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Grassy Walks

Patty Whitehouse Scenic Overview Trail

170 Glenrose Ave, Braintree, MA 02184, USA

Braintree Electric Light Department: 781-348-2353

Owned By: Town of Braintree

The 0.13-mile gravel Patty Whitehouse Scenic Overview Trail, located next to the Braintree Electric Light Department, offers beautiful views of the Fore River.

Features

This ADA-accessible walkway was constructed by Braintree Electric Light Department, in honor of Patricia Whitehouse, a strong advocate for the Fore River.

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

Look for the trailhead on Glenrose Avenue, to the east of the Braintree Electric Light Department. The gravel trail leads down a moderately sloping hill, with occasional railings, for 0.13 miles, to an overlook on the Fore River. At the overlook, there is some interpretive signage as well as a gorgeous view!

For a longer walk, park at Smith Beach, about 0.4 miles away, and follow Vinedale Road and Glenrose Avenue to the trailhead.

Habitats and Wildlife

The trail extends through a grassy area, with some oaks, maple, and sumac. The overlook offers views of the Fore River.

The Fore River serves as the boundary line between the towns of Weymouth and Braintree. It flows for about 3 miles, into Quincy, where it meets Town River, and then flows for another 2 miles into Hingham Bay. In its final few miles, the Fore River is nearly a mile wide in some places.

Follow the Fore River Watershed Association more information about the Monatiquot and Fore Rivers.

  • A photograph of a wide trail through a grassy area with trees and ornamental plantings, with a river in the distance.
  • A photograph of a wide trail and overlook, with trees and ornamental plantings, with a river in the distance.
  • A photograph of a wide trail beside a fence with trees and ornamental plantings, with a river and an electric plant in the distance.
  • A scenic view of a river with a stony beach in the foreground.
  • A photograph of a beach area on a river with trees and a tower in the distance.
  • A photograph of a wide trail and scenic overview with trees and ornamental plantings, with an electric plant in the distance.
  • A photograph of a wide trail through a grassy area with trees and ornamental plantings.
  • A photograph of a wide trail through a grassy area with fence on one side and trees on the other.
  • A photograph of an interpretive sign beside a wide trail.
170 Glenrose Ave, Braintree, MA 02184, USA

Historic Site: No

Park: Yes

Beach: No

Boat Launch: No

Lifeguards: No

Size: 0.13 mile

Hours: Dawn to Dusk

Parking: Very limited roadside parking. Additional parking at Smith Beach.

Cost: Free

Trail Difficulty: Easy

Facilities:

Trash receptacle, interpretive signage, Geocache location.

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

Boat Ramp: No

ADA Access: Yes

Scenic Views: Yes

Waterbody/Watershed: Fore River

Other Things to Do at This Site

Nature Photography
Paved Trails