South Shore Quest 2020

Are you looking for a way to engage the whole family? Or just challenge yourself on a hike? You should check out the South Shore Quest!

The South Shore Quest is an annual challenge to “encourage exploration of the outdoors through the use of CLUE-directed walks through local public lands and parks”. The organization was formed in 1998 and has been delivering fun ever since. 

Update: Historically, the quest books have been for sale for $5 at local retailers. Given the pandemic, they are posting the book for free online but asking for donations via this link. We love their enthusiasm and dedication to the cause. Consider donating via this link.

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The Idea

Questing is an ideal activity for small groups and families, as well as individuals. By turning a walk into a treasure hunt, children often race ahead of their parents instead of lagging behind

 

How it works:

For a given Quest, participants use the map and directions found in this booklet to follow hidden CLUES to a treasure box. The box contains a small guest book, a stamp pad, a rubber stamp, and answers to questions asked by curious “Questers”. Once the box is found, participants stamp the back pages of this booklet (as proof of accomplishment), and each person signs and stamps the guest book to record having finished the Quest.

Getting started:

  1. Download the Quest book from South Shore Quest
  2. Pick a trail to get started on. You can find all the trail maps and information here on South Shore Trails. 
  3. Pack a snack and enjoy the adventure.

South Shore Quest 2020 Trails

Here is the list of trails that are included in the South Shore Quest!

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Pandemic Updates:
  • All Quests will be boxless until further notice to help reduce the risk of contagion.  The clue phrase will work as proof of completion if working towards a patch.
  • Please continue to practice social distancing by Questing with just your immediate family.  It’s difficult to space properly on narrow trails with large groups.
  • Before heading out on a Quest check to be sure the property the Quest is located on is currently open to the public.  We will update our website under Trail Updates as we hear of closures but can not guarantee our site will be up to date in this ever changing landscape.
  • Fairies are practicing social distancing as well.  Please do not open or handle the Fairy doors on any of the Quests.

Want to learn more?

South Shore Quest website

4 sample quests online to try 

Code of Ethics

Weir River Watershed Association

Volunteer with South Shore Quest

FAQ for South Shore Quest

Source Credit: We’ve used a lot of South Shore Quest’s descriptions in this post. We like to use their own words to describe the South Shore Quest so we make sure we are reflecting their vision correctly. 

Best Picnic Hikes on the South Shore

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When the good weather returns to New England and the South Shore, we immediately want to be outside as much as possible. Let’s savor every single moment of the extra daylight, sun on our faces, and spring in our step.

While we never leave home without a snack in our fanny pack, sometimes it is even more fun to bring along a picnic. Bonus? You get to sit and enjoy the view that much longer. The South Shore has some really beautiful spots so let’s settle down and enjoy them.

Our Favorite Benches + Docks

  • Driftway – Scituate //  best sunset, dusk views. Perfect for taking your next family picture! There are two docks with seating.
  • Norris Reservation – Norwell // views along the North River from a little hut. Also several benches scattered throughout the trail system
  • John Little – Marshfield // Dock is located along the river about 1.5 miles in. Lots of peace and quiet!
  • World’s End – Hingham // Beautiful views of the Boston skyline! 
  • Willow Brook Farm – Pembroke // Viewpoint is from a small tower. Tower has some benches for seating.

Need a Picnic Table?

  • Miller Woods –Norwell // smaller, very woodsy trail. Table is located just off the entrance.
  • Turkey Hill –Hingham // Located right at the top of the hill. Great peaceful views and plenty of space for kids to run. Dog friendly.
  • Norris Reservation –Norwell // Located just off the dam down by the rushing stream. Site is dog friendly and you can take a longer walk after eating.
  • Jacobs Pond –Norwell // Located on the island portion of the trail. Plenty of parking!
  • Luddam’s Ford Park – Hanover // Located along the Indian Head River. Approachable hikes, plus a boat ramp!

Pack a blanket?

  • Couch Beach –Marshfield // Quiet spot along the North River.
  • Bay Farm – Duxbury // After you cross through the big fields, you can take your blanket to the beach/rocky area down by the water
  • Rexhame –Marshfield // Enjoy either the ocean or the marsh. Lots of places to settle in and enjoy the view.
  • Ellisville – Plymouth // A little further south but offers beautiful vistas from a short 1 mile walk

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.