In exploring many of the South Shore’s walking trails, one that I have come back to time and again has been the Hoyt-Hall Preserve in Marshfield, Massachusetts. The preserve is under the tutelage of the Wildlands Trust. It is a favorite walk for the kids too. With a circular loop that travels near a pond, has rocks to climb over, and even reveals the last vestiges of an old road, there is plenty of fun at Hoyt-Hall Preserve.
Credit goes to Kezia Bacon for first telling me about this trail a while back and then taking us there earlier this year. It’s one of her favorite preserves in the area and as a writer of her own travel blog and as an author for the North and South Rivers Watershed Association, she knows the ins and outs of the South Shore.
Entering Hoyt-Hall Preserve
The primary parking lot is off Careswell Street (Route 139). Typically though, I park off the Pilgrim Trail, a residential cul de sac. Entering from here, the path begins between houses and descends downhill quickly. The primary path heads left or right. On my latest journey, we headed to the right.
This path has some hills, although it is great for the novice hiker. These hills can often be avoided. They often act like loops heading back to the main trail. My son, being five and with boundless energy, enjoys running up and down these for fun. Another highlight for him is a collection of stumps and rocks to climb over. My two-year-old also enjoys this area immensely!
The path circles Long Tom Pond, with the southern section of the trail forming its southern edge. Along this section of the trail, it also crosses old Careswell Street. This was the former location of the road which now is located yards to the south.
Spend an hour or the day
What is really cool about this preserve is all of the access to other paths and trails that are accessible from here. The loop trail is well marked, but hikers can spend a day on all of the adjoining paths including the Pilgrim Trail, King Phillip’s Path, and the former bed of the Old Colony Railroad.
Back to the loop, the views here are picturesque, with places for resting or contemplating one’s thoughts along the way. Circling around the pond to the east, there is one unavoidable hill but it is not too steep. There is another that is avoidable but of course, is great fun for the kids. The main trailheads around the hill but a path climbs up top of this ridge. From the top, one could see the Webster Estate years ago. Now although it rises high, woods can only be seen. The ridge is steep and is narrow near the top, just a word of warning.
From here, cross a wooden boardwalk or two and soon the circuitous route is complete. Hoyt-Hall has much variety, from fun hills to a scenic pond. It is the perfect walk for all ages. Spend some time on nearby trails, and it’s a full Marshfield trail day.
