Newsletter #13

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New Year, New Trails!

Welcome to 2018! Just because it is Winter does not mean you have to stay indoors all day by the fire. There are plenty of great trails along the South Shore that make for wonderful snowy hikes and Winter adventures – especially when you are prepared for the elements! So stock up on the essentials and hit the trails.

We hope that this new year brings wonderful new adventures to each and every one of you. One of the best parts about January is the opportunity to set new goals and aspirations:

(1) Try new trails.

We have 121 trails on the site. You can search by stroller score, town, or dog friendly. Each town offers something different and we love that. (Psst, we think Marshfield is a real home run).

(2) Go to an event! 

A great way to meet new people – or reconnect with an old friend – is to attend an event. There are so many amazing events happening even during the Winter months. Wildlands Trust continues to have great programming throughout the chilly months including a yoga or a potluck dinner.

(3) Always be prepared. 

It is pretty silly to head into nature without the right tools. January is a great time of year to refresh your essentials. So, reassess your trail bag (or fannypack!), pick up some new snacks (we love these RxBars),  or maybe buy a new vest to spruce up your gear.

(4) Support an organization

There are a lot of great town or state trails to enjoy – but with a membership you can get access to even more trails and events. Each organization offers something different but we can guarantee you won’t regret joining either the Trustees, Wildlands Trust or the Audubon Society.

(5) Tell a friend about South Shore Trails. 

We admit it. This one is selfish 🙂 But, the more people that get outside the better and we love to make that happen.

Enjoy your fresh air and fun adventures!

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Best Snow Hikes!

We’ve pulled together a list of great options for your Winter adventures. All of the trails we have noted include good parking – crucial in snowy weather! Grab your big boots, cross-country skis or snowshoes and hit the trails.

Read more …

Spotlight: Must Follow Accounts!

We find so much inspiration from others sharing their adventures. Sharing is caring – so check out these accounts and maybe you’ll learn something new.

Weir River Farm // @weirriverfarm, Facebook

Wonderful local farm in Hingham offering incredible kids events, animals, and access to peaceful trails

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WikeBaby // @wikebaby, website

What’s a “Wike”? Oh, that’s a walk slash hike. A blog about exploring nature with little ones.

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Pete Marotta // @petemarotta

Pete takes incredible pictures exploring Trustees properties across the South Shore and the state

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Best Snow Hikes on the South Shore

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Just because it is Winter does not mean you have to stay indoors all day by the fire. There are plenty of great trails along the South Shore that make for wonderful snowy hikes and Winter adventures – especially when you are prepared for the elements! So stock up on the essentials and hit the trails.

We’ve pulled together a list of great options for your Winter adventures. All of the trails we have noted include good parking – crucial in snowy weather! Grab your big boots, cross-country skis or snowshoes and hit the trails.

Good, Easier Loops

  • Turkey Hill – Hingham // Although this is a big property, there is a great loop right around the field at the top of the hill
  • Bay Farm – Duxbury // great views of Kingston Bay, might even see some wildlife in the field if you time your visit right
  • Webster Wildlife Sanctuary – Marshfield // very level terrain, great for bird-watching
  • Driftway – Scituate //  best sunset, dusk views. Perfect for taking your next family picture!
  • Norris Reservation – Norwell // views along the North River, potentially the most uneven of the trails suggested

Longer, More Adventurous Terrain

  • North Hill Marsh – Duxbury // views of a historic cranberry bog and lots of wooded trails.
  • Widows Walk Golf Course – Scituate // open seasonally to non-golfers. large tract of land that will provide a good workout climbing hills
  • Wheelright Park – Cohasset // large, wooded paths complete with 1930s skating pond
  • Two Mile Farm & Jose Carreiro Woods – Marshfield // decently hilly, but the combined parcels of land will provide good distance
  • More-Brewer – Hingham // More wooded trails and opportunity for solitude.
  • World’s End – Hingham  // It is hard to not include World’s End in any “best of” list. Although the terrain can be quite hilly, it will absolutely provide excellent views. 

Cornhill Woodland / Marshfield

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Cornhill Woodlands is a 123 acre preserve located in Marshfield along Union Street. The parcel features a trail system that weaves through the forest and ultimately to a flat marsh area. The nest of trails lead visitors through a deep, mature forest crisscrossed by historic stone walls. One of our particular favorites was coming across an old stone well in the middle of the forest.

The trail network is accessible via a few access points but the best is on Union Street. As noted on the Marshfield trail maps, the paths are not very wide and as a result they can be a bit overgrown during high-growth periods. The trails also cross through some significant wetland areas but thanks to raised boardwalks visitors can still enjoy themselves and keep their feet dry. 

A few notes:

  • the trail entrances are not very well marked but you’ll appreciate the hard work to find it!
  • parking lot is probably suitable for about 4 cars. additional parking is available on the street at the Corn Hill Lane entrances
  • best time to visit might be the winter! due to the narrow trail width, you’ll best avoid ticks with a visit in the winter.

Suggested visit:

Park at Union Street entrance. Take the trail towards the river and follow the sign for the “swamp trail”. Be sure to go all the way towards the marsh for the best view. The entire loop is just under 2 miles.

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LOCATION:

Union Street & Cornhill Lane

Marshfield, MA

STROLLER SCORE: C

LINKS:

Cornhill Woodlands – Town Map

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Newsletter #12

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Happy December!

Hopefully everyone enjoyed the first snow of the season this past weekend. Our trails appear extra magical with a sparkly, white dusting of snow. We are extra excited to revisit some of our favorite trails this winter. They all look so beautiful with autumn leaves…. and totally different covered in white. We love it.

BY THE WAY – If you’ve enjoyed our photography this year, then you will love our 2018 calendars! All featured pictures have been taken by South Shore Trails. There are several editions available but we can also customize an edition just for you! You can also purchase the digital files to print at home. Use Code TRAILS to save 10% on your Etsy order.

Enjoy your fresh air and fun adventures!

P.S. We are up to 121 trails on the site! What’s your favorite?

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Gift Idea:
2018 Desk Calendars!

Grab one of our photo calendars featuring images of outdoor spaces on the South Shore. At under $20, they’re an easy gift with a personal touch. Perfect for anything from stocking stuffers to teacher presents. Choose from 3 options: South Shore, Scituate or Marshfield! Shop now!

Best Trails for Snowshoeing

Are you giving someone snowshoes this year? They are a great gift for all ages and ability levels. Plus, incredibly portable! Here are 6 great trails. They are all easy loops with level terrain and good parking.

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Are you in a pinch for a gift?  

  • Under $20 Gift Guide // A little something for everyone and at an affordable price
  • 2018 Desk Calendars // Exclusive to South Shore Trails and highlighting all-star South Shore locations
  • Trail Snacks // great stocking stuffers for your trail lover!
  • Trail Essentials // everything you should keep in your fanny pack for a hike.
  • Bird Watchers // Field guides, binoculars, and magazines… oh my.
  • Membership // More than just free admission, memberships include magazine publications, events, and other benefits

Can’t Miss Events?

… for everyone from the nature fanatic, to the historian, to the animal lover! Check out our calendar to see events from The Trustees, Audubon Society, North South River Watershed Association, and more!

Newsletter #11

Happy Thanksgiving!

One of our favorite Thanksgiving traditions is watching families hike together. In the spirit of family walks, we’ve pulled together town by town suggestions to help you stretch your legs and maybe enjoy that second piece of apple pie. All of these trails come with good parking and are dog friendly. Bonus?  We have specifically focused on hidden gems. While everyone is worried about parking at World’s End or Norris Reservation, you’ll be catching up with friends and eating trail snacks.

BY THE WAY – If you’ve enjoyed our photography this year, then you will love our 2018 calendars! All featured pictures have been taken by South Shore Trails. There are several editions available but we can also customize an edition just for you! You can also purchase the digital files to print at home. Use Code TURKEY to save 10% on your Etsy order.

Enjoy your fresh air and fun adventures!

P.S. We are up to 114 trails on the site! What’s your favorite?

Gift Idea:
2018 Desk Calendars!

Have you enjoyed our pictures or Instagram this year? Our calendars are a perfectly affordable gift! Check out our Etsy page to see the options. Shop now!

Cohasset

Hingham

Norwell

  • Stetson Meadows // great for toddlers and up who need to run. good views of the river and kayak access.
  • Jacobs Pond // beautiful pond views and well maintained trails

Scituate

  • Driftway // best sunset, dusk views. Perfect for taking your next family picture!
  • Bates Lane // lots of variety and dog friendly

Marshfield

  • Rexhame Beach // gorgeous and something for everyone. enjoy a walk along the marsh river or along the beach.
  • Nelson Forest // large, wide paths through a well-maintained forest

Duxbury

  • North Hill Marsh // views of a historic cranberry bog and lots of wooded trails.

Can’t Miss Events?

… for everyone from the nature fanatic, to the historian, to the animal lover! Check out our calendar to see events from The Trustees, Audubon Society, North South River Watershed Association, and more!

Newsletter #10

Happy October!

With each passing day of Fall, we find ourselves itching to spend more time outdoors and embracing the season. There are so many great trails on the South Shore – and it feels like we discover new hidden gems every day.

For this edition, we decided to focus solely on Hingham! World’s End and Weir River Farm are hallmark opportunities for the region … but there are also several others! So here’s to celebrating Hingham.

OH- and this newsletter is sponsored by the South Shore Model Railway Club! Want to know more? Check out this Boston Globe article on the history and members. Their annual Fall show is this coming weekend (10/28-29) and you could win 2 tickets. Just follow the directions on this Facebook post!

Enjoy your fresh air and fun adventures!

P.S. We are up to 102 trails on the site! What’s your favorite?

Spotlight Event:
Model Train Show!

It’s an incredibly family friendly event and located in Bare Cove Park. Enjoy a great fall walk in the park, have lunch and let the kids enjoy watching some model trains. Experience one of the largest layouts in the country! Want to win 2 tickets?

Spotlight Trail:
Bare Cove Park

If you haven’t been to Bare Cove Park yet, you are nuts. This place is a GEM. 5+ miles of trails! Stroller & Dog friendly! Plenty of parking!

We recommend stretching your legs here and then filling your stomach with something tasty nearby.

Bare Cove Park Hingham

Looking for more places to explore in Hingham?

We also love Turkey Hill, Stodder Neck, and Eel River Woods.

Meet the Sponsor!

SSMRC was founded in the 1930s and is one of the largest model train layouts in the country! The Spring and Fall open house shows are perfect for families. Kids love the creative train displays and parents love the wholesome, wallet friendly entertainment.

Can’t Miss Events?

… for everyone from the nature fanatic, to the historian, to the animal lover! Check out our calendar to see events from The Trustees, Audubon Society, North South River Watershed Association, and more!

Bare Cove Park / Hingham

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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 help designate which areas are appropriate for off-leash play. A permit is also required and more information can be obtained on the Hingham town website. A separate website has been maintained to campaign for this off-leash privilege and is a great resource for understanding the guidelines.

HISTORY

Prior to 1906, the land was privately owned. Due to its convenient access by water to Boston Harbor, the site was acquired by the U.S. Navy and used as an ammunition depot until 1971. In 1972, the Government declared the depot surplus and divided it up for several uses, including Bare Cove Park, South Shore Model Train Club, and Bare Cove Fire Museum. (Source)

TRAILS

There are 5 miles of paved trails that loop through the park. Additionally, there are countless other wooded trails that offer a more traditional trail experience. Trails are incredibly well-labeled throughout the park with additional signage and informational kiosks to educate the public.

 

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LOCATION:

There are several potential entrances but the primary one is listed below.

Bare Cove Park Drive

Hingham, Massachusetts 02043

STROLLER SCORE: 3

LINKS:

Trail Map
Town Website
Local Betty Page
Dog Friendly Park Info Website
Friends of Bare Cove Facebook 

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Newsletter #9

Welcome to Fall!

We are a few weeks into the season at this point … but still savoring some amazing warm weather. It feels like the best of both worlds. Our community has grown so much over the past few months and we are beyond excited about it! 

Curious what other people are reading? Here are the top 5 posts for the past two months:

  1. Minot Kayak Ramp // Scituate
  2. Rexhame Beach // Marshfield
  3. Our Favorite Trail Snacks
  4. Driftway Rail bed Trail // Scituate
  5. Our Trail Essentials

Do you have a favorite trail that others should know about? Chime in on Facebook and we’ll get a trail review post up. 

Enjoy your fresh air and fun adventures!

New Site Feature!

We added a great new chat feature to the site! Got a question about a trail, need a recommendation, or just want to say hi?

Click that blue box on the webpage and we’ll help you out!

Fogg Forest Norwell

Spotlight Trail:
Fogg Forest in Norwell

You most likely have driven past hidden trails every weekend on your way to Trader Joes. Fogg Forest is a perfect example. Located along Rt 123 outside of Norwell center, the trail entrance is located at the back of a larger field complete with picnic tables. 

Can’t Miss Events?

… for everyone from the nature fanatic, to the historian, to the animal lover! Check out our calendar to see events from The Trustees, Audubon Society, North South River Watershed Association, and more!

Driftway Old Colony Rail Bed Trail / Scituate

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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 little kids to stretch their legs or even strollers. Since this is a town trail, pets are also welcome provided they are on a leash.

It will be obviously when you’ve reached the end of the passable trail but you’ll be able to see very clearly where the trail used to travel. At a low tide, it could be tempting to try and cross the marsh river but it is not advisable given deep marsh mud and the quick turnaround on the tide. 

How to find it:
New Driveway Road
Scituate, MA

4 car parking lot located next to Dunkin Donuts

Stroller Rating: 2

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Newsletter #8

Summer is here!

Is everyone having an incredible summer? We certainly are.

We can’t get enough of the great outdoors… despite this muggy heat recently. In honor of such an occasion, we wanted to highlight some great trails that we think hit the spot for a nice Summer day. Hot tip for staying cool? Try to get your activity in early in the day.  Not only will you have the place to yourself (most likely) but you’ll also beat the heat. Win win.

But whether you are enjoying one of our spotlight trails or unique events … be sure to keep tick safety and trail essentials in mind! 

Enjoy your fresh air and fun adventures!

P.S. Have you seen the story about this guy who found a 200 year old shipwreck in Scituate? 

North River Audubon / Marshfield
Great for families, solo hikers and bird watchers. You’ll love catching the ocean breeze from the dock overlooking the North River! Amazing event schedule is a worth a good look.

Sumner Smith Overlook / Cohasset
Super short trail. Super amazing view. Maybe bring a picnic lunch and enjoy Cohasset Harbor while you eat? All children need to be supervised for safety.

Worlds End / Hingham
With a well-timed visit, it is possible to avoid a full parking lot. Check their Twitter feed for updates… and absolutely bring some water with you. You can put in some decent miles at Worlds End

AJ Memorial Trail / Scituate
Perfect time of day to visit? End of the day. Great trails along the marsh and river. Bonus? Your dogs are welcome!

John Little Trail / Marshfield
The most woodsy of all our recommendations but we can’t resist a visit all year long. You absolutely will want to do a tick check after but we love the view from the dock.

Can’t Miss Events?

… for everyone from the nature fanatic, to the historian, to the animal lover! Check out our calendar to see events from The Trustees, Audubon Society, North South River Watershed Association, and more!