Where to Walk and Hike and Get Fresh Air on the South Shore Boston 2024
The South Shore Boston area has plenty of walks and hikes to choose from, no matter your hiking ability: paved trails, dirt trails! Bring the kids and get some fresh air.
Abington
Ames Norwell State Park Follow several miles of trails along Cleveland Pond and through the nearby woods. Free Parking.
Island Grove Walking trails the Park is accessible either via the Park Street entrance or on foot from Wilson Place across Memorial Bridge
Griffin’s Dairy Farm Abington Griffin Dairy Farm is a hidden gem located on Plymouth Street in Abington. In 2019 the Town of Abington converted this former dairy farm into public space after owning it for more than a decade. A gravel path winds through the meadow and crossed over an intermittent stream in several places. It is a great spot for a walk, run, , picnic, and bike for older kids. It is stroller friendly for more rugged strollers, and the short loop makes it walk-able for younger kids
Braintree
Eaton’s Pond Area 100 acres, 6-acre pond, 3 miles of trails, mountain biking Access The area is accessible from Skyline Drive across from the Braintree Moose Lodge on West Howard St. Parking and the main trailhead
is located on the northwest side of Eaton’s Pond.
Pond Meadow Park A two-mile paved path provides an excellent walking, biking or running route around the park. Many visitors walk dogs or bring strollers to use on the paved path
Braintree Town Park The primary trailhead is located on Peach Street next to a small parking lot for 2-3 vehicles. Visitors can also access trails directly off Wildwood Ave. and the corner of Sheraton Ave. and Marisa
Drive, though there is no dedicated parking at these locations.
Bridgewater
Great River Preserve encompasses a range of habitats and features that few other properties along the river main-stem can equal. It includes over a mile of pristine river frontage along one of the most scenic and undisturbed stretches of the entire Taunton River, expansive open fields, mixed pine/oak woodlands, vernal pools, and habitat for several rare species, including eastern box turtle. It is a vital link in a 1400-acre stretch of river corridor extending from the Cherry Street Bridge on the Halifax/Bridgewater line downriver to the Summer Street Bridge and the extensive fields of the Bridgewater MCI Complex. First-time visitors to the preserve often remark on its rural feel, which is attributable, in part, to the demise of the nearby Auburn Street Bridge and the consequent lack of auto traffic through the area.
Brockton
D.W. Field Park is a 3.5 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located that features a lake and is good for all skill levels. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. Stroller friendly so bring the baby for a walk! Lots of parking available in lot off Oak Street.
Carver
The Cole Property Trails and Bog Roads – There is a small dirt lot for parking and then you can travel down on foot to access the trails. You can find a map of the trials HERE. There is a special trail for those with mobility issues and strollers which allows people who are unable to traverse most wildlife trails to enjoy. There are four other trails that vary in length and difficulty. Pleasant Street Carver, MA
Indian Brook Conservation Land/Camden Trails – This property covers Plymouth and Carver and offers about 51 acres of public trails open to the public. A map of the trials can be found HERE. The trail entrance is on India Street. Indian Street Carver, MA with limited parking.
Myles Standish State Forest – Myles Standish State Forest offers plenty of year-round activity for everyone in the family. There are miles of trails to explore. It is the largest publicly owned recreation area in this part of Massachusetts.
Savery Avenue Conservation Land Feel immersed in deep pine woodlands at Savery Avenue Conservation Land in Carver. This town-owned picnic area and trail offers a great place for a walk, trail run, or snowshoe in dense forest that feels far removed from the suburbs around it. Enter the yellow loop trail at Savery Avenue Conservation Land from either of the two parking spaces along Savery Avenue. This roughly mile-long loop is flat and easy to follow, with trail markers affixed to trees beside the trail. (Download trail map)
At its northern and southern ends, out-and-back side trails branch off of the main loop and diverge deeper into the forest. These trails are not as well-trafficked or well-maintained, and so can be harder to follow; we recommend these routes for more experienced hikers.
Cohasset
Wheelwright Park & Barnes Wildlife Sanctuary The park and it’s hiking trails comprise of 232 acres North Main St. entrance for many parking spaces. Limited parking along the Forest St. entrance.
Great Brewster Woods, consisting of approximately 18.16 acres of woodland, was given to the Trust in 1985 by the Great Brewster Corporation, whose owners, Edgar Hill, Walter Railsback, Raymond Remick, and George McLaughlin were all Cohasset residents.
Located behind Cohasset Town Hall, this woodland with significant ledge outcroppings, together with Dean’s Meadow, protects 25 acres of open space in the heart of Cohasset Village.
A Trust sign marks the entrance on Great Brewster Trail, off Highland Avenue between the Town Hall and St. Stephen’s Church. The walking path, clearly marked with yellow trail markers, makes a roughly one-mile loop through a woodland ecosystem containing many plants and features typical of southern New England. Hikers tread paths through dense woods and around marshes and granite ledges.
These trails create an interesting network that starts at the parking area at the King Street trailhead, west to Wompatuck Park and then north to Whitney-Thayer Woods and Turkey Hill. The historic path, once called Great Lot Lane, linked Hingham and Cohasset and crosses two tributaries of Brass Kettle Brook which are bridged by rock slabs. A side trail leads to paths near Lily Pond.
Duxbury
Mass Audubon’s North Hill Marsh
North Hill Marsh can best be described as a sanctuary within a refuge. Situated within Duxbury’s Eastern Greenbelt, 1,000 acres of contiguous open space, the sanctuary’s oak and pine woodlands, wetlands, and 90-acre pond provide habitat for wildlife, especially migratory waterfowl. A clearly marked trail system circles the pond and travels through Duxbury Town Forest. Mayflower Street, Duxbury, MA
Duxbury Beach The beach will be open from 8:30am-3:30pm daily. Only the first crossover will be open.
Bay Farm Conservation Area is a 2.7 kilometer heavily trafficked loop trail located near Duxbury, Massachusetts and is good for all skill levels. The trail is primarily used for hiking and walking and is best used from April until October. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
Easton
Borderland State Park Loop Trail is a 8.5 mile heavily trafficked loop trail located near Easton, Massachusetts that features a lake and is rated as moderate. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. Some parts of the trail are stroller friendly but pack a picnic and make a day out of it!
Oliver Ames park At this time, the portions of the property owned by The Trustees are open for the public to visit. More plans are underway, and we hope to open more areas of the property soon. With private landowners adjacent to the property and many partners owning contiguous tracts of land, it’s important that our visitors respect private property on and adjacent to the estate.
NRT Sheep Pasture Walk is a 1.8 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located near South Easton, Massachusetts that features a river and is good for all skill levels. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
Hanover
Forge Pond Park has something for everyone! Stroller Friendly! From walking to athletic events Forge Pond Park is used regularly by the members in our community. This is the Town of Hanover’s first tournament based facility with three baseball fields, three softball fields, three multi-use fields and a concession stand. As well as the athletic fields miles of walking trails surround the property! There are both paved walking trails and trails throughout the woods. The Park hours vary season to season. Please check the message board on the right hand side of the park driveway and our website for updated hours. This property falls under jurisdiction of the Parks and Recreation Committee and the Open Space Committee.
Forge Pond Trail A small picturesque trail that runs along the side of Forge Pond. At it’s end it connects to French’s Stream Trail.
Colby Phillips Trail This trail is located on Pleasant St. It sits close to the Rockland town line and can be used to access the Rail Trail. This is part of the greenway but isolated by a portion that has not been developed yet.
Luddams Ford in Hanover The property also features a picnic/passive recreation area. The adjacent former railroad bed provides a 2-mile walk along the Indian Head with several captivating views of the river. Walk across the bridge on Elm Street to access the Pembroke portion of Luddam’s Ford Park. Look for a historic marker at the center of the bridge, which was completed in 1894.
Hanson
Burrage Pond Loop is a 1.9 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located near Hanson/Halifax line , Massachusetts that offers scenic views and is good for all skill levels. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, nature trips, and bird watching and is best used from May until September Can use an all terrain stroller
Indian Crossway thru Burrage The Indian Crossway is a historical passageway used by the early Native Americans to cross through the Burrage Pond and the Cedar Swamp above it. This section of trail is part of the Bay Circuit Trail.
Hanson Veterans Memorial Town Forest. Rustic hiking trails that lead to scenic spots along the Wampatuck Pond.
Camp Kiwanee is a beautiful, 68-acre campground that you can walk thru bring a study shoes and walk thru the cranberry bogs
Hingham
Wompatuck State Park
Almost 4000 acres of recreation of which 2877 acres lay in Hingham. Contains the 136 acre Aaron reservoir which is mostly in Cohasset. Hiking trails, biking, camping, fishing and boating all in one place. If you’re hot from all this activity you can fill your water bottle at the Mt. Blue Spring near the campground and taste that high quality water from the aquifer below Hingham!
World’s End Reservation
A Trustees of the Reservations property.
In 1889 John Brewer, commissioned Frederick Law Olmsted to design a piece of property for a residential subdivision. Olmsted got busy designing tree lined horse cart paths but the residential part was never built.
Was once an island and part of the Boston Harbor Islands. The island and salt marshes were dammed by early farmers transforming it to the 251 acre peninsula it now is.
Bare Cove Park
A combination of paved and woodland trails to hike or bike along the Weymouth Back River. Stroller friendly
Whortleberry Hollow Conservation Area Not far from the Derby Street Shoppes, these hiking trails are a quick way to let shopping weary children blow off some steam!
Hull
Nanstasket Beach You can easily walk Nantasket beach with a stroller 3 mile walk. Plenty of parking but there is charge from Memorial Day to Labor Day
Fort Revere Park is a destination for history buffs and picnic lovers. Check out the remains of forts dating back to the American Revolution. You’ll also find picnic tables and grills. If you can overlook the tremendous amount of graffiti (and it’s everywhere) you will find some great views
Kingston
Easy access to a myriad of serene hiking trails winding in and around former cranberry bogs. Great mix of wide open space and traditional trails through the forest. Multi sport size trails support a variety of recreational opportunities!
Adorned by iron gates leading to hiking trails that lead to several scenic spots along Silver Lake.
Marshfield
Ellis Nature Sanctuary Looking for a quick scenic hike? A bit hidden but worth the find, the trail here is part wooded with a mostly grass trail around a cranberry bog. A peaceful way to start the day!
Pudding Hill Reservation A Wildlands Trust property and just down the street from Ellis Nature Sanctuary. Another quick hike with an initial slightly strenuous climb and lots to explore with a meadow and Chandler Pond across the street.
Marshfield Beaches Rexhame Beach. Brant Rock, Fieldston Beach and Green Harbor
Milton
Old Route 128 Even if you’ve hiked around Houghton’s Pond many times, you may never have found the trail called Old Route 128. You’ll start this stroller-friendly hike in the Blue Hills at the Houghton’s Pond main parking lot.
Make your way past the playground and visitor center on your left and continue as you pass the beach on your right. You’ll follow the Yellow dot trail as it turns to go around the pond. Continue on the trail just a minute until you see picnic tables and grills. Walk through or around the picnic tables. At the other side in the trees, you will find a trail opening. Take the trail (which is dirt, but still stroller-friendly) until you arrive at a paved road. Take a left on the road and continue as long as you’d like and turn around. The paved road ends after about a mile. If you’d like a one hour stroller-friendly hike, however, you’ll turn around long before you reach the end.
Bugbee path is another stroller-friendly hike in the Blue Hills. Start at Houghton’s Pond and continue in the same direction as the above hike, passing the playground and visitor center on your left and continuing past the beach on your right. The path is a loop with a small hill. For a gentler hike up the hill, look for marker 2053 on the left as you get to the end of the lake. Follow the path as it goes up and around, past marker 2070 and back down towards the lake. When you get to the bulletin board with the map, you’ll start following the green dots, which will take you back to the pond. Follow the path with the pond to your left until you arrive at the visitor center and parking lot again.
Norwell
Hiking trails through pleasantly shaded forest, a pond to canoe, kayak or fish in, bridges one to an island another connecting a neighborhood. There’s a full outdoor experience at ….
Explore the forest, fields and trails along the salt marshes of the North River. This area is full of historic value as well!
Pathway near the Donovan Fields features paved walking surface with boardwalks through the forest. Good steady stepping for any age!
Pembroke
Canoe Club Preserve A quick hike of mostly boardwalk through a wooded area along the North River. Approximately half of the preserve is wooded and is accessible to visitors via boardwalk and loop trail
Willow Brook Farm A wildlands trust property located on route 14, willow brook has a variety of hiking terrains suited for multi purpose uses.
Tubbs Meadow is a 2.4 mile heavily trafficked loop trail located near Pembroke, Massachusetts that features a lake and is good for all skill levels. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. Parking: Small on-site parking areas at both the Monroe Street and Mill Street entrances. Can be a bit muddy so make sure you do baby carrier vs taking a stroller.
Plymouth
North Plymouth Rail Trail or the Sea Side Trail is a wonderful way to get a first taste of Plymouth hiking. This trail runs along the shore of Plymouth Harbor with views of Plymouth Beach, Clarks Island, Saquish and the Myles Standish Monument in Duxbury!
Plymouth Harbor Breakwater add this to the Sea Side Trail for a full day of hiking and sightseeing! Add in lunch at one of the restaurants and it’s a full day in Plymouth!
Russell and Sawmill Pond Conservation Area Just a short distance away from the more heavily used Sea Side Trail and Nelson Park is this gem of a forested trail around two artificial ponds. A favorite fishing spot of many!
East Head Reservoir Loop
Trailhead: Begin just behind the Forest Headquarters,
Distance: 2.5 mile loop, Difficulty: Easy
Brief Description: East Head Reservoir Health Heart Trail. 2.5 miles circling East
Head Reservoir. This hike is an ideal introduction to the area. The trail hugs the
shoreline of the East Head Reservoir for most of its length.
Rocky Pond Path to Bog Pond Loop
Distance: 7.4 mile RT, Difficulty: Moderate
Brief Description: This paved path winds through the pine, spruce and scrub oak
forests on its way to the Rocky Pond parking area. At Rocky Pond, take a hike around
the Bog Loop Trail.
Friends’ Loop
Trailhead: Begin at the East Entrance parking lot off of Long Pond Road in Plymouth.
Lat/Long: 41.889766, -70.631876
Distance: 3.3 miles, Difficulty: Moderate
Brief Description: Take the Frost Pocket Bike Path to the Friends’ Loop Trail. The trail
is somewhat hilly, crossing a glacial moraine, and offers a number of excellent views
through the tall pines
Randolph
Powers Farm Community Park is a 1.2 mile which is stroller friendly. It has benches mid way so you can rest as well. the Park is rentable by the town of Randolph.
Rockland
Rockland Town Forest is a 1.5 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located near Rockland, Massachusetts that features beautiful wild flowers and is good for all skill levels. The trail is primarily used for hiking, trail running, and nature trips
Rockland rail trail A wide gravel road that follows the line of an old rail bed, this trail is a great way to get around Rockland! The section now paved spans from the intersection on Plain St to Howard St. The Senior Center has plenty of parking on the side of the building. This now paved portion makes the roughest part of the rail trail raised and level. Many visitors previously complained of the rough conditions especially in the spring. The asphalt is a very fine texture, making it a nice surface for strollers and inline skating. The paved portion extends into Rockland center where you will need to cross the street. For a short period the trail turns to course rock gravel, but an older concrete walkway runs parallel to this section. The paved portion then continues on to Howard St crossing.
Quincy
Quincy Shores Reservation Wollaston Beach
The 2.3-mile beach at Quincy Shore Reservation is popular for its jogging & biking trail
Blue Hills Skyline Trail is a 7.5 mile heavily trafficked point-to-point trail located near Quincy, Massachusetts that features a lake and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, and running and is best used from March until November. Dogs are also able to use this trail.
West Quincy Quarries Loop is a 6 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located near Quincy, Massachusetts that features a lake and is good for all skill levels. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, nature trips, and bird watching
Taunton
Massasoit State Park Explore the most popular trails in Massasoit State Park with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you. Stroller Friendly
West Bridgewater
War Memorial Park War Memorial Park provides access to Triple Arch Bridge, a hsitoric bridge which connects the Arch Street to the opposite side of Town River. The park is open to the public and provides easy and accessible and stroller friendly walking trails, benches to sit relax, and a beautiful vista of the Town River. There is a little stream, hills, stone stairs, a little hide-away portion at the end of the park. A bit of an exploration for such a little park.
Weymouth
Pond Meadow Park A two-mile paved path provides an excellent walking, biking or running route around the park. Many visitors walk dogs or bring strollers to use on the paved path
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. Webb Park offers an easy, 1-mile gravel loop trail, which extends past several memorials and is stroller friendly! Dogs must remain on leash.
Great Esker Park is a 2 mile lightly trafficked loop trail located near North Weymouth, Massachusetts that features a river and is good for all skill levels. The trail is primarily used for hiking, trail running, birding, and road biking and is accessible year-round. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
Stodder’s Neck & Abigail Adams Park Stodder’s Neck is a peninsula at the mouth of the Back River. The park provides harborside walking trails and a hilltop view.. Stroller-friendly. Dogs allowed off-leash in designated areas of the park
Cavern Rock Park, 36 acres of conservation land located by Whitman’s Pond and known for its unique rocky outcrops found throughout the park. Cavern Rock Park include a .7 mile marked loop trail, as well as unmarked trails. Cavern Rock Park was acquired by the Town in 1968 for the purpose
of conservation and recreation. Cavern Rock offers opportunities for hiking, biking and wildlife viewing.
As is the case with all the town’s trails, all dogs must be on a leash no longer than 6ft. Please pick up after your dog and check for ticks.
House Rock Trail a .34 mile trail traversing the 24 acres of conservation land behind House Rock Park.
House Rock, located at the trailhead, is considered one of the largest freestanding boulders in New England. Also known as an erratic, these boulders were broken and moved around during the last glacial retreat 10,000 years ago.
As is the case with all the town’s trails, all dogs must be on a leash no longer than 6ft. Please pick up after
your dog and check for ticks. Parking for House Rock Park is located off House Rock Road
Bradford Torrey Bird Sanctuary, 110 acres of conservation land located in the heart of Weymouth, named after ornithologist and outdoor author Bradford Torrey (1843-1912). The Bradford Torrey Bird Sanctuary was acquired by the town through a series of land donations dating back to 1937, when John w. Seabury donated a parcel of land previously owned by Bradford Torrey. Bradford Torrey authored several essays reflecting on his land, including My Real Estate. With over 2.5 miles of trails, The Bradford Torrey Bird Sanctuary offers opportunities for passive recreation including hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing. As is the case with all the town’s trails, all dogs must be on a leash no longer than 6ft. Please pick up after your dog and check for ticks : Parking for the Bradford Torrey Bird Sanctuary is located on Main Street (Rt 18). Parking available at the high school during non school hours. Pedestrian access can be found at Arbor Hill, Mediterranean Drive and Tall Oaks Drive.
Great Pond Trail, a 1.1 mile trail that traverses along Great Pond between Negus and Gifford Parks. While this marked trail (yellow blazes) is open to the public, all other lands surrounding Great Pond remain off limits. This trail offers opportunities for passive recreation such as hiking, biking and
wildlife viewing. Please Note: Dogs are PROHIBITED from the trail and surrounding land to preserve water
quality in Town’s reservoir. Parking is available at Negus and Gifford Parks
