26Feb 2017 by southshoretrailsma@gmail.com

Daniel Webster Wildlife Sanctuary / Marshfield

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...

26Feb 2017 by southshoretrailsma@gmail.com

Hatch Lots / Norwell

Norwell, Trail

Why to visit:Hatch Lots is a great walk for families looking to spend 45 minutes in the woods. The conservation area is just under 50 acres with about 2 miles of trails. It's an out and back trail so there is no loop. There trails are well maintained and include a few small bridges. You'll appreciate them not only for photo opportunities but also to keep your feet/paws out of the mud. Much of the preserve is swamp land. If you are interested in staying away from mud, avoid visiting after a rainy day. But perhaps the best part about a visit to Hatch lots is being able to visit Hornstra Farms! Part of the trail system at Hatch abuts Hornstra Farms fields - but to visit you need to...

25Feb 2017 by southshoretrailsma@gmail.com

Bates Lane Trails / Scituate

Scituate, Trail

Why to visit:The Bates Lane network of trails is a hidden treasure in Scituate. I'm embarrassed that I did not know it existed until recently. Each of the 6 trails is unique and worth the time spent on them! What you should know:This was my first time visiting the Bates Lane trails. I find many of my trails by seeing the parking lots as I'm driving by - there is no real parking lot for these trails which is why I never found them before. I think the best place to park is at the Mt Hope Church. This provides for a great entry via the Litchfield Trail. If you happen to find parking near Bates Lane that would also be great. I spent 3 miles exploring all these trails...

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...

01Feb 2017 by southshoretrailsma@gmail.com

Couch Beach & Blueberry Island / Marshfield

Marshfield, Trail

Why to visit: This was actually my second visit to Couch - but the first was a failure. I couldn't find the entrance. That might sound crazy but it was the truth. You have to notice that there is a parking lot concealed by a half broken fence. While there are several potential trail entrance points, the fence is the best for families due to parking. The majority of the trail is fairly wide since the site also doubles as a camping location. If you get access to camp here, the town lets you drive all the way down to the beach/river. The trail is not perfectly smooth but very doable for families and strollers - but not wheelchairs. You need a bit of clearance to get over some of...