14Apr 2017 by southshoretrailsma@gmail.com

Newsletter #2

Newsletter

It's time to opt outside. Spring is really here now - and we could not be more excited. The tulips are peeking out of the ground, garden planning is in full swing... and we have just about packed our puffy coats away. It's time to get outdoors and explore some new sites. Our goal is to be your partner for fresh air and easy adventures. Over the winter, we've been busy scouting out trails and writing up some field notes from our visits. So, instead of trying to park at World's End, Whitney Thayer Woods, or Norris Reservation, we have some suggestions that may be new to you! And before you venture out to any of these sites, please take a look at our tick safety guide. We aren't the...

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...

26Mar 2017 by southshoretrailsma@gmail.com

John Little Conservation / Marshfield

Marshfield, Trail

John Little Conservation Area is a 25 acre section of land along the North River in Marshfield. The property offers visitors a variety of experiences from pasture to forest to marshland. The most picturesque part of the property is a long pier that leads to the North River. There is a dock that enables boaters to tie up for a brief respite and enjoy the view. One of the best smaller trails in Marshfield! TRAILS: As reflected in the map, the main trail is essentially an out and back to the river - with an optional small loop on the way. If you don't do the loop, it's 1.1 miles out to the river. The beginning portion in the field consists of nice terrain but after that the trail becomes a little...

26Mar 2017 by southshoretrailsma@gmail.com

Fogg Forest / Norwell

Norwell, Trail

Fogg Forest is a 40 acre piece of land located off Rt 123 in Norwell. The conservation area is very accessible even if the parking is a bit confusing. While we visited during the early Spring, this trail is absolutely worth a visit when the flowers are blooming. Some of the trails are lined with rhododendrons, which would look really amazing. Like many other trails in the area, this forest is rich with stone walls that used to designate property lines and farm fields. The most unique part of this property is an enchanting wooden garden that was built around a stream. You'll feel like you traveled back in time. TRAILS: As reflected in the map, the main trail is a loop with several side trail spurs. The trail beginning is marked with...

26Mar 2017 by southshoretrailsma@gmail.com

Pape Reservation / Cohasset

Cohasset, Cohasset Conservation Trust, Trail

Pape Reservation is a 10 acre piece of land located off 3A in Cohasset. The conservation area is accessible from the Cohasset Water Treatment Facility parking lot. This is a very basic trail but does include access to Lily Pond and some quiet moments in the woods. Like many Cohasset and South Shore trails, you can expect to see some significant rock formations and stone walls criss-crossing the forest. TRAILS: The trails at Pape Reservation are fairly wide and clear of brush. Largely the paths consist of even terrain - but there are some parts with significant rocks that would make using a stroller very challenging. At the time of our visit, we also noticed at least 3 trees that had fallen across the trails. Cohasset Conservation Trust normally maintains great...

19Mar 2017 by southshoretrailsma@gmail.com

Miller Woods / Norwell

Norwell, Trail

Miller Woods is a 46 acre piece of undeveloped land located near Norwell town center. The trail network consists of a great picnic area that is perfect for a couple of friends - or a large family. Miller Woods is great year-round but is perfect in the summer heat as the heavy wooded area will provide some relief from the heat. Miller Woods has remained unchanged for over 150 years. TRAILS: The trails are well maintained and the network is very simple. It is not suitable for many strollers due to the consistently uneven terrain - however the picnic area is perfectly easy to get to for all abilities. POINTS OF INTEREST: Great picnic area! Two sturdy big tables and a few benches for those who want some personal space....

18Mar 2017 by southshoretrailsma@gmail.com

Ingram Park / Cohasset

Cohasset, Cohasset Conservation Trust, Trail

Ingram Park in Cohasset is a trail system on just under 30 acres of historic farm land. The land is protected and managed by the Cohasset Conservation Trust which purchased the most recent 6 acres in 2014. Eagle Scouts from Cohasset Troop 28 have been working on the planned trail system. Depending on the time of your visit, you have a high probability of seeing some wildlife. Due to our winter visit, it was evident that deer are frequent guests and we happened to come across a large family of wild turkeys. TRAILS: The trail system is very clearly marked and the trail map is accurate. Each trail offers varying geographic elements. Despite the simple network of the trails, significant boulders, roots, and smaller rocks make these trails largely impassible for strollers. POINTS...

16Mar 2017 by southshoretrailsma@gmail.com

Weir River Farm / Hingham

Hingham, Trail, Trustees of the Reservation

Weir River Farm is by far one of our favorite spots on the South Shore. There is something permanently amazing about a big red barn, farm animals, and old stone walls. If you are debating about whether to become a Trustees of the Reservation member, Weir River Farm should be the tipping point ... especially if you have children. The barnyard is your own personal menagerie of animals with sheep, goats, pigs, horses, llamas, chickens, cows, and even a bunny named Joey. In addition to being a place to visit for the afternoon, the Trustees offer many great educational and fun activities onsite. There are children's and teen barnyard programs, BYOB & art viewing events, sheep sheering festivals, and Christmas trees for sale in the winter. Frequently they have meat...

16Mar 2017 by southshoretrailsma@gmail.com

North Hill Marsh / Duxbury

Audubon Society, Duxbury, Trail

North Hill Marsh can best be described as a wildlife sanctuary within a town forest - and that is literally what it is. The 130+ acres Audubon property is situated within the Duxbury Eastern Greenbelt. The Greenbelt consists of approximately 1,000 acres of contiguous open space - so a true refuge from the hustle and bustle of life. The area is marked by oak and pine woodlands, cranberry bogs, and a 90-acre pond. TRAILS: The trails are well maintained but can vary wildly in terms of terrain and width. There is probably a decent path suitable for strollers however this location is really suited to those not worried about accessibility. Some of the trails we have been on are very narrow and surrounded by pine trees - and others loop around...