This is a short (less than a mile), well-marked, fun trail through the woods that is super convenient. It’s a great place to introduce littles to hiking, although it would be treacherous with a jogging stroller (not impossible, just really hard). The trail is labeled with signposts along the way that educate about the nature found in the area.
HOW TO GET THERE
Address:
Stonehill College
320 Washington St.
North Easton, MA 02356
There are two places to access the trail. The first, and probably the easiest (although it requires more walking) is to park on the Stonehill campus and access the trail through the main entrance. If you enter off Washington St. (vs Belmont St. in Brockton), you’ll see a grotto on your left and tennis courts on your right. The trail entrance is right near the grotto (see pictures below). Turn right at the stop sign and find parking across from the track and tennis courts. You can then walk back to the trail head.
The other option is to park at Moreau Hall Elementary School at 360 Washington St. You can park along the retaining wall and access the trail through a path behind the basketball courts. This way, however, requires you to pay careful attention to where you came in so you can find your way out again. Given the regularity of the sign posts, this is not really a challenge.
TRAIL DESCRIPTION & MAP:
The trail undulates and offers some amazing boulders, some stick forts, and a really beautiful stretch where the trail is lined by enormous rhododendrons. We’ve seen plenty of deer in here, and at the same time, you’re never far from civilization.
There is no trail map, but you won’t need one.
P.I.N.T. Score
Rated on a scale of 1 (difficult/not good) to 5 (easy/awesome!)
P – Parking & Access – 5/1 (1 if you try to park at Stonehill during the week–they require a parking pass. 1 if you try to park at Moreau Hall Elementary School during the school day. 5 if you access the trail on the weekend.)
I – Interest Level – 3 (varied terrain, lots of fun forts, the gorgeous rhododendrons, the playground at Moreau Hall)
N – Navigation – 4 (well-marked trail, easy to follow; the only thing to watch out for would be your exit point if you access the trail via Moreau Hall)
T – Terrain – 2 (bumpy and rocky on the trail; there are some narrow/overgrown parts; a handful of somewhat steep ups and downs; barely accessible with a jogging stroller)
The P.I.N.T. Score represents our opinions on this trail. It reflects our experience, perception, and physical health. Therefore, the scores are not intended to be expert advice, nor will they be accurate for everyone: we cannot judge what may or may not be appropriate for each individual’s different abilities. Consult a physician or medical expert before attempting any new physical activity. Hiking contains inherent hazards, so hike at your own risk. You should always make your own decisions about what level of physical activity is appropriate for you and your family. Weather and other factors may affect trail conditions. Remember, trail conditions may change suddenly and drastically at any time.
POINTS OF INTEREST
- There are some fun boulders to climb on near the Stonehill entrance.
2. There are some fun stick forts that were built by students at the various summer programs hosted by Stonehill. Go add some sticks or hide in the forts. Near the stick forts, you’ll also find this interesting boulder that looks like it has teeth.
3. There is an amazing path of rhododendrons in the middle of the woods. We like to wonder who put them there, when, and why…
4. There are some really cool things to look see in this short trail. Here are pictures of some of the other neat landmarks!
