NATURE
by Kezia Bacon, Correspondent
August is the perfect month for watching sunsets. The days are long, and — most of the time, at least — the temperature outdoors at dusk is relatively comfortable. But where to go? We’ve compiled a list of beautiful spots that are worth your consideration — places that feature water views, westward-facing vistas, and — in some cases — well-placed benches. Grab your camera, or your sweetheart, or both, and make a plan to check them out!
This month’s chapter of our Explore South Shore Contest features some of the South Shore’s best spots for viewing sunsets. We invite you to visit them, and then post a photo from your adventure to Instagram with the hashtag #ExploreSouthShore. Each month we randomly select a winner from the posts to receive a prize package. We’ll also be featuring these spots every day on Instagram.
Indian Head Pond: Located down an easy-to-miss dirt road off Route 58 in Hanson, this 121-acre freshwater pond offers expansive water views and access for fishermen. Bring a chair so you can kick back and relax. https://www.nsrwa.org/listing/indian-head-pond/
Herring River Trail: This 0.4-mile stretch of former railroad bed leads out into the saltmarsh surrounding First Herring Brook and the Herring River. What a view! Small parking area at 32 New Driftway in Scituate. https://www.nsrwa.org/listing/herring-river-trail/
Canoe Club Preserve: This 20-acre parcel in Pembroke features a boardwalk trail with views of the freshwater marshes along the upper North River. Look for designated parking in Pembroke Pointe Plaza. https://www.nsrwa.org/listing/canoe-club-preserve/
Weir River Farm: Situated on the northern slope of Turkey Hill, the higher elevations of this 75-acre property offer views not only of the pastures below, but also the Boston city skyline. Drive all the way up Turkey Hill Lane in Hingham to park. https://www.nsrwa.org/listing/weir-river-farm/
Coast Guard Hill: Once the home of a Coast Guard communication center, this hill offers a sweeping view of the South River and Humarock. Park at the Marshfield Recreation headquarters and follow the 0.3-mile trail to the top. https://www.nsrwa.org/listing/coast-guard-hill/
Masthead Drive Trail: This 0.4-mile trail at the end of Masthead Drive in Norwell leads to an overlook with outstanding views of the North River and the Route 3 Bridge. Don’t let the traffic noise dissuade you from checking it out! https://www.nsrwa.org/listing/masthead-drive-trail/
Powder Point Bridge: A local landmark on Duxbury Bay, this 2200-foot wooden bridge is the perfect spot for a sunset walk. Small parking area on Powder Point Drive, at the western end of the bridge. https://www.nsrwa.org/listing/powder-point-bridge/
Silver Lake Sanctuary: This 99-acre lakeside property off Route 27 in Kingston is the home of one very well-placed bench for sunset enthusiasts. Find it at the end of Barses Lane. https://www.nsrwa.org/listing/silver-lake-sanctuary/
Great Pond Trail: Park at either Gifford Playground or Negus Park in Weymouth and follow this 1-mile trail to numerous vantage points on the Great Pond Reservoir. The town’s water supply is especially pretty at the end of the day. https://www.nsrwa.org/listing/great-pond-trail/
Scituate Lighthouse: Drive to the parking area on Lighthouse Road and then amble around the lighthouse and out onto the jetty, which extends into Scituate Harbor. Enjoy the ocean breezes and the view! https://www.nsrwa.org/listing/scituate-lighthouse/
Harbor Walk: A different harbor, and an equally lovely view. The Harbor Walk extends for a mile around two sides of Green Harbor, offering views of the salt marsh, the Green Harbor River, and Marshfield’s commercial fishing center. Parking area on Joseph Driebeck Way. https://www.nsrwa.org/listing/harbor-park-and-harbor-walk/
Furnace Pond Beach: The public access point for this 107-acre pond is located within a quiet neighborhood off Route 36 in Pembroke. Limited parking on Furnace Colony Drive. Respect the neighbors and enjoy the view. https://www.nsrwa.org/listing/furnace-pond-beach/
Roht Marine: Known to many as “Mary’s,” this historic spot on the North River in Marshfield changed hands a decade ago and became a seasonal hub not only for boaters but for those who might enjoy a cold beverage and a plate of fried clams at the end of the day. On-site parking via Route 3A. https://www.nsrwa.org/listing/roht-marine-and-ships-store/
Damon’s Point: Recent improvements added benches and guardrails to this spot, one of the best-loved places for viewing the North River estuary. At sunset, it can be breathtaking. Limited parking on Damon’s Point Road. https://www.nsrwa.org/listing/damons-point/
The Spit: You’ll need a boat to access this expansive sandbar at the mouth of the North River … or someone to drop you off at the adjacent Preble Property, which offers pedestrian access but no parking. Add this to your Bucket List. It’s a must-see. https://www.nsrwa.org/listing/the-spit/
NSRWA Pontoon Boat Cruise: One of the best ways to view Damon’s Point and The Spit is from the water. NSRWA can help! Our Sunset Pontoon Boat Cruises depart from Roht Marine and feature views of those spots and several more… plus a guide to tell you all about the history and ecology of the river! This is another Bucket List item for nature enthusiasts of the South Shore and beyond. https://www.nsrwa.org/get-outdoors/charter-our-pontoon-boat/
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 25+ years of Kezia’s Nature columns there. For more information about the Explore South Shore 2021 Contest, visit https://www.nsrwa.org/get-outdoors/explore-south-shore-2021-contest/