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Nature Photography

Amonte Meadow and Lyford’s Lyking Conservation Areas

144 Rockland St, Hingham, MA 02043, USA

Hingham Conservation: 781-741-1445

Owned By: Town of Hingham

Hingham’s Amonte Meadow Conservation Area is a broad grassy property abutting wetlands, on Rockland Street, close to the Weir River. Lyford’s Lyking is another beautiful spot to enjoy views of the Weir River and its estuary, just down the road! For a walk nearby, check out the trails at Foundry Pond on Kilby Street.

Hunting is not permitted on these properties.

Features

In the 1600s, a herring weir was located at Lyford’s Lyking, giving the Weir River its name. This 6.63-acre Hingham Conservation property is named for John Lyford, the Pilgrims’ first minister, who was banished from the colony in 1625 and became one of the first settlers of Nantasket. Lyford was a controversial figure, a religious leader with a long track record of immoral behavior. He moved on from Nantasket to Cape Ann, and eventually to Virginia. Derby Academy donated 3 of the acres here.

The 3.3-acre Amonte Meadow was acquired for conservation by the Town of Hingham in 2009.

Both properties are within the region 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 and the Mattakeeset band of the Massachusett share information on their websites.

For more information about the Weir River, follow the Weir River Watershed Association.

Trail Description

No trails, but walk the perimeter of the Amonte Meadow property and continue north on Rockland Street to the bridge on the Weir River, a great spot to pause and enjoy the view!

Habitats and Wildlife

The grassy Amonte Meadow is bordered by wetlands, as well as cedars, oaks, maples, and a stand of tupelo trees. Lyford’s Lyking offers excellent views of the Weir River and its marshes.

Formed at the confluence of Crooked Meadow River and Fulling Mill Brook, 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, through Weir River Farm and eventually into Foundry Pond, which is just a short distance upstream of Amonte Meadow. 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. For more information about the Weir River, follow the Weir River Watershed Association.

  • A photograph of a property sign in a grassy area with scattered trees.
  • A photograph of a broad grassy area with scattered trees, bordering a wetland.
  • A photograph of a river with salt marsh and scattered trees.
  • A photograph of a broad grassy area with scattered trees.
  • A photograph of a river bordered with marsh and colorful trees.
  • A photograph of a river surrounded with green marsh and trees.
  • A photograph of a river and marsh at sunset, with a windmill in the distance.
  • A photograph of a river surrounded with green marsh and trees, with a windmill to one side.
  • A photograph of a road shoulder next to a salt marsh and river.
144 Rockland St, Hingham, MA 02043, USA

Historic Site: No

Park: No

Beach: No

Boat Launch: No

Lifeguards: No

Size: Amonte Meadow: 3.3 acres / Lyford's Lyking: 6.63 acres

Hours: Dawn to Dusk

Parking: Limited roadside parking. Amonte Meadow is at 144 Rockland Street and Lyford's Lyking is at 290 Rockland Street.

Cost: Free

Trail Difficulty: Easy

Dogs: Dogs must remain on leash. Scoop the poop!

Boat Ramp: No

ADA Access: No

Scenic Views: Yes

Waterbody/Watershed: Weir River

Other Things to Do at This Site

Nature Photography