63 Cushing St, Hingham, MA 02043, USA
Hingham Conservation: 781-741-1445
Owned By: Town of Hingham
This 19-acre woodland features about a mile of trails, with numerous access points on Cushing Pond. This a a great place to fish or paddle, or just to enjoy views of the water! Launch a canoe or kayak from the edge of the pond at Cushing Street.
Features
Mildred Cushing, a resident of the area and a longtime member of the Conservation Commission, donated this land to the town.
This land is within the region of the Massachuseuk (or Massachusett) Native American tribe.
Trail Description
A 0.47-mile trail extends from the informal parking area near 63 Cushing Street, along the eastern edge of the pond. It eventually crosses a small stream and ends on private property (look for the granite post). On the western edge of the pond, there is a 0.1-mile trail that climbs a hill and offers a nice view.
There is an additional access point at 26 Cushing Street, with another half mile of trails through the woods.
Habitats and Wildlife
The woodlands were are primarily pine and beech, with plenty of ferns and blueberry shrubs. There are some rocky outcroppings scattered throughout. The Plymouth River and the Eel River flow together just upstream of this property. The stream they create passes through Cushing Pond, emerging on the other side with a new name, Crooked Meadow River. Crooked Meadow River joins with Fulling Mill Brook to create the Weir River. The Weir River flows north through Hingham, with Tower Brook and Accord Brook joining it in its first mile. It gradually turns northeast and flows for another 1.4 miles to Foundry Pond. The Weir River Estuary, designated by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts as an Area of Critical Concern, begins just below the manmade dam at the pond. The mile-wide estuary forms the border between Hingham and Hull, and empties into Hingham Bay.
Historic Site: No
Park: No
Beach: No
Boat Launch: Yes
Lifeguards: No
Size: 19 acres
Hours: Dawn to Dusk
Parking: Limited roadside parking on Cushing Street, at Cushing Pond.
Cost: Free
Trail Difficulty: Easy, Medium
Dogs: Dogs must remain on leash. Scoop the poop!
Boat Ramp: No
ADA Access: No
Scenic Views: Yes
Waterbody/Watershed: Eel River / Plymouth River (Weir River watershed)