Billings Creek Salt Marsh Trail

528 Commander Shea Blvd, Quincy, MA 02171, USA

Neponset River Reservation: (617) 727-5290

https://www.mass.gov/locations/neponset-river-reservation

Owned By: Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation

• Directions
• Trail Map

The Billings Creek Salt Marsh Trail is currently a paved, 0.33-mile, out-and-back spur trail that connects to the Quincy Riverwalk on Commander Shea Blvd. There are plans to expand it into a full loop trail in the future. It is part of the Neponset River Reservation.

While in this area, also check out the Quincy Riverwalk, which extends from Squantum Point Park to Neponset Landing Park. In addition, the beautiful and historic Moswetuset Hummock is just up the road.

Features

The Quincy Riverwalk officially opened in 2014, thanks years of dedicated work by the Neponset River Watershed Association and other greenway advocates. It extends primarily across privately-owned land, but the public is welcome to explore the trail.

Over the last few centuries, the Neponset River waterfront in Quincy was a busy industrial area, home to numerous marine-related enterprises. Sadly, this led to significant pollution in the river and its surroundings. After a period of decline, the area is now experiencing a rebirth. The Neponset River was designated an Area of Critical Environmental Concern in 1994. Water quality is improving and businesses are returning. The City of Quincy invested Community Preservation Act funds to help construct the Riverwalk.

This land is 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 shares information on its website.

Trail Description

From the small roadside parking area on Commander Shea Blvd., follow the Quincy Riverwalk south along the sidewalk and look for signs for the Billings Creek Salt Marsh Trail. The trailhead is on the eastern side of the road. Follow the paved trail for about 1/3 mile along Billings Creek, and then retrace your steps to the starting point. (There are plans to expand this trail into a full loop in the future.)

Continue your walk by exploring the Quincy Riverwalk. It heads north to Squantum Point Park and south to Neponset Landing Park.

Habitats and Wildlife

There are some cherry, birch, and apple trees along the trail, and also some shrubs, plus views of Billing Creek and its salt marshes. This property is within the watershed of the Neponset River.

With headwaters at the Neponset Reservoir in Foxborough, the Neponset River flows for 29 miles through Walpole, Sharon, Norwood, Canton, Stoughton, Dedham, and Milton, and empties into Dorchester Bay between Quincy and Dorchester. It forms the southern boundary of the city of Boston and the northern boundary of the city of Quincy.