08Apr 2018 by southshoretrailsma@gmail.com

Best Picnic Hikes on the South Shore

Audubon Society, Best Of, Cohasset Conservation Trust, NSWRA, Trail, Trustees of the Reservation, Wildlands Trust

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...

08Apr 2018 by southshoretrailsma@gmail.com

Ellisville State Park / Plymouth

Plymouth, Trail

Ellisville Harbor State Park Trail is a trail located in Plymouth, Massachusetts that offers the chance to see wildlife and is good for all skill levels. The trail is primarily used for walking and is dog friendly. TRAIL NOTES: less then 1 miles in length trail is largely an out and back that leads to the water beautiful views of the Cape Cod Bay sufficient parking LOCATION: State Road Plymouth, MA STROLLER SCORE: TBD LINKS: Dept of Conservation & Recreation Website AllTrails See Plymouth

08Apr 2018 by southshoretrailsma@gmail.com

Webb Memorial State Park / Weymouth

Trail, Weymouth

Webb Memorial State Park is a peninsula that extends half a mile into Hingham Bay. Visitors are treated to scenic views of Boston's harbor and skyline, and groups can rent a pavilion for special events from May - October. Available activities include fishing, picnicking, and walking. TRAIL NOTES: less then 2 miles in length trail is largely a loop that covers 3 connected dumlins beautiful views of the Weymouth Back River plenty of parking HISTORY: Pre-historic evidence indicates that Webb was a seasonal campsite for Native Americans. After European contact, the site was likely used for farming and grazing. In the 1860s the site became part of the Bradley Fertilizer factory, and was used for dumping industrial waste. In the 1950s the property was owned by the U.S. Government to...

21Mar 2018 by southshoretrailsma@gmail.com

Newsletter #14

Newsletter

Happy Spring! It feels hard to believe that we have officially left Winter behind... maybe it is because of the impending snowy nor'easter? We are absolutely ready to pack up our winter layers and embrace some Spring weather. The South Shore comes alive in the warmer months. The cherry blossom trees at World's End are an absolute favorite. We are also itching to check out the new Mass Audubon Tidmarsh Property in Plymouth. In the meantime, let's continue to embrace our last snowy days. I'm sure we'll think of them fondly during the first July heatwave. Nature Memberships! No better way to celebrate Spring than joining one of our many non-profit nature organizations! Memberships are a great way to try new trails... and get a good discounts on events. Learn more here.... Spotlight: Must...

28Feb 2018 by southshoretrailsma@gmail.com

Plain Street / Hanover

Hanover, Trail

Plain Street Trails is a trail located off Plain Street in Hanover. It is located is very close proximity to the Pine Swamp trail. TRAIL NOTES: less then 2 miles in length two primary trail paths are denoted by green and red trail markers several parking options available as denoted by the map LOCATION: Plain Street Hanover, MA STROLLER SCORE: TBD LINKS: Trail Map

28Feb 2018 by southshoretrailsma@gmail.com

Pine Island Swamp / Hanover

Hanover, Trail

Pine Island Swamp is a small trail located off Old Farm Road in Hanover. Visitors can also access the Plain Street trails while they visit. LOCATION: Old Farm Road Hanover, MA STROLLER SCORE: TBD LINKS: Trail Map

28Feb 2018 by southshoretrailsma@gmail.com

Melzar Hatch Reservation / Hanover

Hanover, Trail, Wildlands Trust

Melzar Hatch is a 1.9 mile trail off Cedar Street in Hanover. The trail is known for cross-country running and is located near Hanover High School and Middle School. The trail is maintained by the Wildlands Trust. TRAIL NOTES: Colby Phillips trail is located across the street if you choose to extend your hike a little further. Property is approximately 40 acres Trail is known for being well suited to cross-country running Parking is available behind each of the three schools (Hanover High, Hanover Middle, Cedar School) LOCATION: Cedar Street Hanover, MA STROLLER SCORE: TBD LINKS: Trail Map

28Feb 2018 by southshoretrailsma@gmail.com

Denham Pond / Hanover

Hanover, Trail

Denham Pond is a 1.2 mile trail off Circuit Street in Hanover. The trail is aptly named for a pond on site that weaves around the property. TRAIL NOTES: two primary trail paths are denoted by the colors "green" and "red". This is reflected on the map. trail is approximately 1.2 miles long if you were to complete all the loops several small bodies of water on the site LOCATION: Circuit Street Hanover, MA STROLLER SCORE: TBD LINKS: Trail Map

25Feb 2018 by southshoretrailsma@gmail.com

Wharf Creek / Marshfield

Marshfield, Trail

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...

04Feb 2018 by southshoretrailsma@gmail.com

Willow Brook / Pembroke

Pembroke, Trail, Wildlands Trust

Willow Brook Farm is a Wildlands Trust property located in Pembroke off Route 14. The property consists of 127 acres of unique landscape and just under 3 miles of trails. One of the best features of the property is the Tower located on the edge of a freshwater tidal marsh. The view from the top enables visitors to birdwatch and get a brand new perspective of the landscape. The area is extremely productive for wildlife and conserves an unusual freshwater tidal marsh, a habitat type of both state and global significance. Tidal fluctuations can be observed here, some 11 miles upstream from the Atlantic Ocean. Within the valley lies a wilderness of more than 2,000 acres, which is a headwater area of the North River, and critical to water quality...