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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
Whitney Thayer Woods is an 824 acre Trustees property located in Cohasset along 3A. The trail network consists of approximately 10 miles of trails through hardwood forests - some of which lead to more forests and others of which lead to incredible views of open fields or the Boston skyline. What makes this property unique are the extensive number of giant boulders left by the prior Ice Age. Some of these are small enough for kids to climb on and others might be 20 feet high. Why visit? Unlike many other trails, this Trustees property has a sizable parking lot suitable for a large group walks or just never worrying about whether you'll find a spot. The property is so vast that you could explore for hours and only see one...
Weir River Farm is a 75-acre working farm located in Hingham. The farm is part of an extensive trail network covering 5,000 acres and 10+ miles of trails that includes Whitney and Thayer Woods, Turkey Hill, and Wompatuck Park. Between April and October, Weir River Farm opens their barnyard on Saturdays from 10-2 pm. It is a great opportunity to get behind the fences and up close with the most popular farm residents. The farm is perhaps most well-known for their belted cows that can be seen from Rt 228 as you drive by. A visit to the farm will get you some quality time with the 4H volunteers that educate visitors with fun facts about the animals. What type of animals can you expect? Oh so many! One of...
The 244-acre peninsula shares many of the features found on the harbor islands. Overlooking Hingham Bay, it is formed by two drumlins and has rocky beaches, ledges, cliffs, patches of salt marsh and an area of freshwater marsh. From the minute you arrive, it is clear why Worlds End is one of the most popular locations on the South Shore. If you do decide to visit, try to come on the earlier side of the day as the parking lot can get quite full. Feel free to bring your lunch or a snack to enjoy on any of the countless benches that are scattered throughout the property. TRAILS: As reflected in the map, the trail system consists of several main loops with some small alternate routes. A very large percentage...
Weir River Farm is by far one of our favorite spots on the South Shore. There is something permanently amazing about a big red barn, farm animals, and old stone walls. If you are debating about whether to become a Trustees of the Reservation member, Weir River Farm should be the tipping point ... especially if you have children. The barnyard is your own personal menagerie of animals with sheep, goats, pigs, horses, llamas, chickens, cows, and even a bunny named Joey. In addition to being a place to visit for the afternoon, the Trustees offer many great educational and fun activities onsite. There are children's and teen barnyard programs, BYOB & art viewing events, sheep sheering festivals, and Christmas trees for sale in the winter. Frequently they have meat...
