Paths of the Pinehills

Historically, the area of the Pine Hills of Plymouth is hilly terrain which is located south of Chiltonville. The Pinehills is a planned created village which is nestled into the woods around Clark, Beaver Dam, and Old Sandwich roads. The community consists of three golf courses, including the exclusive Old Sandwich, a town center called the Village Green (located here are a post office and over 25 shops, restaurants, and services), over 1800 families, with a variety of living options, including 55 plus communities, stand-alone houses, and townhomes. Surprisingly, 2200 acres of land have been conserved. With all of the modern amenities, this area still feels as if it were untouched wilderness. Walking trails crisscross the PineHills even though construction keeps continuing. Always wanting to, but never going, my family took a walk on the paths of the Pinehills one day last week. 

On the Paths of the Pinehills

Also located at the Pinehills is Mirbeau, which looks like a French chateau, even though it only opened recently. It is an inn with a superb bistro and spa (both of which are open to the public). We parked our car in the lot in the center of The Pinehills, close to Mirbeau, which is currently closed due to the pandemic. When it does open back up, make sure to treat yourself to a meal here; it’s incredible.

Heading to the closest walking path, we began our meandering through. The path we chose traversed a golf course and doubled as the cart path. Granted the golf course was not open, but it was a perfect path for us. My older son was being pushed (and peddled a bit) on his pushbike, the younger son was in the stroller, and our dog was also with us. There were people on the trails, but they were never crowded, with plenty of space for social distancing. 

Wandering through the paths of the Pinehills

The trails we chose zigzagged this way and that. Passing by a new development currently under construction, we then came to the golf course clubhouse. The clubhouse is reminiscent of a resort getaway in Florida, the Cape, or a Caribbean island. It was quite stunning. The houses that lined the golf course too were beautiful. Closely situated together, they all had ample privacy from their neighbors, with exquisitely manicured grounds. The clubhouse also houses the Pinehills branch of the East Bay Grille, the Plymouth Waterfront landmark restaurant. After passing by here, we ended up on the trail alongside Clark Road, the main road through The Pinehills. From there we took this path back to the town center and the car. 

Old Sandwich Road

Nearby on Old Sandwich Road (primarily a dirt road which is heralded as the oldest continuously publicly used road in the United States) is Rye Tavern. The tavern which dates from 1792, built by Josiah Cornish, is a Cape Cod cottage. Its inviting decor warms up a cold winter night. In summer the outside bar is a lovely setting for dinner and a drink. Fresh produce grows in the onsite garden. Its use as a tavern is nothing new, and, as the road was a major thoroughfare, the building has had previous incarnations as inns and taverns. Mirabeau’s address is 35 Landmark Drive; Rye Tavern is located at 517 Old Sandwich Road.

On the topic of Old Sandwich Road, since the start of the quarantine, we have taken the opportunity to explore Plymouth through rides in the car. Afternoon rides are great for naps for the young ones. After the walks on the paths of the Pinehills, we drove on the Old Sandwich Road on the southern side of Clark Road. It continues as a dirt road as it started at the intersection where Rye Tavern is. Tall standing pines border this dirt road, it is a sight to see. The road continues for miles, ending in the south of Plymouth in Ellisville, one of the farthest south villages in town. Even though we’ve lived in Plymouth for six years, there is still plenty to explore

Sacrifice Rock

Located within the confines of the PineHills is Sacrifice Rock, whose name certainly conjures up gory images. Old Sandwich Road was used as a path for the Wampanoag. Along this path, they would leave a harmless token of sacrifice. Branches, for instance, would be left to allow the spirits to make the traveler’s journey a safe one. The Plymouth Antiquarian Society manages Sacrifice Rock. It is an important place to local Indigenous people.  It is located at 286-296 Old Sandwich Road. 

I had always wanted to walk the dog and the kids on the paths of the Pinehills. I’m glad we did. The paths are fantastic for exploring and there are so many of them. The major walkways are stroller and bike-friendly. Danny is already asking to go back!

For more about the Pinehills, read the article on Mayflower Brewing Company’s beer garden. (which will hopefully open later in the summer, fingers crossed!)