South Shore TrailsAmes Nowell State Park
Ames Nowell State Park is a 600 acre property featuring scenic pond views. The 10 mile trail is ideal for hiking and picnicking. The pond is very popular with boaters…
Abington
6 trails
Shumatuscacant River watershed town
Abington's Island Grove Park was the site of annual abolitionist gatherings from 1846 to 1865, led by William Lloyd Garrison, and today the National Register-listed park surrounds a pond first dammed for industry around 1700.
Landscape
Abington's Island Grove Park centers on Island Grove Pond, a 35-acre body of water created by damming the Shumatuscacant River around 1700.
Conservation
Island Grove Park was donated to the town in 1882 by Bela and Warren Wilkes; the town also protects Ames Nowell State Park and conservation land at Thompson's Pond, formerly part of a WWII-era naval air field.
History
From 1846 to 1865, Island Grove Park hosted an annual abolitionist gathering known as the "August First" meeting, led by William Lloyd Garrison and drawing crowds by special train from Boston. Abington was named in 1706 by Governor Joseph Dudley, and the town pioneered mass-production of iron tacks in the 1810s. Island Grove Park was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2002.
Useful Links
- NSRWA - Island Grove Park listing
- https://www.nsrwa.org
- Town of Abington
- https://www.abingtonma.gov
6 trails in Abington
Beaver Brook Playground
Located in Abington, Beaver Brook Playground is a 5 acre property featuring scenic pond views. The 0. 3 mile trail is ideal for hiking and fishing. 5-acre, recently renovated (2022)…
Griffin Dairy Farm
Located in Bridgewater, Griffin Dairy Farm is a 64 acre property featuring scenic pond views. This trail system is ideal for hiking and picnicking. The property drains toward the Shumatuscacant…
Island Grove Park
Located in Abington, Island Grove Park is a 11 acre property featuring scenic pond views. This trail system accommodates hiking, swimming, and picnicking. The park holds real historical weight: beginning…
Thompson Pond Trail
Located in Rockland, Thompson Pond Trail featuring scenic pond views. This trail system is ideal for hiking and swimming. The Thompson Pond Trail runs nearly two miles out and back,…
Twin Ponds Trail
Located in Rockland, Twin Ponds Trail featuring scenic pond views. This trail system is ideal for hiking and swimming. The Twin Ponds Trail is a series of loops -- a…