Cranberry Watershed Preserve / Kingston

This 225 acre property abuts the Jones River and has three brooks that travel through it: Howards Brook, Pine Brook, and one unnamed brook. This large property area contributes greatly to the Jones River Watershed. A portion of the Bay Circuit Trail runs through the property as well.

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LOCATION:

Access from Rt 27

parking behind Silver Lake Middle School

STROLLER SCORE: TBD

LINKS:

Trail Map

AllTrails Information

Wicked Local Article [2010]

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Tidmarsh / Plymouth

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Tidmarsh Sanctuary is a 481-plus acre landscape in Plymouth. Once a working cranberry farm, this landscape underwent the largest freshwater ecological restoration ever completed in the Northeast.

Its previous owners, the Schulman Family, along with the Massachusetts Division of Ecological Restoration, U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service, and many other organizations, re-created nearly three and a half miles of meandering stream channel, sculpted the land’s surface, and removed nine dams to reconnect the headwaters of Beaver Dam Brook to the ocean for the first time in more than a century. The restoration before and after images are absolutely worth checking out!

As a result of the collective actions of the collaborators, this entire landscape is now on a dramatic trajectory of change—a spectacle that will play out for decades, and even centuries, to come.

(image source: Audubon Society)

TRAIL NOTES:

  • excellent for birding!
  • several trails offering a unique perspective on the landscape (+ more trails coming!)
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(1) Entrance Trail / .4 miles

(2) Meadow Trail / .2 miles

(3) Farm Road Ramble / .3 miles

(4) Volunteers’ Trail / 1 mile

(5) Ridge Trail / .2 miles

(6) Madar Loop / .7 miles

all trail details are from the Audubon Society

Entrance Trail

Length: ~ 0.4 miles
This trail leads from the parking lot to the Meadow and Ridge Trails. Enjoy shade from the Pitch Pine and Oak Forest as you pass old cranberry bogs. Stop and enjoy the small pond and look for herons and ducks.

Meadow Trail

Length: ~ 0.2 miles
This short trail winds through the restored grassy sandplain community and connects you from the Entrance trail to the Farm Road Ramble and Volunteer’s Trail. It is a great spot to look for butterflies, moths, and other pollinator species.

Farm Road Ramble

Length: ~ 0.3 miles
This old farm road provides a perfect foundation for exploring the wetlands. Stop for a moment on the bridge while crossing over the stream, where you may catch a glimpse of herring swimming upstream in April and May. For a longer adventure, explore Madar Loop and take the spur trail to the pond overlook.

Volunteers’ Trail

Length: ~ 1 mile each way
Named to recognize Mass Audubon’s valuable volunteers, this trail takes you to the farthest reaches of the sanctuary. At the end, enjoy a view across the cattail marsh on one side and the newly restored wetlands on the other. Watch for muskrat and dragonflies in the summer; in the fall and spring, the slow-moving waters are a great place to observe migrating ducks.

Ridge Trail

Length: ~ 0.2 mile
This trail, which brings you to a scenic overlook with a vista of the valley, is a good trail if you have limited time. As you look out, you can see water running through the center of what used to be cranberry bogs. Now restored to a more natural channel, the Beaver Dam Brook flows from Tidmarsh to Plymouth Harbor.

Madar Loop

Length: 0.6 mile loop + 0.1 mile each way optional spur
This loop trail takes you closer to the wetland restoration area where you will look out on a diverse mix of vegetation including cattails that have replaced what was once a monoculture of cranberries. At the center of the loop, a small forested hill provides a clue to the topography of this property before the cranberry era. Watch for ducks, herons, turtles, and frogs before returning to Farm Road Ramble.

LOCATION:

60 Beaver Dam Rd

Plymouth, MA 02360

STROLLER SCORE: TBD

LINKS:

Mass Audubon Map

Mass Audubon Page

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Wharf Creek / Marshfield

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Wharf Creek is a Marshfield town trail located off RT 139 / Careswell Road along the Green Harbor. The trail is nearly entirely in wetlands which can make for a damp hike. The best time to visit would be when it has not rained for a few days. 

There are two entrances to Wharf Creek. The first is located across from Coffee Shack donuts on RT 139 / Careswell Road. The second is off Calypso Lane. This second entrance is in a very residential neighborhood so parking is not especially obvious. Given this is a town trail and the primary signage is at the Calypso entrance, we think it is probably okay to park here for a quick hike. Alternatively, a visitor could park at Coffee Shack and treat yourself to a donut either before or after the hike. 

The trail itself is very peaceful and does not appear to be frequently used. The path is relatively well maintained although it can be very narrow at some parts. During tick season, visitors should be extra vigilant. The highlight of the trail is the view of Green Harbor. This vista located about a half mile in from the Rt 139 entrance.

 

Trail Notes:

  • The trail is generally very level and even terrain – but can be very wet.
  • The trail beds do seem to have more exposed roots and combined with the narrow paths does not make it stroller friendly.
  • Absolutely make sure you stop and enjoy the view of Green Harbor
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LOCATION:

Careswell Street

Marshfield, MA

STROLLER SCORE: C

LINKS:

Trail Map

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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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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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