52 Places to Explore the South Shore in 2021

52 Places to Explore the South Shore in 2021

NSRWA's has released their 2021 places to explore challenge! This year there are 52 Places in the challenge! The goal for the challenge is to inspire people to visit great locations across the South Shore. We love any opportunity to get outside and try something new. If you visit one of their spots, you can share your picture with us by tagging @southshoretrails! We'll repost it for the whole community to see. Download a printable list of all the 2021 spots! Bonus! Visit the property designated for the week and take a picture of the location or you and/or your friends and family exploring. Share the photo online any time that month on the Instagram page @northsouthrivers with the hashtag #ExploreSouthShore and include the name of the property You could...
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South Shore Quest 2020

South Shore Quest 2020

Cohasset, Duxbury, Guide, Hingham, Scituate, Trustees of the Reservation, Weymouth, Wildlands Trust
Are you looking for a way to engage the whole family? Or just challenge yourself on a hike? You should check out the South Shore Quest! The South Shore Quest is an annual challenge to “encourage exploration of the outdoors through the use of CLUE-directed walks through local public lands and parks”. The organization was formed in 1998 and has been delivering fun ever since.  Update: Historically, the quest books have been for sale for $5 at local retailers. Given the pandemic, they are posting the book for free online but asking for donations via this link. We love their enthusiasm and dedication to the cause. Consider donating via this link. The Idea Questing is an ideal activity for small groups and families, as well as individuals. By turning a...
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50 Places to Explore the South Shore in 2020

50 Places to Explore the South Shore in 2020

NSWRA
In honor of NSRWA's 50th anniversary, they have kickstarted a "50 Places" challenge for 2020. The goal for the challenge is to inspire people to visit great locations across the South Shore. We love any opportunity to get outside and try something new. If you visit one of their spots, you can share your picture with us by tagging @southshoretrails! We'll repost it for the whole community to see. Bonus! Visit the property designated for the week and take a picture of the location or you and/or your friends and family exploring. Share the photo online any time that month on the Instagram page @northsouthrivers with the hashtag #ExploreSouthShore and include the name of the property You could win a prize if your picture is selected by randomly selected by...
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NSWRA

NSWRA

NSRWA The NSRWA was created in 1970 by a handful of South Shore river-lovers. They were bound together by a devotion to the watershed’s natural beauty and a desire to protect it for their own use, and for generations to come. NSRWA began as a group of 400 South Shore residents and has grown to over 1,500 household members. Today, we are a passionate band of individuals, families, businesses, and other environmental organizations from throughout the South Shore that value our waters for people and wildlife. (source: NSRWA website) EVENTS: Offer a variety of educational events focused on water MEMBERSHIP: Individual $35, Family $50 Related Content 50 Places to Explore the South Shore in 2020 In honor of NSRWA's 50th anniversary, they have kickstarted a "50 Places" challenge for 2020. The...
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Accessible Trails

Accessible Trails

We firmly believe any time spent in nature is a win. Fresh air is good for the soul, but not all trails are accessible for everyone. ADA trails are follow the regulations indicated below. Asphalt pavement and concrete trails generally come to mind when thinking about ADA accessible trails. However, packed crushed stone, gravel fines compacted with a roller, packed soil and other natural materials bonded with synthetic materials can provide the required degree of stability and firmness. There are not ADA trails in each town but we have reached out to towns and agencies to compile this listing of accessible trails. Accessible and ADA are classified differently in our database. We have deemed "accessible" to be non-compliant but level, stable terrain that in some cases might even be paved....
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Mass Audubon

Mass Audubon

Mass Audubon Society Founded in 1896. Mass Audubon protects 36,500 acres of land throughout Massachusetts, saving birds and other wildlife, and making nature accessible to all. As Massachusetts’ largest nature conservation nonprofit, we welcome more than a half million visitors a year to our wildlife sanctuaries and 20 nature centers. From inspiring hilltop views to breathtaking coastal landscapes, serene woods, and working farms, we believe in protecting our state’s natural treasures for wildlife and for all people. EVENTS: Lots of nature focused events... including many around bird watching and for kids! MEMBERSHIP: Individual/Family starting at $32 Trail Maps + Reviews Town Town Site Website Table List Acres Dogs Stroller? Water? Agency Abington Abington Ames Nowell State Park Ames Nowell State Park 700 y pond State Park Abington Abington Island Grove Park...
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The Trustees

The Trustees

The Trustees Founded in 1891. A Massachusetts wide organization that protects, maintains, and restores 100 conservation sites across the Baystate. Of the 25,000 acres under the watchful eye of the Trustees, there are many on the South Shore including a working farm in Hingham. The Trustees locations are some of the most popular sites to visit with family, friends, and 4-legged friends. EVENTS: Offer a variety of events that combine sight-seeing the South Shore with an educational flavor MEMBERSHIP: Individual $47, Family $57 Trail Maps + Reviews Town Town Site Website Table List Acres Dogs Stroller? Water? Agency Abington Abington Ames Nowell State Park Ames Nowell State Park 700 y pond State Park Abington Abington Island Grove Park Island Grove Park 53 pond Town Abington Abington Griffin Dairy Farm Griffin Dairy Farm...
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Wildlands Trust

Wildlands Trust

Wildlands Trust Founded in 1973. One of the largest and oldest regional land trusts in Massachusetts. The Trust has helped to ensure the protection of nearly 10,000 acres of natural and agricultural lands. EVENTS: Wide variety of events including yoga, trail running, and photography classes. MEMBERSHIP: Individual $40, Family $65 Trail Maps + Reviews Town Town Site Website Table List Acres Dogs Stroller? Water? Agency Abington Abington Ames Nowell State Park Ames Nowell State Park 700 y pond State Park Abington Abington Island Grove Park Island Grove Park 53 pond Town Abington Abington Griffin Dairy Farm Griffin Dairy Farm Abington Abington Beaver Brook Playground Beaver Brook Playground Braintree Braintree Braintree Town Forest Braintree Town Forest 85 wetlands Town Braintree Braintree Cranberry Pond Cranberry Pond 140 pond Town Braintree Braintree Eaton's...
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Best Fall Hikes on the South Shore

Best Fall Hikes on the South Shore

Although the South Shore might be best known for its beaches and coastal lifestyle, there is an abundance of Fall colors to be enjoyed with the return of Autumn. There is no reason to run North to Vermont and New Hampshire to take in the bright welcoming change of seasons. Whether you want to have a little quiet time or explore with family, we’ve selected 8 spots to enjoy the return of Fall. Grab a cider donut from Hornstra Farms and hit the trails! Family Friendly One of our favorite traditions is watching families and friends hike together. All of these trails come with good parking options. No unnecessary stress added! Turkey Hill - Cohasset // The top of Turkey Hill is one of the higher points on the South...
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Pudding Hill / Pembroke

Pudding Hill / Pembroke

Pembroke, Trail, Wildlands Trust
Pudding Hill Reservation is located off Rt 123 in Pembroke near Marshfield Center. The site consists of two main pieces: field leading to a pond and short wooded trails. The primary trail entrance is located just at the base of the pine tree covered hillside across from the pond. The Pudding Hill reservation is managed by the Wildlands Trust. Here are some additional ecological notes from the Wildlands Trust: White pines dominate on the gravelly soils of this glacial ridge and create an open, airy forest. In spring, a high-pitched, trilling song may alert you to the presence of a nesting pine warbler or chipping sparrow. White oaks and black oaks are found in some parts of the preserve. The South River is little more than a brook here and...
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