Bike & Stroller Friendly Trails
New England in the Fall can be a really special time, the changing leaves, the crisp air and the hours spent outside are favorites for us. If you’ve ever lived somewhere that doesn’t truly experience the different seasons like I did in College you appreciate them little more when you come back home. Over the last year and a half I’ve been checking out all sorts of trails around us on the South Shore and something I didn’t ever realize before having babies was that stroller friendly ones are few and far between. Now, with so many more people looking to get out with their families I thought I’d write up a list of the top fives paths that are stroller and preschool bike riding accessible. Enjoy!
- Whitney Spur Rail Trail – Cohasset MA
This is a real hidden gem of a spot here on the South Shore! The packed down stone dust makes it perfect for bike ridings, strollers, or a walk for the dog. I wrote about this trail last Spring when I visited with my daughter but we’ve been a dozen times and each time we really enjoy it! To access this trail you’ll park at the Cohasset MBTA Train station, there are a few designated spots where you don’t have to pay to park. The first mile or so of the trail is stone dust before switching over to pavement, but the flatness of the path makes is easy for all to use. Although I definitely wouldn’t recommend trying to use your stroller on any of the connecting trails you see in the woods you should absolutely make a return visit to do so! From the Rail Trail you can hike all the way to Wompatuck State Park, the Whitney Spur Woods and even Turkey Hill and Weir River Farm.
2. Bridle Path – Marshfield
The Bridle Path in Marshfield has been recently revived into an awesome path that, lucky for us, is super close to our house. The over 3ish mile trail starts near the old Train Station in Marshfield Hills and ventures all the way out to CVS in Marshfield Center. During the peak of COVID last year when we weren’t seeing anyone, including our families, we walked the Bridle Path daily to get out some energy. Over the past year the Town of Marshfield has made some vast improvements to the trail. They’ve flatten the lumps and bumps that used to exist and lined it all with stone dust as well as including some signage and crosswalks along the way as you go.
3. Norwell Pathway – Norwell
The Norwell Pathway is a really cool spot that has a few points of access depending on where you’re coming from. Our favorite park is definitely the giant footbridge that extends for the majority of the park you’d be traveling in the woods. The first parking option is located behind the Norwell Middle School where there are a few parking spaces tucked away. The second parking option is the same parking lot you’d use to hike the Donovan-Wildcat Trails located off Circuit street and the third is at Gaffield Park, which also has a nice and newly renovated playground, although this portion is also along Forest Street in Norwell and gets a bit busy.
4. Bare Cove Park – Hingham
Bare Cove Park is a nicely paved path along the Weymouth Back River. There are two different routes you can take once you walk a bit through the main entrance, the Back River Path which loops around and meets back up on Conservatory Path. Or, the Bare Cove Path which eventually ends and you’ll need to turn back around the reach the parking lot. The paved and unpaved paths make up about 5 + miles, but stay along the cement and you can definitely enjoy this area for a scenic bike ride.
5. Forge Park Pond – Hanover
If you’ve ever been to Food Truck Tuesdays I’m sure you know Forge Park pretty well. It’s located in Hanover and the paved trail here travels throughout the whole complex. It’s very flat, which means it can also be a bit busy but it’s perfect for a walk with the stroller or a ride on the bicycle.
Honorable mention:
Harbor Park & Harbor Walk – Marshfield; a few years ago the Town of Marshfield installed a brand new sidewalk extending from the Town Pier all the way to Peter Igo Park. The 1 mile long path, named “Harbor Walk” passes by Harbor Park which is a great, small, walk around the block.
Widows Walk – Scituate; During the off golfing season Widows Walk is opened to walk your strollers, dogs or ride your bikes along the car path. The paths themselves are a hilly so if you’re child is still learning to ride his bike it may not be the best place to practice
Hanover Branch Rail Trail – Hanover/Rockland to Abington; The Hanover Rail Trail is a 3-mile long bike path that starts on the Hanover/Rockland Townline and extends through Abington. The easy to follow, flat & wide trail is great for strollers & bikes!