As much as I enjoy hiking or simply taking a nature walk, it’s not always conducive to a family outing. With small children, making it stroller-friendly can be important. A few of the following list of family-friendly South Shore walks (and beyond) are paved, but not all. Those that are not, are accessible with an all-terrain stroller and no bush-whacking is necessary. With two walks in Plymouth, one in Norwell, one in Pembroke, and one just over the bridge on the Cape, let’s hit the trail.
Plymouth Rail Trail
The Plymouth Rail Trail, also known as the Grace Trail or the Seaside Rail Trail connects Nelson Park to Cordage Park. It is mostly paved with some sections of loose gravel near the Cordage Park terminus. It’s only 1.2 miles but offers tremendous views of Plymouth Bay. With beaches such as Holmes Reservation to stop at, this short path could take all day. Add a romp at Nelson Park’s splash pad or playground, or a stop at one of the breweries, restaurants, wineriy, or distillery at Cordage Park, and your whole day is filled.
Norwell Pathway
This two-mile path through the town of Norwell is a bit of a secret and worth your while. Unlike Plymouth’s paths, it won’t be a route to access other places. Instead, just enjoy the journey. It’s paved with an extensive boardwalk system over wetlands. Just like the Plymouth Rail Trail, it’s stroller-friendly. I typically catch the path behind the Norwell Middle School, but there are many access points in town. The path spans from near the library to close to Gaffield Park, so there is still the ability to combine a walk with other Norwell attractions.
Pilgrim Trail
Want to trace a bit of history? The Nemasket Trail connects Plymouth to Middleboro and was used by Indigenous peoples. Unfortunately, much of this is inaccessible to the public. What is though, is the Pilgrim Trail. Starting at Brewster Gardens on Water Street in Plymouth, head west. At the Plimoth Grist Mill, cross the parking lot over the bridge. From here a path will take you by the skate park. Here the pavement stops, and the next leg will be accessible only for all-terrain strollers. You’ll pass by a small pedestrian-only covered bridge with the path ending off Billington Street. Impress your friends by taking them to the area’s only covered bridge.
Cape Cod Canal Bike Path
Jump over to the Cape for our next walk. The Cape Cod Canal Bike Path certainly makes the list of best family-friendly walks. And it falls into the “beyond” category instead of the South Shore. Begin at Aptucxet Trading Post or the Tidal Flats Natural Area in Bourne or at the other end at the Sandwich Marina. The flat, straight, paved path hugs the Cape side of the canal while the mainland side also has a parallel trail. Bike, walk, run–it’s perfect for all activities. To access businesses you’ll have to head off of the path for the most part. Aptucxet Trading Post, which is a history museum, and restaurants such as Fisherman’s View and Seafood Sam’s are located close to the path. For a real treat, walk on the beach at the Sandwich end and complete your trip at Tree House Cape Cod.
Willow Brook Farm
As most of these best family-friendly walks are paved trails, this time we’re heading into the woods. Located off of Route 14 in Pembroke, Willow Brook Farm is a family favorite for nature walks. The main trail is wide and well-marked, easy to accommodate a stroller. The adjoining trails lead to boardwalks and a very cool fire tower. These may be a bit tougher with a stroller but possibly an all-terrain one would work. If not, taking the trail from the parking lot to the little library is still a worthwhile wooded jaunt.
From Norwell to Bourne, these are my favorite family friendly South Shore walks. Many are perfect for a stroller of any kind while others may need an all-terrain. Either way, get out there and hit the trail!
What are your favorite South Shore walks?
