Tag Archives: hike

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.

LITTLE COMPTON, R.I. – South Shore Beach/Goosewing Beach Preserve

We’ve been hearing so much about South Shore Beach in Little Compton, RI, that we figured we had to give it a try. We do not recommend this excursion as a hike (which was our original intent), but we do endorse it as a beach trip! First of all, if you’re coming from the MassContinue reading “LITTLE COMPTON, R.I. – South Shore Beach/Goosewing Beach Preserve”

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”

HANOVER – Indian Head River Trail

This trail was a pleasant surprise for us. Although our hike got cut short by overtired children (as they sometimes do when you’re hiking with kids…), we still enjoyed the portion of the trek that we finished. If you start at the Indian Head River Trail on Broadway in Hanover, it’s roughly a four-mile loopContinue reading “HANOVER – Indian Head River Trail”

MILTON – Blue Hills Red Dot Loop

Climbing Blue Hills is a rite of passage for those who live in the Boston area. It was our first hiking experience growing up, and one that we requested time and time again. We never got bored of Blue Hills, and, here we are, 30 years later, taking our kids up and down the sameContinue reading “MILTON – Blue Hills Red Dot Loop”

MARSHFIELD – Mass Audubon’s North River Wildlife Sanctuary

North River Wildlife Sanctuary provides short, clearly marked, and well-maintained trails. The signage is excellent, both in terms of trail markers and learning stations that talk about the habitats, animals, and even the solar panels on the property. In general, Mass Audubon is also very conscious of accessibility: the trail we took could be doneContinue reading “MARSHFIELD – Mass Audubon’s North River Wildlife Sanctuary”

PLYMOUTH – The Harbor, Brewster Gardens, and Court St.

When we were kids, our dad would mark the end of every school year with a last-day-of-school trip to Plymouth. After eating a mile-long hot dog at Lobster Hut (no fish for us as kids!), we’d make our way to the beach for a late afternoon swim and some playing in the sand. We cherishContinue reading “PLYMOUTH – The Harbor, Brewster Gardens, and Court St.”

BRAINTREE/WEYMOUTH – Pond Meadow Park

Initially a flood control project for Weymouth Landing, the park opened in 1976 and is operated by the Weymouth-Braintree Regional Recreation-Conservation District. The nonprofit “Friends of Pond Meadow” has helped raise awareness and funds to support the park. It oversees the popular Summer Nature Program, which provides a week of nature experiences for children of Braintree and Weymouth. This hidden gem is enjoyed year-round, thanks to the foresight of a few residents back in the 1970s.

CANTON – The Eleanor Cabot Bradley Estate

We are huge fans of the Trustees of Reservations. They do amazing work making nature available to the masses while simultaneously preserving historic buildings and promoting the history of Massachusetts. The Bradley Estate, with its 90 gorgeous acres, is no exception. It’s immaculately kept, convenient, and beautiful. The estate hosts weddings from May to October, features amazing gardens in the spring and summer, and offers a wooden reindeer hunt and holiday light walk-through in the winter. Located near Route 95 and the Blue Hills, the Bradley Estate is easy to get to. Parking is a breeze (although it costs $6 if you’re not a member of the Trustees), and you really cannot get lost here, which makes this property a much less intimidating option than the Blue Hills across the highway. Speaking of the highway, that is the one downside to this spot–you will hear the constant hum of cars during your whole hike. However, after a while, it becomes white noise, and you’ll be more focused on your burning calves–this property has a fair amount of steep hills!