Holmes Reservation

Court St, Plymouth, MA 02360, USA

https://thetrustees.org/place/holmes-reservation/

Owned By: The Trustees

• Directions

A large open field on a gently sloping hillside, overlooking historic Plymouth Harbor. Take a walk around the perimeter (0.6 miles). For a longer excursion, continue along the 1-mile North Plymouth Rail Trail, immediately adjacent.

Features

Before the Revolutionary War, part of this field was known as the “Muster Ground,” where local militia members would gather to practice marching in formation and shooting their muskets. From the hillside, you can look across the water to Plymouth Beach and parts of Duxbury.

In earlier times, this land was within the region of the Patuxet, members of the Wampanoag tribe, who inhabited the area around the Jones River now known as Duxbury, Kingston and Plymouth.

Trail Description

There are no distinct trails, but a mowed walking path is maintained around the 0.6-mile perimeter. Extend your walk on the North Plymouth Rail Trail, at the bottom of the hill.

Habitats and Wildlife

This large sloping field is open on two sides, and bordered on the other two with woodlands. There is a small section of wetlands at the base of the hill. Look for oak, cedar and cherry trees. Part of the Cape Cod Bay watershed, the streams on this property flow east to the Atlantic Ocean.