For our family spring and summer means being outside! While I would love to say we spend the winter playing in the snow we never get outside as much as I would like. With spring there seems to be a renewed effort to get outside and explore that spills into summer and what better way to celebrate dad this weekend than with a little outdoors adventure?!
While many of these spots aren't so hidden, in fact parking at World's End can be downright horrible on the weekend, it has amazed me lately how many local families I have talked to recently haven't visited them. So, while some of these hikes are more "hidden" than others they are all gems in their own way, and a great way to get outside and connect with both nature and family - enjoy!
1. Norris Reservation {Dover Street, Norwell}
One of two Trustees of Reservation locations on our list Norris Reservation is hidden just south of Norwell Center. From the nondescript parking lot you would have no idea that it contains a boardwalk through the wetlands, an old mill pond, a pine and oak forest, and even a boathouse along the North River. Members - FREE; Non-Members - $5 per car
While many of these spots aren't so hidden, in fact parking at World's End can be downright horrible on the weekend, it has amazed me lately how many local families I have talked to recently haven't visited them. So, while some of these hikes are more "hidden" than others they are all gems in their own way, and a great way to get outside and connect with both nature and family - enjoy!
1. Norris Reservation {Dover Street, Norwell}
One of two Trustees of Reservation locations on our list Norris Reservation is hidden just south of Norwell Center. From the nondescript parking lot you would have no idea that it contains a boardwalk through the wetlands, an old mill pond, a pine and oak forest, and even a boathouse along the North River. Members - FREE; Non-Members - $5 per car
Truly hidden on the Rockland/Abington town line the Rockland Town Forest can be hard to find if you don't know it is there. There is a large, brown sign with yellow writing announcing that you have found George Anderson Town Forest, and a hidden dirt road next to it leading to a few parking spaces. The trails in the first half of the forest are wide and can easily accommodate a rugged stroller, and there is a bird sanctuary, owls, a garden and rumor has it even some fairies in the woods. It is a fun stroll!
4. World's End {Martin’s Lane, Hingham}
Based on the weekend parking situation (people wait in line for a spot to open up in the lot) this is not a hidden gem, but if you have never been to World's End in Hingham you are missing out! Once an island, then a farming estate and in the 1890's John Brewer, a businessman from Boston hired Frederick Law Olmsted to design a 163-house residential subdivision. The carriage roads were built, as still remain, but thankfully the houses were never built. Now you can find sprawling fields, rows of large trees, and a small beach but the best part is the amazing views of Hingham Harbor and Boston! It is the perfect place to pack a picnic, explore the stroller and red wagon friendly carriage path trails and enjoy the views! Members - FREE; Non-Members - $8 per adult
5. AJ McEachern Memorial Trail {Driftway, Scituate}
Along the banks of the North River AJ McEachern Memorial Trail boasts two boardwalks, both wooded and sandy trails, and a great hidden spot up a number of stair for getting a bird's eye view of the river. There are also a number of cool cement picnic tables and lots of benches for resting along the way. Parking can get busy on the weekend, but it's free.
South Shore Hiking Trails
Wildlands Trust
The Trustees of Reservation
Mass Audubon
South Shore Natural Science Center
