382 Pleasant St, Hanson, MA 02341, USA
Over 2000 acres of ponds, marsh, swamps and retired cranberry bogs with several miles of walking trails. Managed by the state for fisheries and wildlife habitat, as well as open space. This is an excellent spot for bird-watching.
287 Gurnet Rd, Duxbury, MA 02332, USA
The southern portion of Duxbury Beach requires a permit to park or to drive over sand, but pedestrian access is free. Access to Duxbury Bay for shellfishing and paddling.
260 Gurnet Road, Duxbury
The Town of Duxbury’s public beach. Cash parking fee. No sticker required. Access to Duxbury Bay for shellfishing and paddling.
370 Powder Point Ave, Duxbury, MA 02332, USA
This landmark, open to the public, offers gorgeous views of Duxbury Bay and access to Duxbury Beach. A popular spot for fishing. Access to Duxbury Bay for shellfishing and paddling.
30 Whiting St, Hanover, MA 02339, USA
Three miles of trails through woods and wetlands, with views of Cushing Brook.
480 Mayflower St, Duxbury, MA 02332, USA
A kettle hole pond surrounded by forest with numerous trails.
101 Kilby St, Hingham, MA 02043, USA
Pond, salt marsh and an abandoned quarry. In the spring, look for river herring swimming upstream at the fish ladder.
361 River St, Weymouth, MA 02191, USA
Easy walking trails on a grassy peninsula between Weymouth’s Back and Fore Rivers. This state park is the only mainland portion of the Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area.
287 Tobey Garden St, Duxbury, MA 02332, USA
Small wooded park with access for canoes and kayaks on Island Creek Pond. Seasonal ice skating.
350 Plymouth Street, Pembroke, MA, USA
Small pond in a quiet setting, ideal for fishing, swimming, paddling, and seasonal ice skating.
76-44 Woodbine Ave, Pembroke, MA 02359, USA
Small pond in a neighborhood setting, ideal for swimming, fishing and paddling.
183 Wampatuck Street, Pembroke, MA, USA
Large pond for fishing, swimming, paddling, and small motorboats. Winter activities here include ice skating and ice fishing.
Furnace Pond Beach, Furnace Colony Drive, Pembroke, MA, USA
Large pond in neighborhood setting, ideal for fishing, paddling and seasonal ice skating.
470 Liberty Street, Braintree, MA, USA
Paved trails around a pond plus additional woodland paths. A popular spot for jogging, bike riding, cross country skiing, fishing, camping and non-motorized boating. Look for the boat launch beyond the picnic area.
7 Elva Rd, Weymouth, MA 02191, USA
A forest-covered gravel ridge and an expansive salt marsh along the Weymouth Back River. Beautiful views of the estuary. Launch your canoe or kayak at higher tides at the Puritan Road entrance.
23 Howland Landing, Duxbury, MA 02332, USA
A hillside park overlooking Kingston Bay with a launch for small boats.
93 Essex St, Whitman, MA 02382, USA
Small grassy park with paved walking trail between two ponds.
Camp Kiwanee, Camp Kiwanee Road, Hanson, MA, USA
Town-owned campground and function venue on Maquan Pond.
289-375 Pine St, Whitman, MA 02382, USA
A small pond for fishing and seasonal ice skating.
42.052063, -70.851725
Large pond surrounded by woodlands, ideal for fishing and paddling. Winter activities here include ice skating and ice fishing.
1 Camp Kiwanee Rd, Hanson, MA 02341, USA
Woodland pond with seasonal swimming beach. Car-top boat access year-round. Seasonal ice skating.
262 Union Bridge Rd, Duxbury, MA 02332, USA
Large wooded property along Phillips Brook, owned by Duxbury Conservation. Several intersecting trails through forest and red maple swamp, with occasional boardwalks.
Forge Pond Park, 245 King St, Hanover, MA 02339, USA
40 acre athletic complex with paved and woodland walking trails. Canoe/kayak access to Forge Pond. Seasonal ice skating.
Wompatuck Main Entrance, 18-2 Lazell St, Hingham, MA 02043, USA
This 3,500-acre Massachusetts state park served as the Hingham Naval Ammunition Annex from 1941 to 1965. It stretches into four towns – Hingham, Cohasset, Scituate and Norwell. The park features numerous seasonal campsites, plus fishing, non-motorized boating and seasonal ice skating on the Aaron River Reservoir. There are 12 miles of paved bike paths, plus […]
42.142398, -70.701303
A sheltered spot for winter mooring in earlier times. Now many lobster boats are kept here year-round. Water access only.
1176 Ferry St, Marshfield, MA 02050, USA
This boat ramp provides access to the South River for both paddlers and motor boats. It is owned by the Town of Marshfield. Across the South River is Humarock, part of the town of Scituate. Tide Math: High tide at the Marshfield Town Landing is about 30 minutes after the Boston high tide.
325 Standish St, Marshfield, MA 02050, USA
Marshfield Town Beach property. Trails through the sand dunes lead to the South River. A popular access point for paddlers. Tide Math: High tide on the South River at Rexhame is about 45 minutes after the Boston high tide.
42.10245, -70.688385
Marshfield Conservation owns Bourne Island, a 6 acres of upland surrounded by 75 acres of salt marsh. There is a large lagoon with access from the South River, which is a perfect place for paddlers to take a break. Water access only.
42.094219, -70.706624
Look for the kiosk in the parking area for the CVS at 1880 Ocean Street and follow the Rail Trail beside it 0.15 miles to the Francis Keville Bridge, a beautiful spot overlooking the South River and its marshes. A ramp and float provide seasonal access for small non-motorized boats. Tide Math: High tide at […]
Wildlands Trust - Hoyt-Hall Preserve, 780 Careswell St, Marshfield, MA 02050, USA
123 diverse acres surrounding Long Tom Pond. A long loop trail leads through freshwater wetlands, red maple swamp, and mature forest. A prime location for birding. Owned by The Wildlands Trust.
149 Barker St, Pembroke, MA 02359, USA
This Pembroke Conservation property surrounds Herring Brook. In the springtime, usually in April, herring begin their annual migration. Starting from Massachusetts Bay, they swim up the North River for 12 miles to this site and beyond. They are on their way to their spawning grounds at Gorham Mill, Oldham Pond, and Furnace Pond. You can […]
1126 Broadway, Hanover, MA 02339, USA
This linear property is owned by Hanover Conservation. It extends for 2 miles along the banks of the Indian Head River in South Hanover. The trails follow the course of the river and offer stunning views. A former railroad bed provides the primary trail. Several narrower footpaths lead right up to the water’s edge, often […]
415 W Elm St, Pembroke, MA 02359, USA
It’s hard to miss the fish ladder at Luddam’s Ford Park! The large concrete structure spans the Indian Head River on the Hanover/Pembroke town line. Fish ladders help migratory fish such as herring and shad get past obstacles so they can swim upstream to their spawning grounds each spring. The pond behind the dam is […]
418 Elm St, Pembroke, MA 02359, USA
The Pembroke Conservation Commission owns these 34 acres of open meadow and forested upland. The Curtis Rubber Mill (founded in 1873), the largest of its kind in the country, once stood here, on both sides of the river. Look for remains of the factory in the woods on the Pembroke side, just south of the […]
2 Indian Head Dr, Hanover, MA 02339, USA
A combination of state and local agencies own 50 acres of conservation land here along the Indian Head River. Long ago, the North River-built steamship Mattakeesett delivered iron ingots to the Hanover forges. It would travel upstream all the way to Chapman’s Landing, the westernmost shipping point on the river. The property now features two […]
243 Elm St, Hanover, MA 02339, USA
The Hanover Conservation Commission owns these 22-acres of open meadow and forested upland. The Curtis Anchor Forge, famous for casting the anchor of the USS Constitution, was located here in the 1700s. Also on this site was the Curtis Rubber Mill (founded in 1873), the largest of its kind in the country. The dam on […]
2 Indian Head Dr, Hanover, MA 02339, USA
This public canoe and kayak launch offers access to the Indian Head River, Herring Brook, and the North River. It is also the location of the take out for the NSRWA’s annual Great River Race. Trailheads for two Hanover Conservation parcels – Chapman’s Landing and Iron Mine Brook – are here as well. Tide Math: […]
42.109336, -70.796167
33 acres of conservation land owned by the Town of Pembroke. Includes a Canoe/Kayak Launch. Tide Math: High tide at the Pembroke Town Forest is about 2.5-3 hours after the Boston high tide.
42.126556, -70.778496
4 acres of upland surrounded by 12 acres of marsh owned by the Town of Marshfield. A popular picnic area. Camping by reservation. Apply for a permit at Marshfield’s Conservation Office. Water access only. Little Blueberry Island, considerably smaller but also inviting, is located just a little bit farther upstream.
North River, Marshfield, MA 02050, United States
This 20-acre parcel of town-owned land features one of the few sandy beaches on the North River. Water access for small and mid-size boats. Trail access from Couch Memorial Cemetery. Camping by reservation for local nonprofit groups. Apply for permit at Marshfield DPW’s Cemeteries/Trees/Greens Department. Tide Math: High tide at Couch Beach is about 2 […]
299 Corn Hill Ln, North Marshfield, MA 02059, USA
Mary’s Garden is tiny “pocket park” at the end of Cornhill Lane. It offers gorgeous views of the North River and its marshes. It was created in honor of Mary Eliot, who lived nearby and was a longtime, staunch supporter of river conservation efforts. This is also the site of the Rogers Shipyard (1790-1819). Pacific […]
110 Chittenden Ln, Norwell, MA 02061, USA
This Norwell Town Landing was the 1871 launch site of the schooner Helen M. Foster, the last ship built on the North River. A shipyard was located here as early as 1690. The saw pit is still visible. A plaque marks the site. The property also includes a fishing dock and canoe/kayak launch. Tide Math: High […]
42.178838, -70.75028
Old Oaken Bucket Pond is one of two reservoirs on the First Herring Brook created by dams. The Town of Scituate draws its municipal water from Old Oaken Bucket Pond. The upstream reservoir, simply known as the reservoir, feeds Old Oaken Bucket Pond downstream. Both ponds have fish ladders for herring at their dams. Unfortunately, […]
81 Jacobs Ln, Norwell, MA 02061, USA
189 acres of Norwell Conservation Land with an extensive trail system around the north, east, and west sides of the 60-acre pond. There are canoe/kayak launches at both the Jacobs Lane and Duncan Drive entrances. There is a fishing dock at Jacobs Lane. Other fishing locations include the Cliff Prentiss Bridge near Duncan Drive, the […]
18 Dover St, Norwell, MA 02061, USA
More than a half-mile of river frontage graces this 129 acre parcel owned by the Trustees of Reservation. Mrs. Albert Norris donated the original parcel in 1970. The property was expanded in 1992 by a gift of land from the McMullen family, and again in 2000 with a gift of land from the Gordon Family. Second […]
32 New Driftway, Scituate, MA 02066, USA
The Herring River Trail runs 0.4-miles along a former railroad bed through the marshes to the Herring River. The railroad bed continues through the marshes to the North River, but there is no public access to this section.
John Little Conservation Area, Union St, Marshfield, MA 02050, USA
These 75 acres of Marshfield Conservation land include pasture, forest, and marsh, along with some gorgeous views of the river. Walking the trails, one encounters old stone walls and cart paths, which offer a glimpse of the property’s agricultural past. A dock provides access from the water.
67 Bridge St, Norwell, MA 02061, USA
The Union Street Bridge spans the North River from Union Street in Marshfield to Bridge Street in Norwell. On the Norwell side, there is a Town Landing with a ramp for boats (residents only). This is also the starting line for the NSRWA’s annual Great River Race. On the Marshfield side, there is a launch […]
67 Bridge St, Norwell, MA 02061, USA
The Union Street Bridge spans the North River from Union Street in Marshfield to Bridge Street in Norwell. On the Marshfield side, there is a launch for canoes and kayaks. On the Norwell side, there is a Town Landing with a ramp for boats (residents only). This is also the starting line for the NSRWA’s annual […]
1361 Union St, Marshfield, MA 02050, USA
The Town of Marshfield owns this 15-acre conservation parcel, which is located directly on the North River, just upstream of the Union Street Bridge. It is a public canoe/kayak launch with a single picnic table. Tide Math: High tide at the Marshfield Launch is about 60-90 minutes after the Boston high tide. The property is […]
80 King's Landing, Norwell, MA 02061, USA
Private marina with supplies, canoe and kayak rentals, boat storage, and a launching ramp for canoes, kayaks and small boats. Tide Math: High tide at Bulman Marine is about 1 hour after the Boston high tide. Set off from here to go clamming. (See the North River Shellfishing Map for locations.) The clam flats in both […]
2205 Main St, Marshfield, MA 02050, USA
Combined marina locations on both sides of the bridge offer numerous amenities. These include gas, bait, tackle, supplies, boat rentals, a shoreside pump-out facility, and a restaurant. Enjoy fried clams on the deck while watching the boat traffic! There is a launch ramp suitable for canoes, kayaks, and motor boats. Tide Math: High tide at […]
299 Damons Point Rd, Marshfield, MA 02050, USA
A Marshfield Town Pier is located here, adjacent to the abandoned railroad trestle, offering a fine scenic vista. On the western side, there is a small launch for kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards. Use extreme caution if paddling through, and past, Damon’s Point toward the Spit, because of dangerous currents. Tide Math: High tide at Damon’s […]
Conservation Park, Driftway, Scituate, MA, USA
This 334-acre Scituate Conservation property features a panoramic view of the Herring River and its salt marshes. The Town of Scituate purchased the land from the Boston Sand and Gravel Company. In the 1930s, Boston Sand and Gravel mined for the property for projects such as the construction of Logan International Airport. You can still […]
42.164899, -70.718598
Located at the mouth of the North and South Rivers, this popular summertime beach is also known as Sandy. Low tide provides more real estate on which to park your chair or blanket. The Spit is accessible by boat, or on foot via a trail/boardwalk from Third Cliff. The wide, flat, sandy terrain of The Spit […]
