McKenna Marsh / Hingham

McKenna Marsh / Hingham

Hingham, Trail
McKenna Marsh is a 100+ acre open space in Hingham along Rt. 228. The land is rich with history and natural resources. Access to McKenna Marsh is provided through Marchesiani Farmland, a large field located along Main Street. This historic farmland was once a part of Pushcart Farm originally purchased by the Marchesiani family in 1934.  Upon arrival, visitors will immediately notice the large field that leads hikers from the main road deeper into the woods. The preserve has several water elements including a freshwater marsh once used as a waterfowl preserve, with a beaver dam of unusual length. Additionally, Accord Brook weaves through the area, highlighting its importance for Hingham and Norwell town water supplies. The Hingham Conservation Commission has described the land as having "considerable high ground and open...
Read More
Triphammer Pond / Hingham

Triphammer Pond / Hingham

Hingham, Trail
Triphammer Pond Conservation Area consists of 98 acres and was acquired by Hingham in 1945. Although not well documented on maps, Triphammer is connected to the Wompatuck State Park trail network. The 19 acre pond provides for a wonderfully quiet moment exploring the historic mill and looking for wildlife.  The Triphammer Pond trails provide access to many recreational activities. The trails enable visitors to hike along narrow wooded trails and enjoy views of the pond or fish. Kayaking and canoeing are also permitted. In the winter months, ice skating is also permitted however visitors should be careful to test the ice. A reconstructed old mill dam, fish ladder, spillway, sluiceway, a stone well and remnants of other historic mill features are also found at this location.  Access to Triphammer Pond...
Read More
More-Brewer Park / Hingham

More-Brewer Park / Hingham

Hingham, Trail
More-Brewer Park is located off Hobart Street in the West Hingham area of the South Shore. The park is slightly obscured from the main streets which keeps it from being a very active trail system. During a recent visit, there was only one other car - but it is also clear that there are loyal visitors. The Park is reminiscent of the Worlds End experience on account of the original owner growing up on his father's farm near Worlds End. The park totals 186.5 acres of varied land, much of it interlaced with winding carriage paths. An outstanding feature is a spacious meadow, surrounded by pine. Larch and dogwood. Brewer Pond, gorgeous when water lilies are in bloom, and the more secluded Ice House Pond, provided habitat for many creatures....
Read More
Turkey Hill / Hingham

Turkey Hill / Hingham

Cohasset, Hingham, Trail, Trustees of the Reservation
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...
Read More
Eel River Woods / Hingham

Eel River Woods / Hingham

Hingham, Trail
Eel River Woods is a 12 acre conservation parcel located along Cushing Street in Hingham. The land is maintained by the Hingham Land Trust along with several other parcels in town, including Jacobs Meadow and Whortleberry Hollow. The land was donated by Mary Niles. The Niles family have previously donated 4 additional acres along Cushing Pond.  The Eel River Woods trail is probably something that you've driven by a million times. The Hingham Land Trust sign peeks out from the woods and just barely catches your attention - but it is worth a stop. Although the trail system totals less than a mile, it feels like a bit more due to the number of loops, hills, and benches that are included. The benches are thoughtfully placed under the protection of...
Read More
George Washington Forest / Hingham

George Washington Forest / Hingham

Hingham, Trail
  George Washington Forest, also known as the Hingham Town Forest, offers 197.6 acres of wooden open space featuring conifer groves, winding eskers, and fern carpeted swales not found elsewhere in Hingham. The trails are actually carriage paths wide enough for forest maintenance but are excellent for walking. The forest uplands are mainly composed mainly of Red and White Pines and Norway Spruces. Wetland depressions are full of maple shrubbery. The forest is east of Fulling Mill Pond, and glacial ridges and hills surround the area. Many people come to the forest to birdwatch, jog, and horseback ride. A small pull off parking area is available along South Pleasant Street.  The George Washington Town Forest was diagnosed with “Red Pine Scale” and the “Pine Shoot Beatle” which has contributed to...
Read More
Jacobs Pond / Norwell

Jacobs Pond / Norwell

Norwell, Trail
The Jacobs Pond conservation area consists of about 260 acres of land in Norwell. The pond itself consists of about 60 acres of man-made pond and 200 acres of land.The Jacobs Farm (house, barn, hayfields) are owned and protected by the town of Norwell. The pond is incredibly picturesque - especially for an autumn visit. You may even get lucky enough to see a few turtles peek out and say hello. The original pond was named Snapper Pond which in local Native American translated to "rocky water". Some rocks are easily visible from the shore. Why visit? Well, you can do just about everything here that isn't motorized. Fishing, kayaking, cross-country skiing, and all ice related activities (fishing, boating, skating) are permitted. The network of trails lends itself to good walks...
Read More
Whitney Thayer Woods / Cohasset

Whitney Thayer Woods / Cohasset

Cohasset, Trail, Trustees of the Reservation
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...
Read More