Cato’s Ridge

In my continuous quest to find new and exciting places to take a walk during the pandemic, I came across Cato’s Ridge. Cato’s Ridge is a conservation area owned by the town of Plympton, Massachusetts. The loop around the property is about two miles in length. Plympton is a small, historically agricultural community in the South Shore. 

The most difficult aspect of the walk is finding the trailhead. There is no sign, but the lot is located off Main Street in Plympton on the eastern side of the road. The parking lot is across from the intersection with Maple Street. Cato’s Ridge was established in 2012.

Cato’s Ridge: A perfect walk with the youngsters

There are a few trails that crisscross this property. There are two trails that begin at the parking lot. The main trail though is just beyond the kiosk. This section of the walk is technically in Churchill Park. Pick one of the two trails that bend around Churchill Park. They are both about the same length. The path on the left-hand side travels near a bed of giant ferns. 

Both paths let out at the start of a long boardwalk. This boardwalk was sponsored by numerous individuals and organizations in Plympton who have their names etched upon the boards. Along the boardwalk are benches for tired feet or relaxation. The walkway is quite extensive and provides access over swampland. 

At the end of the boardwalk is technically the beginning of Cato’s Ridge. There is a collection of paths here all with road names of the surrounding streets, including Main Street, and Ring Road. There are benches along the trails. The paths meander throughout but the park’s relatively small size makes getting lost nearly impossible. 

Let the kids lead

Cato’s Ridge is perfect to let younger kids lead the way since the paths essentially loop among themselves. On a recent voyage, our pack came across a well-constructed tepee which the kids enjoyed poking in and out of. To end the journey, we had to make our way back over the boardwalk which remained the highlight of the walk for the kids and the adults. 

Cato’s Ridge has become a walk that my older son speaks of often. He often wants to hear stories of his favorite toys, Battle Beasts, engaging in a fight on this very boardwalk, with the victor tossing the loser into the swampy water below. 

If you go

Cato’s Ridge (and Churchill Park) are located off Main Street in Plympton. The lot is on the eastern side, across from the intersection with Maple Street. There is no signage.