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”
Category Archives: Hikes/Trails
PEMBROKE – Willow Brook Farm 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!
SHARON – Moose Hill Wildlife Sanctuary, Bluff Trail
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”
MARSHFIELD – Hoyt-Hall Preserve
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”
TAUNTON – Massasoit State Park
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”
DUXBURY – Lansing Bennett Forest
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”
MARSHFIELD – Daniel Webster Wildlife Sanctuary
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.
WESTPORT – Gooseberry Island
Just past Horseneck Beach in Westport is Gooseberry Island. These gorgeous 73 acres are accessible from a narrow causeway that begins across from the Horseneck Point Life Saving Station. You can sit and relax (or play!) on the small rocky beach near the parking lot and then explore the island on foot. The trail isContinue reading “WESTPORT – Gooseberry Island”
MIDDLETOWN, R.I. – Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge
Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge’s 242 acres have something for everyone. Sachuest Point was farmland before its strategic location made it desirable to the US military. It housed weapons to defend the US against German U-Boats in World War I and then served as a rifle range and communications center for the US Navy duringContinue reading “MIDDLETOWN, R.I. – Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge”
TIVERTON, R.I. – Fort Barton and Fort Barton Woods
This hike was a nice surprise for us when we went in summer 2020. After a short but pretty steep walk along a paved road from the parking area to the fort, we were rewarded with amazing views of Narragansett Bay. Fort Barton Woods itself was beautiful; it consists of 83 acres of heavily woodedContinue reading “TIVERTON, R.I. – Fort Barton and Fort Barton Woods”