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...
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....
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...
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...
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...
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...
Melzar Hatch is a 1.9 mile trail off Cedar Street in Hanover. The trail is known for cross-country running and is located near Hanover High School and Middle School. The trail is maintained by the Wildlands Trust. TRAIL NOTES: Colby Phillips trail is located across the street if you choose to extend your hike a little further. Property is approximately 40 acres Trail is known for being well suited to cross-country running Parking is available behind each of the three schools (Hanover High, Hanover Middle, Cedar School) LOCATION: Cedar Street Hanover, MA STROLLER SCORE: TBD LINKS: Trail Map
Willow Brook Farm is a Wildlands Trust property located in Pembroke off Route 14. The property consists of 127 acres of unique landscape and just under 3 miles of trails. One of the best features of the property is the Tower located on the edge of a freshwater tidal marsh. The view from the top enables visitors to birdwatch and get a brand new perspective of the landscape. The area is extremely productive for wildlife and conserves an unusual freshwater tidal marsh, a habitat type of both state and global significance. Tidal fluctuations can be observed here, some 11 miles upstream from the Atlantic Ocean. Within the valley lies a wilderness of more than 2,000 acres, which is a headwater area of the North River, and critical to water quality...
Philips Farm Preserve is a Wildlands Trust property located in Marshfield. The preserve is located in an area of Marshfield rich with conservation sites including some connected to Philips. The original Philips Farm was owned by the Philips family for over 150 years. This particular preserve consists of 40 acres that were secured in 1999. Without Phillips Farm, four other properties — Cornhill Woodland, Union Street Woodland, Tilden Farm, and Nelson Memorial Forest — could not have been linked by trail. The preserve was purchased with the support of residents who value the historic country vistas, farm meadows, and historic, classic farmhouses and stone walls. Some nature tips from the Wildlands Trust: Listen for scarlet tanagers, hermit thrushes, red-eyed vireos, blue-gray gnatcatchers, eastern wood peewees, and other forest interior birds. As...
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...
