Park, and Weir River Farm. This section of the South Shore is incredibly rich with conservation land - and the opportunity to explore it. There are two direct access points to the Turkey Hill portion. The entrance on Route 3A brings visitors up through wooden paths to the base of the field. The entrance from Turkey Hill Lane in Hingham starts visitors at the highest point of the property. The 187-foot summit provides incredible views of the Boston Skyline, the Harbor, Hull and Scituate in the distance as well. A cinderblock NIKE building is all that remains...
Eel River Woods is a 12 acre conservation parcel located along Cushing Street in Hingham. The land is maintained by the Hingham Land Trust along with several other parcels in town, including Jacobs Meadow and Whortleberry Hollow. The land was donated by Mary Niles. The Niles family have previously donated 4 additional acres along Cushing Pond. The Eel River Woods trail is probably something that you've driven by a million times. The Hingham Land Trust sign peeks out from the woods and just barely catches your attention - but it is worth a stop. Although the trail system totals less than a mile, it feels like a bit more due to the number of loops, hills, and benches that are included. The benches are thoughtfully placed under the protection of...
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...