Bare Cove Park consists of 484 acres along the Weymouth Back River in Hingham. The park is a hidden gem for South Shore residents. The park has been designated as a wildlife sanctuary and offers diverse habits for plant and animal life. Park signage helps to educate users about the variety of owls, deer, and other wild animals that share the space. The variety of trails can make every visit to Bare Cove Park different from the prior one. The combination of paved and dirt trails make it perfect for just about everyone. You'll see other guests enjoying jogging, hiking, biking ... or just out with the family dog and stroller. In 2017, changes were made to allow some off-leash dog areas. There is a special map and signage to...
Why to visit: The boardwalk to the Spit is one of the most photographed views in Scituate after the Lighthouse - or that is what social media would lead us to think. The walk out to the beach from Third Cliff is fairly short but incredibly beautiful. Regardless of the weather or season, the marsh and boardwalk are very picturesque. While we think this spot is beautiful all year long, you'll find the Spit Boardwalk most picturesque during the golden photography hours (before mid-morning or late afternoon). Additionally, parts of the boardwalk might be flooded depending on the tide. Caution: There is no legal parking option located directly near the trail entrance. The closest public town parking option is about 1.4 miles away at the AJ Memorial Trail. Trail Details: The...
Why to visit: One of the most picturesque trails in Scituate is the smallest. The old rail trail can be found along the marsh in Scituate's Driftway area. The Driftway area of Scituate includes some beautiful marsh views. Despite being located near a busy road, you'll feel like you were transported to a place far more remote. The AJ Memorial trail is another great option located just down the road. If you only have 15 minutes and just need some fresh air, this rail trail is perfect for you. Enjoy your time on this historically relevant town trail! Trail Details: The trail is just under 1/2 mile long and runs from the small parking lot into the marsh and North River. The environment is perfectly suited for families with...
One of the best parts about exploring the great outdoors is that it is often free! So many of our trails on the South Shore can be accessed for absolutely zero entrance fees. All of these trails are maintained by a variety of resources ranging from local and state governments to private non-profit organizations. There are many benefits to supporting these non-profits that go beyond the small tax deduction - you get access to great newsletters, reduced event fees, and perhaps some good karma points for helping to sustain our beautiful natural resources. We've highlighted several of these organizations featured in our event calendar and trail listings to help you find the right option for your friends and family. Wildlands Trust Founded in 1973. One of the largest and oldest...
We believe that getting fresh air and stretching your legs is the key to happiness - but it helps to be prepared and safe at the same time. So, to help you out we've pulled together a list of the 10 things that we think you need to hit the trails this season - and any other for that matter. The key to being prepared and relaxed when you hit the great outdoors are as follows: Light backpack / Fanny pack: Let's start here. You need a place to put your necessities that isn't the pockets of your pants or jacket. In some cases that might be okay, but if you are outdoors as a family - a small bag is essential. While fanny packs might not be the most fashionable,...
The Minot Kayak Ramp is a great access point for those looking to explore the North Scituate marshes, Bassing Beach or Cohasset Harbor area. The ramp was formally constructed as part of an Eagle Scout project in 2015-2016 by a Scituate resident. The project went through the formal town processes and has been an incredibly popular kayak ramp ever since. You are almost guaranteed to see another person out of the marsh during your visit - but don't worry, it's not too crowded. In the map below, we've highlighted a route that will take you to Cohasset's Bassing Beach. All you have to do is follow the main path of the marsh and you'll make it there in just over 1 mile. Bassing Beach is a beautifully quiet spot to...
The North River Wildlife Sanctuary is a 225-acre property located just over the North River into Marshfield. It is an incredibly unique site that covers the bases for all types of visitors regardless of age. The only catch? You have to leave your dog at home. The biggest selling point will vary depending on the visitor. People that love a great view will enjoy the dock overlooking the North River with sweeping views of Scituate, Marshfield, and the river. Bird watchers will be greeted with the opportunity to spy on several of their winged friends - including an occupied Osprey nest in the main field. Families are also very much at home during a visit. All of the trails are in great condition for a variety of abilities. While it...
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...
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...
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...
