NATURE
by Kezia Bacon, Correspondent
September had barely begun when Halloween decorations started appearing in my neighborhood. Towering skeletons, witches perched in mid-air, giant spiders climbing walls and windows… all sorts of fun, creepy stuff. This got me thinking: might this fondness for the spooky carry over into nature walks?
Over the past five years, I’ve surveyed over 200 walking places on the South Shore. While there are plenty of similarities among our various parks and nature preserves, I’ve found that each has its own distinctive vibe. Some are quiet, some are busy, some are family-friendly, some are not. This October, I’d like to highlight the spooky ones.
What makes a nature preserve spooky? This too varies from place to place. Shady trails and minimal sunshine… Dark paths that skirt swamps… Crumbling ruins of factories and military installations… Toppled chimneys, rusted freight cars, and other vestiges of days gone by… Properties purported to be haunted… And of course, cemeteries. If – like me – you find spooky places fascinating, I encourage you to plan some walks at the spots listed below.
Or join NSRWA for a group Spooky Walk on Sunday, October 27 at Couch Beach in Marshfield. You’ll find registration info on the events page of our website.
I also encourage you to follow NSRWA’s “365 Nature Places to Know,” our Explore South Shore program for 2024. Every weekend, we highlight two of the region’s best walking places on Facebook and Instagram. Not on social media? We’ve listed all the locations on our website as well!
Fort Revere Park, Hull
Officially fortified during the Revolutionary War, this hilltop overlooking Boston Harbor also served as a prison for French soldiers, many of whom died from smallpox and were buried on site. Local lore claims that the fort – which continued to be used off and on until 1947 — is haunted. Now maintained as a historic site, it’s a compelling spot to explore. Limited on-site parking at 60 Farina Road.
Turkey Hill, Hingham and Cohasset
A 62-acre property managed by both The Trustees and the Cohasset Conservation Trust, Turkey Hill was the site of an anti-missile radar control station (NIKE) during the Cold War. A half-mile trail at the top of the hill leads past a cinderblock building that was once part of the station. It also offers spectacular views of the Boston skyline and the Harbor Islands. There are parking areas on both Route 3A and Turkey Hill Lane.
Hatch Lots, Norwell
These 44 acres of historic woodlots contain two miles of walking trails through forest and wetlands, with a few small footbridges. Perched at the edge of Burnt Plain Swamp, the property can have a spooky vibe, especially on a damp or overcast day. Limited on-site parking at 510 Grove Street.
Rocky Run, Hanson
This 19-acre property — located directly on the Indian Head River and Rocky Run Brook – offers more than a mile of trails with captivating views. It’s home to the lowest elevation in the Town of Hanson, at the foot of steep bedrock cliffs. Mossy and shaded with hemlock trees, it’s an intriguing spot – a dark, cool valley with historical significance. Limited on-site parking beside the State Street Bridge.
Ludden’s Ford Park, Pembroke
It’s hard to imagine now, but in the 1890’s, a sprawling rubber reclamation plant stood at this spot, on both sides of the Indian Head River. It’s long-gone now, but if you follow the trail into the woods, you’ll soon observe some ragged remains of the factory complex. Crumbling and covered with graffiti, they stand in stark contrast to the beautiful scenery. Ample on-site parking at 418 Elm Street.
Old Rockland Fireworks Loop Trail
Similar to Ludden’s Ford, the trails on this property offer views of graffiti-covered ruins, vestiges of the area’s industrial past. From Forge Pond Park in Hanover, follow the Clark Bog Trail from Parking Area C, heading away from King Street. The Old Rockland Fireworks Loop begins just beyond the metal gate.
Chapman’s Landing and Iron Mine Brook Trails, Hanover
Totaling about 2 miles, the Chapman’s Landing and Iron Mine Brook Trails traverse 50 acres on the Indian Head and North Rivers. Deep within the Iron Mine Brook section of the trail system, you’ll find a stretch of the former Hanover Branch Railroad, with some old freight containers at its side. Ample on-site parking at the end of Indian Head Drive.
Bonney Hill Trail, Hanson
Also known as The Last Meadows, this 1-mile woodland trail traverses the grounds of what was once the Plymouth County Hospital. Short spur trails reveal remains of hospital facilities, as well as the hearth and chimney of what was once a family home. Large parking area at 53 Pierce Ave.
Folly Hill & Bog Iron Trails, Hanover
Iron Mine Brook runs through this property, which includes 3.6 miles of trails across 130 acres. In the woods in the western corner of the property, look for a fallen chimney, the last remains of a long-vanished house. Access and roadside parking at the Water Department land on Broadway.
Eaton’s Pond Conservation Area, Braintree
This 100-acre property features 2 miles of woodland trails around a pond and through a former granite quarry, with views of Hayward Creek. There’s a boardwalk, some mossy outcroppings of rock, and shadowy tree-lined ledges. Park on Bower Road extension, near the Eaton’s Pond Area property sign.
Mayflower Cemetery, Duxbury
Mayflower Cemetery is a beautiful, tree-filled place with about 2 miles of paved roadways … a great spot for a walk! But it’s still a cemetery, with crypts and gravestones dating back to 1787. Especially on a gloomy day, it can feel quite spooky! Limited on-site parking at 774 Tremont Street.
Burial Hill, Plymouth
Established in 1622, and located on a hill directly behind Plymouth Harbor, this is a fascinating place to explore. Follow the winding paths and check out the ancient gravestones, many of which are carved with skulls and ghoulish figures. Located at 12 Church Street. Metered parking on adjacent streets and in municipal lots nearby.
Historic Winslow House, Marshfield
This historic home was built in 1699 for Isaac Winslow, the third generation of Marshfield’s founding family… and some say it’s haunted. In the summer, you can tour the interior, where unusual sounds and sensations are often attributed to the spirit of Penelope Winslow, Isaac’s mother. Year-round, you can walk the loop trail behind the building (which connects to the adjacent Hoyt-Hall Preserve), and contemplate the mysteries within. Limited on-site parking at 634 Careswell Street.
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 Explore South Shore 2024 Challenge, visit https://www.nsrwa.org/get-outdoors/2024-explore-south-shore/