05Mar 2017 by southshoretrailsma@gmail.com

Canoe Club Preserve / Pembroke

Canoe Club Preserve is a quick half mile loop trail located right off Rt 139 in Pembroke. The trail is a perfect addition to a weekend or weekday as it is probably right near all your errands or commute. The trail entrance is perhaps a bit concealed. The trail entrance is located behind Pembroke Pointe (home to Orta) and you'll see a sign designating parking and a trail entrance on the side of the parking lot. TRAILS: The paths are not specifically marked however you can't miss it. The trail is only a half mile loop and about 75% of it is on a boardwalk. The portion that is not on a boardwalk is fairly uneven with tree roots and rocks - however not unsafe. It might present a challenge for a...

05Mar 2017 by southshoretrailsma@gmail.com

Great Brewster Woods / Cohasset

Cohasset, Cohasset Conservation Trust, Trail

Great Brewster Trail is a hidden gem located right near Cohasset Center. The trail entrance is perhaps a bit concealed which is why I have overlooked the signs for years. The trail is a phenomenal resource and such a great addition to our South Shore trail network. TRAILS: The paths are very well marked and clear of brush and tree branches. Along the path there are markers calling out certain tree species and other landmarks. The Cohasset Conservation Trust has put together an informative trail guide which is absolutely worth printing out prior to your visit. The loop trail is just over 1 mile long. POINTS OF INTEREST: Great Brewster Woods is a typical New England and South Shore site including historic stone walls, large amounts of ledge outcroppings, and streams. The trail guide...

26Feb 2017 by southshoretrailsma@gmail.com

Norris Reservation / Norwell

Norwell, Trail, Trustees of the Reservation

Norris Reservation is one of the most popular trails on the South Shore. The parking lot is consistently full nearly every weekend day - and frequently on week days as well. Why are all these visitors flocking to Norris? Because it is right at the sweet spot for being approachable and interesting. Norris Reservation is ideal for a solo walk with a podcast, two friends looking to catch-up, or a family getting some fresh air after work. Norris covers 129 acres near Norwell center - but the gentle nesting of trails provides enough options for every one who visits. Even with a full parking lot, you can have the trail to yourself for a good stretch of time. By following the trail map, a visitor can sketch out a quick 30...

26Feb 2017 by southshoretrailsma@gmail.com

Daniel Webster Wildlife Sanctuary / Marshfield

Audubon Society, Marshfield, Trail

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...

26Feb 2017 by southshoretrailsma@gmail.com

Cow Tent Hill Preserve / Duxbury

Duxbury, Trail, Wildlands Trust

Why to visit:Cow Tent Hill is a delicious bite-size bit of nature. I had not done much research before coming here while out on errands. I only knew that the trail entrance was conveniently located on Route 3A. During your visit you can expect the following: giant tall trees lining the .3 mile path a unique view of the marsh complete with a bench to enjoy a snack parking lot for about 5 cars The trail at the Wildlands Trust site is not very long (.3 mile) but about half of it is very steep. I visited on the day after a light snow and was fine. I can imagine that it is significantly more slippery after a good rain storm. The trails are very well maintained and loved. Although...

26Feb 2017 by southshoretrailsma@gmail.com

Hoyt-Hall Preserve / Marshfield

Marshfield, Trail, Wildlands Trust

Why to visit:Hoyt-Hall is a relatively brand new site on the South Shore for the Wildlands Trust. It's hard to follow the history of the land acquisitions but it took several years to acquire the land necessary to make a good trail network. All the effort was certain worth the effort because this is a great location! The trail is essentially one big loop with some potential offshoots including one to the Issac Winslow House through a Red Maple Swamp. About half of the trail is very even and level, making it very suitable for strollers, kids, and the like. While the other half is in great condition, there are some narrow parts with large tree roots that might make it hard to navigate. In addition, there are some hills but given...

22Feb 2017 by southshoretrailsma@gmail.com

Wheelright Park & Barnes Wildlife Sanctuary / Cohasset

Cohasset, Cohasset Conservation Trust, Trail

Why to visit:There is a great network of trails called Wheelright Park that has been built out (and maybe maintained in part) by the Boy Scout troop in that town. When you visit, you'll find a heavily forested area that is teeming with birds and maybe other wildlife too. The park itself is really awesome. While the trails aren't incredibly well marked - they are in general pretty wide and the map is accurate. There was a side trail called the "Lemon Squeezer" that takes you off the main trail by a picturesque stream, old stone walls, and big holly trees. There was some historic fireplace that I passed by - like literally a fire place outside... not a fire pit. The most amazing part? In the middle of the woods there is...