NATURE
by Kezia Bacon
If you live on the South Shore, chances are you’ve been to Wompatuck State Park — 3500+ acres of woods, wetlands, meadows, and waterways that extend across Hingham, Cohasset, Norwell and Scituate. Its campsites, fishing areas, and numerous trails make it an inviting place to visit at any time of year.
Perhaps you’re also aware of other state-owned lands nearby, such as the 26.5-acre Nantasket Beach Reservation, the 700-acre Ames Nowell State Park, the 7,000-acre Blue Hills Reservation, and the 12,400-acre Myles Standish State Forest. In terms of land mass, these five properties make up the majority of our local state park acreage. But they’re really just the tip of the iceberg.
Ready to expand your horizons and explore some of the commonwealth’s smaller, lesser-known properties? You’re in for a treat! Use the overview below to plan your next adventure. For more information, consult the detailed listings we’ve prepared for each locale in the Get Outdoors section of our website.
Duxbury
While the driveway and tower at the 28-acre Myles Standish Monument State Reservation are only open seasonally, you can hike up Captain’s Hill anytime to explore this 28-acre property overlooking Kingston Bay. Located on Crescent Street, with limited on-site parking.
Hingham
Located on the Back River in the Hingham Shipyard development, the tiny Creedon Memorial Park offers expansive views and historical context. Enjoy the breeze while learning about Hingham’s role in WWII. On-site parking at 192 HMS Halsted Drive. Just around the corner, part of the Back River Reservation, is Stodder’s Neck – 23 waterfront acres with river views. Very popular with dog walkers, it has a large on-site parking lot at 457 Lincoln Street (Route 3A).
Hull
Located atop Telegraph Hill with a spectacular view of Boston Harbor, the 8.9-acre Fort Revere Park is a fascinating place to explore. With the remains of a US military fortification as its centerpiece, the property features a water tower, a small museum, and a picnic area. Limited on-site parking at 60 Farina Road.
Plymouth
The largest freestanding solid-granite monument in the United States stands atop Allerton Hill, overlooking Plymouth Harbor. The National Monument to the Forefathers is located at 72 Allerton Street, with ample parking. Pilgrim Memorial State Park is just down the road, on the waterfront, with concrete trails and the iconic Plymouth Rock. On-site parking at 79 Water Street, with no fee from December through March. Or head to South Plymouth, where Ellisville Harbor State Park offers a half-mile trail with views of Cape Cod Bay. Large on-site parking lot at 1861 State Road.
Quincy
Quincy Shores Reservation spreads across several different properties, including Wollaston Beach and Caddy Memorial Park, a tree-shaded playground with views of the salt marshes along Black’s Creek (Quincy Shore Drive). The city’s southwestern corner is home to the intriguing Quincy Quarries Reservation (Ricciuti Drive), where you can hike up and around giant outcroppings of granite. Or head to Squantum to enjoy views of the Neponset River at Squantum Point Park (552 Victory Road) and Neponset Landing Park (2 Hancock Street). And don’t miss Moswetuset Hummock, a small historic property with stunning views (440 E Squantum Street).
Scituate
“Wait, what? There’s a state park in Scituate?” Yes indeed! Two short trails and views of a North River salt marsh enhance the appeal of Cushing Memorial State Park, the 4.8-acre burial site of an early US Supreme Court Justice. On-site parking at the end of Cushing Park Road.
Weymouth
Situated on a peninsula between the Fore and Back Rivers, the 36-acre Webb Memorial State Park offers a mile of easy, stroller-friendly walking trails and breathtaking views. Ample on-site parking at 361 River Street. Nearby, the 7.6-acre Abigail Adams Park features a 0.7-mile paved trail with additional Back River views. Ample on-site parking at 770 Bridge Street.
If you enjoy the outdoors, be sure to check out NSRWA’s Explore South Shore. Every morning, we highlight one of the region’s best nature places on Facebook and Instagram. Not on social media? We’ve listed all the locations on our website as well!
Kezia Bacon’s articles appear courtesy of the North and South Rivers Watershed Association, a local non-profit organization devoted to protecting our waters. For membership information and a copy of their latest newsletter, contact NSRWA at (781) 659-8168 or visit www.nsrwa.org. You will also find 27+ years of Kezia’s Nature columns there. For more information about the “Where in the Watershed?”/Postcards from the ‘Shed Contest, visit https://www.nsrwa.org/2025-nsrwa-explore-south-shore-contest-rules/