NATURE
by Kezia Bacon
How fun to wake up to snow on a day off from school! In January, while town offices and businesses paused their regular schedules to honor Martin Luther King Jr., families all over the South Shore headed for the hills… the sledding hills! With sunny skies and not-too-frigid temperatures, it was the perfect day to inflate a snow tube, try out a new racer, or even dust off an old toboggan. But where to go? Each town has its own special sledding spots. The list below highlights a few tried-and-true public properties that welcome sledders in the wintertime.
Sledding is not for everyone, of course. If you’re more inclined to enjoy the wintry outdoors on less slippery ground, there are plenty of options for getting some fresh air while keeping your legs dry. The Get Outdoors section of NSRWA’s website features 500+ places on the South Shore where the public can enjoy the natural world. Looking for a place to cross-country ski? We’ve listed more than 100. Prefer a brisk walk? We offer detailed info on more than 200 trails. Each listing on Get Outdoors includes parking information, trail maps, and much, much more.
If you love the outdoors and would appreciate a daily suggestion for where to enjoy it, we encourage you to follow “Postcards From the ‘Shed” our Explore South Shore program for 2025. This year, in addition to inspiring photos and access information, we’re including details about each property’s watershed. Every day on Facebook and Instagram, we highlight a different spot. Not on social media? We’ve included all the locations on our website as well! Plus test your knowledge with our monthly “Where in the Watershed?” photo quiz!
South Shore Country Club, Hingham
This town-owned facility is best known for golf, but it also offers tennis courts and a bowling alley. In the winter, it welcomes the public to its grassy slopes for sledding. Cross-country skiers are also welcome. When they’re not frozen, the waters here drain to the Fresh River, part of the Weymouth Back River watershed. Ample on-site parking at 274 South Street, Hingham.
Coast Guard Hill, Marshfield
Formerly a Coast Guard Communications Center, this grassy 40-acre property is now the home of the Marshfield Recreation Department. It features a popular sledding hill, along with walking trails, volleyball, basketball and horseshoe courts, a playground and a picnic area. It is situated in the watershed of Clapp Creek, a tributary to the South River. Limited on-site parking at 900 Ferry Street, Marshfield.
Weston Park, Weymouth
Located behind Tufts Library, this multi-use park on the outskirts of Weymouth Landing features two playgrounds, a picnic area, and 0.6 miles of walking paths. When there’s snow on the ground, it’s a popular spot for sledding. It lies within the watershed of Smelt Brook, a tributary to the Fore River. Ample on-site parking at 46 Broad Street, Weymouth.
Widow’s Walk Golf Course, Scituate
While reserved for golf from March through December, this scenic public course opens its pathways and hills to sledding and cross-country skiing in January and February. The view from the higher elevations is spectacular! It’s located in the watershed of the Herring River, a tributary to the North River. Ample on-site parking at 250 Driftway, Scituate.
North Hill Country Club, Duxbury
In the winter, this public nine-hole golf course is a very popular spot for sledding. It offers a variety of hills, including some tall, steep ones! It is situated within the watershed of West Brook, a tributary to the Duck Hill River. Ample on-site parking at 29 Merry Ave., Duxbury.
Whitman Town Park
Designed by the Olmsted Brothers, this grassy 14-acre property has something for everyone. In the winter, its gently rolling hills are a great spot for young sledders. Other features include a playground, a pond, broad walking paths, and numerous benches. Not far from the Shumatuscacant River, it lies within the Taunton River watershed. Numerous roadside parking spaces on Whitman Ave., adjacent to the park.
Strawberry Valley Golf Course, Abington
When it snows, this 9-hole golf course is open to the public for sledding, with both large and small hills. Its waters flow into the Stream River, which is part of the Taunton River watershed. Limited on-site parking at 164 Washington Street (Route 18), Abington.
Kezia Bacon’s articles appear courtesy of the North and South Rivers Watershed Association, a local non-profit organization devoted to protecting our waters. For membership information and a copy of their latest newsletter, contact NSRWA at (781) 659-8168 or visit www.nsrwa.org. You will also find 27+ years of Kezia’s Nature columns there. For more information about the “Where in the Watershed?”/Postcards from the ‘Shed Contest, visit https://www.nsrwa.org/2025-nsrwa-explore-south-shore-contest-rules/