09Oct 2017 by southshoretrailsma@gmail.com

Bare Cove Park / Hingham

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...

02Aug 2017 by southshoretrailsma@gmail.com

Minot Kayak Ramp / Scituate

Scituate, Trail

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...

21Jul 2017 by southshoretrailsma@gmail.com

North River Audubon / Marshfield

Audubon Society, Marshfield, Trail

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...

30Jun 2017 by southshoretrailsma@gmail.com

Sumner Smith Overlook / Cohasset

Cohasset, Cohasset Conservation Trust, Trail

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...

27Jun 2017 by southshoretrailsma@gmail.com

Cushman Preserve / Duxbury

Duxbury, Trail

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...

22Jun 2017 by southshoretrailsma@gmail.com

Rexhame Beach / Marshfield

Marshfield, Trail

Rexhame Beach is a unique town trail - and perfect all year round. While our initial visit was in the blustery Winter months, the idea of taking a summer stroll along the marsh sounds pretty perfect to us. Rexhame Beach is located in Marshfield and abuts the Humarock section of Scituate. Like nearly all the town trails in Marshfield, dogs are welcome at Rexhame! There are many benches along the back marsh area that have been donated by the Marshfield Canine Club. During the off-season month's you can visit this area for free, but there is a fee for parking during the peak Summer season. Non-residents can buy a day pass for $15-20. After 5 pm, the fee is only $5 - and you'll get to enjoy a picture perfect...

05Jun 2017 by southshoretrailsma@gmail.com

Stodder’s Neck / Hingham

Hingham, Trail

Stodder's Neck is a conservation parcel in Hingham along the Harbor. The conservation area is owned and maintained by the Department of Conservation and Recreation. Stodder's Neck was previously a gravel pit that was transformed in a park reminiscent of World's End. The paths and hilltop viewpoint are very similar to the structure of Frederick Law Olmsted's design for World's End. This park is most popular with dog owners. It would be nearly impossible to visit without seeing several dog owners enjoying the wide paths and lush landscape. In prior years, the landscape was very overrun by dog waste but you would never know it now. The park is very well maintained and clean. The paths are also stroller friendly and very level. Stodder's Neck is a must visit for your...

21May 2017 by southshoretrailsma@gmail.com

Stetson Meadows / Norwell

Norwell, Trail

Stetson Meadows is a 184 acre conservation parcel in Norwell located along the North River. The area has a rich history dating back to 1634. Stetson Meadows is one of the more quite trails in Norwell - despite being located very near 3A. You'll have the opportunity to walk through the forest, along the marsh, and run through a field. So pack a snack, some binoculars for birdwatching... and hit the trail. TRAILS: As reflected in the map, the trail system consists of several loops that offer different vistas. The benefit of all the separate loops is you can easily customize the length of your visit. While the terrain is not particularly level, it is level enough for kids to run around and trail running. There are not too many...

09Apr 2017 by southshoretrailsma@gmail.com

Keville Footbridge & Pratt Trails / Marshfield

Marshfield, Trail

The combination of the Bridle Rail trail and Pratt provides visitors a 2 mile walk with many unique features. I can imagine this being an ideal for families since the terrain is largely very flat but with many things to keep little kids entertained. The Bridle Trail is actually many miles long as it stretches through Marshfield so this is only a very small piece of it. The Pratt trails are built around the Zena Brook, which flows through the 37-acre Pratt property. In 2017, many of these footbridges were restored to increase accessibility to the area. Residents voted to acquire the Pratt property at special Town Meeting in 2012. Additional plans are in place for the Pratt property itself which includes a beautiful but decaying home. TRAILS: As reflected...

08Apr 2017 by southshoretrailsma@gmail.com

Worlds End / Hingham

Hingham, Trail, Trustees of the Reservation

The 244-acre peninsula shares many of the features found on the harbor islands. Overlooking Hingham Bay, it is formed by two drumlins and has rocky beaches, ledges, cliffs, patches of salt marsh and an area of freshwater marsh. From the minute you arrive, it is clear why Worlds End is one of the most popular locations on the South Shore. If you do decide to visit, try to come on the earlier side of the day as the parking lot can get quite full. Feel free to bring your lunch or a snack to enjoy on any of the countless benches that are scattered throughout the property. TRAILS: As reflected in the map, the trail system consists of several main loops with some small alternate routes. A very large percentage...