Menu

Dog Parks

Stodder’s Neck

Stodders Neck, Lincoln Street, Hingham, MA, USA

(617) 727-5293

https://www.mass.gov/locations/stodders-neck-abigail-adams-park

Owned By: Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR)

Stodder’s Neck is a peninsula at the mouth of the Back River in Hingham. Popular for dog walking, it features harborside trails and a hilltop view. Stroller-friendly.

FISHING ADVISORY: 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

Part of the Massachusetts Department of Conservation & Recreation’s (DCR) Back River Reservation, this property used to be sand and gravel pit. It is now very popular for dog-walking. Be advised that in some areas, dogs are permitted to be off-leash.

For a walk with fewer canine companions, consider the following properties in the immediate vicinity: Bare Cove Park • Great Esker Park • Osprey Overlook Park • Webb Memorial State Park • Abigail Adams State Park • Kibby Property

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 and the Mattakeeset band of the Massachusett share information on their websites.

Trail Description

A mostly gravel, mostly flat, 0.7-mile loop trail offers gorgeous views of the Weymouth Back River. A short spur trail leads to the top of a small hill known as the McCarthy Hummock. You can also access the beach here, and there’s lots of shoreline to explore!

Habitats and Wildlife

This park was once a sand and gravel pit, so the vegetation is quite young. There are some pines, oaks and cedar trees, some sumac, and plenty of grass. You can also access sandy beaches and rocky shorelines along the Weymouth Back River.

The Weymouth Back River rises from several ponds and swamps, including Whitman’s Pond in Weymouth. It flows for about 10 miles, and empties into the Atlantic Ocean at Hingham Bay, just south of Grape Island and Slate Island. For more information about the Weymouth Back River, follow the Back River Watershed Association. 

  • A photograph of a property sign next to an entrance drive.
  • A photograph of a paved parking area.
  • A photograph of an entrance gate to a grassy property.
  • A photograph of a grassy property with scattered trees, with a trail across the middle.
  • A photograph of three dogs playing on a field.
  • A photograph of an open field bordered by trees.
  • A photograph of a bench overlooking a harbor.
  • A photograph of a dog diving into water.
  • A photograph of a wide trail bordered with trees.
  • A photograph of boats on a cove, with trees in the foreground.
  • A photograph of a dog with a ball in its mouth.
  • A photograph of three dogs playing on grass.
  • A photograph of a wide trail past a grassy area with scattered trees.
  • A photograph of two dogs playing on a grassy hill.
  • A photograph of a property sign beside a trail across an open field.
Stodders Neck, Lincoln Street, Hingham, MA, USA

Historic Site: No

Park: Yes

Beach: No

Boat Launch: No

Lifeguards: No

Size: 23 acres

Hours: Dawn to Dusk

Parking: Large on-site parking lot.

Cost: Free

Trail Difficulty: Easy

Facilities:

Informational kiosk, restrooms, picnic area, numerous benches, trash and dog waste receptacles, water fountain. Geocache location.

Dogs: Dogs allowed off-leash in designated areas of the park. Please clean up after your pet!

Boat Ramp: No

ADA Access: Yes

Scenic Views: Yes

Waterbody/Watershed: Weymouth Back River

Other Things to Do at This Site

Fishing
Grassy Walks
Picnic Tables