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!
Tag Archives: hiking with family
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.
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”
EASTON – Stonehill Nature Trail
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 natureContinue reading “EASTON – Stonehill Nature Trail”
EASTON – NRT Sheep Pasture
This place is one of our favorites. It’s an easily accessible, beautiful spot to have a picnic, see some animals, climb big rocks, visit the community gardens, sled (behind the old foundation), make forts out of sticks, and visit the “dragon” cave. It’s jam packed with things to do, but it’s a manageable size andContinue reading “EASTON – NRT Sheep Pasture”
BRIDGEWATER – Stanley Iron Works Park
This lovely little park, tucked away in an unlikely place (near the Highway Department), makes a great spot for a picnic or a short walk. There is more here on these 12 acres than meets the eye–if you’re willing to explore a little. HOW TO GET THERE 93 High St. Bridgewater, MA 02324 Parking isContinue reading “BRIDGEWATER – Stanley Iron Works Park”
NORWELL – Jacobs Pond
Jacobs Pond is a 60-acre body of water with 189 acres of surrounding conservation land. This property is one of our favorite discoveries–it’s a place we’ll return to again and again, for many reasons. First and foremost, Jacob’s Pond is just seconds away from our favorite ice cream place: Hornstra Farms. More about this amazingContinue reading “NORWELL – Jacobs Pond”
FALL RIVER – Copicut Woods
Despite its location just outside the heart of Fall River, this property had the feel of a much more rural destination–we could have been in Vermont. We didn’t see everything that the Trustee’s side had to offer because we wanted to check out the Bioreserve as well. The Bioreserve turned out to be a fairlyContinue reading “FALL RIVER – Copicut Woods”
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!
BRIDGEWATER – The Great River Preserve at Conihasset, Wildlands Trust
The Great River Preserve (GRP) is 125 acres of woodland, field, and riparian (Google it!) habitats. You may find box turtles or hear bullfrogs along your way, and you’ll most certainly be treated to beautiful views of the Taunton River. Hot and buggy in the summer and wet in the spring, you might have theContinue reading “BRIDGEWATER – The Great River Preserve at Conihasset, Wildlands Trust”