30Jun 2017 by southshoretrailsma@gmail.com

Sumner Smith Overlook / Cohasset

Cohasset, Cohasset Conservation Trust, Trail

Sumner Smith Overlook is a very small trail with an incredible view. Located on Cohasset Harbor, the overlook gives you a beautiful view of Cohasset and parts of Scituate. The piece of land is located along Border Street near the Cohasset Sailing Club, town pier, and the Cohasset Lighthouse Keepers house. While there is no true parking assigned to this location, you can often get away with a few minutes either at the town pier or the lot associated with the lighthouse keepers house. There is also some public parking along Border Street which would require a very short walk back to the trail and overlook. The trail itself is located along the big rock and wooded area to the left of the house. While the path is well-maintained, there...

29Jun 2017 by southshoretrailsma@gmail.com

Weir River Farm Open Barnyard

Hingham, Trail, Trustees of the Reservation

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...

27Jun 2017 by southshoretrailsma@gmail.com

Cushman Preserve / Duxbury

Duxbury, Trail

Cushman Preserve is a Wildlands Trust property along the Blue Fish River in Duxbury. This property is a hidden gem that is only accessed along a private road to a small parking area. The preserve is a pretty simple trail that features a larger field and it's location near the Blue Fish River. During the months where field grass is growing, a path is maintained on the periphery of the field. If you spend some time watching the field grass, you'll be almost guaranteed to see some interesting birds and butterflies. The Cushman Preserve offers both historical and natural interest. Captain Cushman purchased the land from relatives of his wife, Mary W. Alden (a direct descendant of John Alden), whose family has held the property since the 1620s. The...

22Jun 2017 by southshoretrailsma@gmail.com

Rexhame Beach / Marshfield

Marshfield, Trail

Rexhame Beach is a unique town trail - and perfect all year round. While our initial visit was in the blustery Winter months, the idea of taking a summer stroll along the marsh sounds pretty perfect to us. Rexhame Beach is located in Marshfield and abuts the Humarock section of Scituate. Like nearly all the town trails in Marshfield, dogs are welcome at Rexhame! There are many benches along the back marsh area that have been donated by the Marshfield Canine Club. During the off-season month's you can visit this area for free, but there is a fee for parking during the peak Summer season. Non-residents can buy a day pass for $15-20. After 5 pm, the fee is only $5 - and you'll get to enjoy a picture perfect...

05Jun 2017 by southshoretrailsma@gmail.com

Stodder’s Neck / Hingham

Hingham, Trail

Stodder's Neck is a conservation parcel in Hingham along the Harbor. The conservation area is owned and maintained by the Department of Conservation and Recreation. Stodder's Neck was previously a gravel pit that was transformed in a park reminiscent of World's End. The paths and hilltop viewpoint are very similar to the structure of Frederick Law Olmsted's design for World's End. This park is most popular with dog owners. It would be nearly impossible to visit without seeing several dog owners enjoying the wide paths and lush landscape. In prior years, the landscape was very overrun by dog waste but you would never know it now. The park is very well maintained and clean. The paths are also stroller friendly and very level. Stodder's Neck is a must visit for your...

21May 2017 by southshoretrailsma@gmail.com

Stetson Meadows / Norwell

Norwell, Trail

Stetson Meadows is a 184 acre conservation parcel in Norwell located along the North River. The area has a rich history dating back to 1634. Stetson Meadows is one of the more quite trails in Norwell - despite being located very near 3A. You'll have the opportunity to walk through the forest, along the marsh, and run through a field. So pack a snack, some binoculars for birdwatching... and hit the trail. TRAILS: As reflected in the map, the trail system consists of several loops that offer different vistas. The benefit of all the separate loops is you can easily customize the length of your visit. While the terrain is not particularly level, it is level enough for kids to run around and trail running. There are not too many...

09Apr 2017 by southshoretrailsma@gmail.com

Keville Footbridge & Pratt Trails / Marshfield

Marshfield, Trail

The combination of the Bridle Rail trail and Pratt provides visitors a 2 mile walk with many unique features. I can imagine this being an ideal for families since the terrain is largely very flat but with many things to keep little kids entertained. The Bridle Trail is actually many miles long as it stretches through Marshfield so this is only a very small piece of it. The Pratt trails are built around the Zena Brook, which flows through the 37-acre Pratt property. In 2017, many of these footbridges were restored to increase accessibility to the area. Residents voted to acquire the Pratt property at special Town Meeting in 2012. Additional plans are in place for the Pratt property itself which includes a beautiful but decaying home. TRAILS: As reflected...

08Apr 2017 by southshoretrailsma@gmail.com

Worlds End / Hingham

Hingham, Trail, Trustees of the Reservation

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...

26Mar 2017 by southshoretrailsma@gmail.com

John Little Conservation / Marshfield

Marshfield, Trail

John Little Conservation Area is a 25 acre section of land along the North River in Marshfield. The property offers visitors a variety of experiences from pasture to forest to marshland. The most picturesque part of the property is a long pier that leads to the North River. There is a dock that enables boaters to tie up for a brief respite and enjoy the view. One of the best smaller trails in Marshfield! TRAILS: As reflected in the map, the main trail is essentially an out and back to the river - with an optional small loop on the way. If you don't do the loop, it's 1.1 miles out to the river. The beginning portion in the field consists of nice terrain but after that the trail becomes a little...

26Mar 2017 by southshoretrailsma@gmail.com

Fogg Forest / Norwell

Norwell, Trail

Fogg Forest is a 40 acre piece of land located off Rt 123 in Norwell. The conservation area is very accessible even if the parking is a bit confusing. While we visited during the early Spring, this trail is absolutely worth a visit when the flowers are blooming. Some of the trails are lined with rhododendrons, which would look really amazing. Like many other trails in the area, this forest is rich with stone walls that used to designate property lines and farm fields. The most unique part of this property is an enchanting wooden garden that was built around a stream. You'll feel like you traveled back in time. TRAILS: As reflected in the map, the main trail is a loop with several side trail spurs. The trail beginning is marked with...