This is a short (about 1.5 miles) and easy loop. It’s not worth driving a long way to visit this small spot, but if you are in the general area and looking for a stroller-friendly loop that is well-marked and not heavily trafficked, this is a great option. Maple Park Conservation Area is located minutesContinue reading “MANSFIELD – Corporal Robert Francis Hardy Conservation Area”
Tag Archives: south shore family adventures
Seven Reasons You Should Hike
Hiking is magic. There are few things in modern-life that are as simple, readily available, free/cheap, and potentially as life-changing as spending a few hours walking in nature. Here are our top 7 reasons you should hike: You can start small, short, easy. You don’t need any fancy equipment for straightforward day hikes. Pack snacks/lunch,Continue reading “Seven Reasons You Should Hike”
LAKEVILLE – Betty’s Neck
Betty’s Neck is a beautiful property that snakes long the shores of Assawompset Pond (the largest freshwater pond in Massachusetts) from above–you’re high above the water while on the trail, and this provides some amazing views of the pond and the opposite shore. The trails also provide a challenging workout–the hills will get your heart pumping and your legs burning. We recommend hitting the white blaze loop and the blue out-and-back trail, but if you can only do a short walk, prioritize the blue trail–it has the best views of Assawompset as well as an unmarked narrow single-track trail down to the pond so you can put your hand in the water and skip some rocks. If you’re lucky, you’ll spot a bald eagle; this area is known for them.
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!
ROCKLAND – Town Forest/Twin Ponds Trail
This, by far, one of the wackiest places we’ve ever been out in nature. There are painted rocks, toys, trinkets, tchotchke, and random surprises at every turn on this trail. From rusty old chairs, to bedazzled rocks, to dream catchers, to Christmas trees, to a story book trail, Rockland Town Forest has it all. The kids kept repeating–over and over–“We give this trail a 5 for interest level!” They *LOVED* this place. If you’re looking for purity and nature in its rawest form, this trail might not be for you. But for a bit of whimsy and fun that will draw in the kids, this is your spot!
BROCKTON – Stone Farm
Stone Farm was a great find for our families–it’s a beautiful, well-labeled, interesting, easy-to-access spot in the city of Brockton near the Easton line. It proves that nature can be found even in urban areas. The Wildlands Trust/Brockton Audubon manages these 105 amazing acres that, surprisingly, were deserted on a gorgeous Saturday afternoon. We had the whole place to ourselves!
QUINCY – Blue Hills @ Willard St.
When you think of the Blue Hills, you may think of Great Blue Hill, or the ski area, or maybe Houghton’s Pond or the Trailside Museum. However, the Blue Hills Reservation is HUGE, stretching over 7000 acres, from Quincy to Dedham, Milton to Randolph. There are over 125 miles of trails, according to the website. The Blue Hills has much more to offer than just the hike up the main hill (which we love too!).
WALPOLE – Adams Farm
Adams Farm features over 10 miles of trails. It’s easily accessible from Rte 109, and there is ample parking. Go for a nice, tranquil hike or bring your mountain bike–this is a great place to get your children started on off-road biking! HOW TO GET THERE Address: 999 North St. Walpole, MA Pull into theContinue reading “WALPOLE – Adams Farm”
STOUGHTON – Bird Conservation Area at Bradley Lessa Playground
Bird St. Conservation Area has miles of trails and lots of interesting things to do along the trail. The trail we hike in the video is just under 3 miles. There’s the added benefit of a nice playground and plenty of parking at the entrance.
NORTH WEYMOUTH – Webb Memorial State Park
Webb Memorial State Park is a peninsula that extends half a mile into Hingham Bay. Visitors are treated to scenic views of Boston’s harbor and skyline, and groups can rent a pavilion for special events from May – October. Available activities include fishing, picnicking, and walking.