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....
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...
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...
Tidmarsh Sanctuary is a 481-plus acre landscape in Plymouth. Once a working cranberry farm, this landscape underwent the largest freshwater ecological restoration ever completed in the Northeast. Its previous owners, the Schulman Family, along with the Massachusetts Division of Ecological Restoration, U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service, and many other organizations, re-created nearly three and a half miles of meandering stream channel, sculpted the land’s surface, and removed nine dams to reconnect the headwaters of Beaver Dam Brook to the ocean for the first time in more than a century. The restoration before and after images are absolutely worth checking out! As a result of the collective actions of the collaborators, this entire landscape is now on a dramatic trajectory of change—a spectacle that will play out for...
When the good weather returns to New England and the South Shore, we immediately want to be outside as much as possible. Let’s savor every single moment of the extra daylight, sun on our faces, and spring in our step. While we never leave home without a snack in our fanny pack, sometimes it is even more fun to bring along a picnic. Bonus? You get to sit and enjoy the view that much longer. The South Shore has some really beautiful spots so let’s settle down and enjoy them. Our Favorite Benches + Docks Driftway - Scituate // best sunset, dusk views. Perfect for taking your next family picture! There are two docks with seating. Norris Reservation - Norwell // views along the North River from a little hut. Also several benches scattered throughout the...
Just because it is Winter does not mean you have to stay indoors all day by the fire. There are plenty of great trails along the South Shore that make for wonderful snowy hikes and Winter adventures - especially when you are prepared for the elements! So stock up on the essentials and hit the trails. We've pulled together a list of great options for your Winter adventures. All of the trails we have noted include good parking - crucial in snowy weather! Grab your big boots, cross-country skis or snowshoes and hit the trails. Good, Easier Loops Turkey Hill - Hingham // Although this is a big property, there is a great loop right around the field at the top of the hill Bay Farm - Duxbury // great views of Kingston Bay, might even...
The North River Wildlife Sanctuary is a 225-acre property located just over the North River into Marshfield. It is an incredibly unique site that covers the bases for all types of visitors regardless of age. The only catch? You have to leave your dog at home. The biggest selling point will vary depending on the visitor. People that love a great view will enjoy the dock overlooking the North River with sweeping views of Scituate, Marshfield, and the river. Bird watchers will be greeted with the opportunity to spy on several of their winged friends - including an occupied Osprey nest in the main field. Families are also very much at home during a visit. All of the trails are in great condition for a variety of abilities. While it...
North Hill Marsh can best be described as a wildlife sanctuary within a town forest - and that is literally what it is. The 130+ acres Audubon property is situated within the Duxbury Eastern Greenbelt. The Greenbelt consists of approximately 1,000 acres of contiguous open space - so a true refuge from the hustle and bustle of life. The area is marked by oak and pine woodlands, cranberry bogs, and a 90-acre pond. TRAILS: The trails are well maintained but can vary wildly in terms of terrain and width. There is probably a decent path suitable for strollers however this location is really suited to those not worried about accessibility. Some of the trails we have been on are very narrow and surrounded by pine trees - and others loop around...
Why to visit:When I pulled into the Daniel Webster Wildlife Sanctuary parking lot, I was one of two cars and knew that I pretty much had the place to myself. The sanctuary is a big piece of land that feels a lifetime away from the rest of the world. I can't wait to see how it looks in all four seasons... and in between. The paths are big and wide. There are views of marsh and rivers. But I was most captivated by the boardwalks and the trees. I mean, super breathtaking. Two real killer moments? There was this particular point where you cross the river on a bridge. The water was so smooth and flat - and the lighting was just so perfect - that it was honestly hard...
