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Grassy Walks

Salt Marsh Trail at National Sailors Home Cemetery

City of Quincy Natural Resources: 617-376-1253

The Salt Marsh Trail at Quincy’s National Sailors Home Cemetery is a 0.6-mile walking loop that extends through light forest, past a small US Navy cemetery, through a grassy clearing, and along the edge of a salt marsh overlooking Black’s Creek. Surprisingly close to Quincy Shore Drive, this place is a treasure!

Also on Black’s Creek, check out Caddy Memorial Park and Merrymount Park.

Features

This land is within the region of the Neponset band of the Massachusett (or Massachuseuk). To learn more about local Native American tribes, we encourage you to interact with their members. The Massachusett tribe at Ponkapoag shares information on its website.

Trail Description

When you arrive at the property, look for the salt marsh trail on the right. It winds along the edge of the marsh, goes up a small hill, and leads eventually to the Sailors Home Cemetery. From there, you can follow an unpaved road back to your starting place, or continue on the trail through a light woodland on the other side of the property. Both sides offer views of the salt marsh. Altogether, the trail distance, including the road, is about 0.63 miles. There is also an osprey nest within view.

Habitats and Wildlife

This upland peninsula is surrounded by salt marshes and creeks, including Black’s Creek, which flows to Quincy Bay. Along the trails, you’ll see oak, maple, cherry, staghorn sumac, European beech, pitch pine, birch, and juniper trees, along with buckthorn and bayberry.

  • A photograph of a property sign in a grassy park.
  • A photograph of a small unpaved parking area at a park.
  • A photograph of a trailhead in a grassy area with two granite posts.
  • A photograph of a boulder beside a trail in a forest with grass in the foreground.
  • A photograph of an unpaved road through a light green forest.
  • A photograph of a narrow trail through a green, open forest.
  • A photograph of a grassy tree-lined clearing.
  • A photograph of a small cemetery with a memorial stone and a flagpole, with trees and grass surrounding it.
  • A photograph of a small cemetery with grass and trees.
  • A photograph of an osprey next beside a salt marsh.
  • A photograph of a narrow trail along a ridge beside a salt marsh and woodland.
  • A photograph of a narrow trail between a salt marsh and a woodland.
  • A photograph of a narrow trail beside a salt marsh.
  • A photograph of a narrow trail through a woodland with birch trees.
  • A photograph of a large tree framing a view of a salt marsh.
42.271212, -71.001678

Historic Site: No

Park: No

Beach: No

Boat Launch: No

Lifeguards: No

Hours: Dawn to Dusk

Parking: Small parking area at 386 Fenno Street.

Cost: Free

Trail Difficulty: Easy

Facilities:

Small cemetery, memorial, trash barrel.

Dogs: Dogs must remain on leash. Always clean up after your dog!

Boat Ramp: No

ADA Access: No

Scenic Views: Yes

Waterbody/Watershed: Black's Creek / Quincy Bay

Other Things to Do at This Site

Forest Trails
Hiking
Nature Photography
Town Parks & Monuments