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Six Great Spots for a Bike Ride on the South Shore!

By Kate Bray, Publisher, South Shore Macaroni Kid May 24, 2021

Fresh air, fun, freedom and exercise - all amazing benefits of riding a bike for both kids AND parents! The South Shore offers some fantastic trails and paths for families to get outside and enjoy this healthy outdoor activity. 

Below are six great local spots to seek out warm weather adventures on two wheels. Please be aware that many of these trails are multipurpose so be mindful and respectful of others using the trails. Please follow CDC and local government guidelines regarding social distancing when getting exercise. 

Bare Cove Park - Bare Cove Park Drive, Hingham, MA

Bare Cove Park is owned and operated by the town of Hingham. This riverfront park consists of more than 484 acres located along the banks of the Weymouth Back River and has been referred to as a "hidden gem" for South Shore residents. The park is a beautiful area of river shoreline, wetland, open fields, dense woods, and diverse animal and plant life. 


Learn more about the history of Bare Cove Park and its current uses at Facilities • Hingham, MA • CivicEngage (hingham-ma.gov)




Burrage Pond Wildlife Management Area - Pleasant St, Hanson, MA

The state-owned Burrage Pond Wildlife Management Area offers more than 10 miles of beginner trails for mountain biking, almost all of which are completely flat, double-track trails. They are primarily the broad and flat dirt roads commonly found around cranberry bogs. The main park is an open space with bogs and a pond on either side, offering some trails going into the woods that are great for viewing birds, duck, geese and ospreys.


Learn more about the trail and its current uses at Burrage Pond Wildlife Management Area - North and South Rivers Watershed Association (nsrwa.org)




Forge Pond Park - 245 King Street, Hanover, MA

Located on King Street in Hanover, Forge Pond Park is a major hub of outdoor sports activities for the South Shore with its more than 40 acres of athletic fields, open space and trails. A major highlight for families with small children are the paved paths that are perfect for younger children bike riding while adults walk and/or push strollers. 


Find more information on Forge Pond Park at Forge Pond Park | Hanover MA (hanover-ma.gov)




Norwell Pathway - 328 Main Street, Norwell, MA

The Norwell Pathway is a 2-mile well-maintained paved and boardwalk trail from Norwell High School to Gaffield Park that travels through serene and picturesque woodland, wetland and fields. It is an accessible trail for a family consisting of all ages. 

Find more information on the Norwell Pathway at Norwell Pathway - North and South Rivers Watershed Association (nsrwa.org)




Rockland Rail Trail - Union Street, Rockland, MA

The Rockland Rail Trail is a great, paved trail (10 feet wide, and 3 miles long) that is perfect bike riders of all ages - but caution is necessary as it crosses over several main roads. The trail runs through the center of town and to Abington and Hanover. The easiest access to the trail is from the trailheads on Union Street, but access is also available at The Rockland Senior Center on Plain Street.


Learn more about the rail trail at Rockland Rail Trail / Hanover Branch Rail Trail - North and South Rivers Watershed Association (nsrwa.org)




Wompatuck State Park - 204 Union Street, Hingham

With 12 miles of non-motorized roads, 40 miles of forest trails, Wompatuck is a great place for bike riders of all ages and abilities making it great for family excursions. 


Learn all about Wompatuck's wide variety of recreational opportunities at Wompatuck State Park | Mass.gov