Looking for an easy place to hike or ride your bikes with your kids? Why not try the Cape Cod Canal?
The Herring Run Recreation Area is easy to get to. Ttake the exit just before the Sagamore Bridge and head right. Follow the road a little ways and you’ll see the parking area on your left.
Not all hikes are a hit. This was a miss. However, there are several things that would have made it better. And that’s why we’re writing it up anyway! If you live close to the trail head (all the way at the end of Learning Lane near the baseball fields and tennis courts), it’s winter,Continue reading “PEMBROKE – Pembroke High & Hobomock Elementary Trails”
Wilson Mountain is right off 128/93–it couldn’t be easier to find. This DCR property is a great alternative to Blue Hills, as it is far less busy and every bit as beautiful (although the summit is far less dramatic). Kids and adults alike will enjoy the variety of the terrain. There are plenty of beautifulContinue reading “DEDHAM, MA – Wilson Mountain Reservation”
This is a nice, easy hike easily accessible from the highway (Route 24) and Brockton’s Westgate Mall. By itself, this hike is short and sweet, but you can add it to the nearby Stone Farm Conservation trails and make a longer loop out of it. You’re never very far from civilization on this walk; you’llContinue reading “BROCKTON – Brockton Audubon Preserve”
Willow Brook Farm Preserve is a fairly standard woodland trail with a few features that set it apart. There is a large open field in the middle, a high wooden tower with scenic views, and boardwalks and bridges over wet areas. There are two main loops (one is 1.1 miles, the other is 1.8 miles) that would be great options for children who are ready for a longer hike but might not be able to handle several miles. The only downside is the limited parking!
This moderately difficult hike will appeal to experienced hikers and families with older kids because of the length (about 3 miles), gradual incline to the top of the Bluff Trail, and some steep inclines/declines along the way. We offer two options for this hike. The first we did with our kids, and the second weContinue reading “SHARON – Moose Hill Wildlife Sanctuary, Bluff Trail”
Hoyt-Hall Preserve is a beautiful two-mile (ish) loop through 123 acres of land that is chalk full of history. Hundreds of years ago, the Wampanoag summered in this area. Governor Winslow received a land grant in the 1630s and started parceling the area out to settlers for farming. The English eventually dammed the water inContinue reading “MARSHFIELD – Hoyt-Hall Preserve”
Massasoit State Park’s 1200 acres are conveniently located close to Routes 24 and 495; getting here is easy. The park is large and sprawling, but for this particular hike we concentrated only on the Rico Trail, which is a roughly 2-mile loop near the main entrance parking lot. In the past, we’ve been mountain bikingContinue reading “TAUNTON – Massasoit State Park”
The Lansing Bennett Forest loop (roughly 2 miles long) is a fairly standard wooded trail. It’s well marked and a breeze to navigate, which makes it a great option for families with kids. From the parking area on Union Bridge Road, follow the yellow trail to the blue blazes. The blue trail is a loop,Continue reading “DUXBURY – Lansing Bennett Forest”
This trail is mostly mowed grass and boardwalks, making it completely stroller accessible. The beginning of the trail is also wheelchair accessible (see trail map).
The Fox Hill Trail and River walk are through a meadow and marshland, with no shade. You probably wouldn’t want to hike this trail in the middle of the day during the summer. So either come early or come late… or hike on an overcast day… or wait until spring or fall for cooler temperatures.
The trail is home to an abundance of wildlife, so bring binoculars if you have them. It’s a Mass Audubon property known for the bird watching. You’re likely to see a variety of bird species here.