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Grassy Walks

Herring River Trail

32 New Driftway, Scituate, MA 02066, USA

Town of Scituate: 781-545-8700

Owned By: Town of Scituate

Scituate’s Herring River Trail extends for 0.4 miles along a former railroad bed through the marshes to the Herring River. Stroller-friendly. Continue your walk on the Driftway Multi-Purpose Path, which continues past the James Landing Walkway to Driftway Conservation Park, Widow’s Walk Golf Course, the Scituate Dog Park, and beyond.

It’s important to know that some of our freshwater fisheries are contaminated with mercury, PFAS and/or other concerning substances. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health maintains an online database with up-to-date advisories regarding fish consumption, sorted by location. We recommend you consult this valuable resource when planning a fishing excursion.

Features

From 1871 to the late 1930’s the Old Colony Railroad traveled through Scituate and Marshfield. In 1938 a hurricane severely damaged the tracks, which were subsequently removed. Here, a small portion of the railroad bed has been converted into a bike/walking trail.

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 Mattakeeset band of the Massachusett, and the Massachusett tribe at Ponkapoag, both share information on their websites.

Trail Description

Nature is reclaiming this former railroad bed. There are now trees and shrubs lining the gravel trail as it leads through the marsh to the Herring River. A couple of old chunks of concrete along the way could be used as benches. The trail is suitable for walking, bicycles, strollers, and some wheelchairs.

Immediately adjacent is the Driftway Multi-Purpose Path, a 1.5 mile paved trail where you can extend your journey. Also check out the 0.3-mile James Landing Walkway, which can be accessed from the Multi-Purpose Path. All of this together makes for a nice walk. For more, add the 1.65-mile trail network of Driftway Conservation Park, also accessible from the Multi-Purpose Path.

Habitats and Wildlife

Some of the trees found here include maple, birch, cedar, oak, and pine. Common sightings along this this trail include coyote, fox, squirrel, birds, and reptiles such as the common snapping turtle. Eagles nest nearby.

The Herring River can be viewed at the end of this trail … and the view is quite nice!

First Herring Brook finds its source in Scituate in the area west of Route 3A, between First Parish Road and Old Oaken Bucket Road. It flows through the First Herring Brook Reservoir, and downstream to Old Oaken Bucket Pond, passing through two dams. Below the historic Stockbridge Grist Mill, at the Driftway (just upstream of this site), it flows into Herring River, a major tributary to the North River. Herring River flows into the North River near The Spit.

  • A photograph of a paved parking area with a fence and some green trees.
  • A photograph of a bicycle rack set on paving stones, atop a grassy area with some trees.
  • Photograph of a gravel trail extending into a woodland with green trees.
  • Photograph of a gravel trail extending through a light woodland.
  • Photograph of a gravel trail extending through a light woodland with green trees.
  • Photograph of a dirt trail extending across the top of an old railroad bed with cedar trees and golden grasses at its sides.
  • Photograph of a dirt trail extending on top of a railroad bed with green trees and grasses at its sides.
  • Photograph of a river and salt marsh with the sky and some streaky clouds reflected in the water.
  • Photograph looking across a green marsh with a cedar tree in the foreground and a windmill in the distance.
  • Photograph of a gravel trail extending into the salt marsh with cloudy blue skies and scattered cedar trees.
  • Photograph of a river and salt marshes at low tide, with blue skies.
  • Photograph of a salt marsh at mid-tide with cloudy blue skies.
  • Photograph of a dirt trail approaching a river with salt marsh to the sides.
  • Photograph of high tide in a salt marsh with cloudy blue skies reflecting in the water.
  • Photograph of old cedar posts in the salt marsh, with a river in the background.
  • Photograph of high tide in the salt marsh with trees and fall foliage in the background and blue skies.
  • Photograph of a gravel trail leading into a light woodland with some green and red foliage.
  • Photograph of a trail heading into a green, well-lit woodland.
  • Photograph of a parking area with two vehicles plus some trees in the background.
32 New Driftway, Scituate, MA 02066, USA

Historic Site: No

Park: No

Beach: No

Boat Launch: No

Lifeguards: No

Size: 0.4 miles

Hours: Dawn to Dusk

Parking: Limited on-site parking. Look for the small town-owned lot near #32 Driftway, next to Dunkin Donuts (6 vehicles).

Cost: Free

Trail Difficulty: Easy

Facilities:

Bike storage rack, trash receptacle, and picnic table at trailhead. Geocache locations.

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

Boat Ramp: No

ADA Access: Yes

Scenic Views: Yes

Waterbody/Watershed: Herring River (North River watershed)

Other Things to Do at This Site

Fishing
Hiking
Nature Photography
Picnic Tables