Norris Reservation – Norwell, MA
If you live around the South Shore and enjoy spending time outside you are probably familiar with The Trustees. They are an organization that care for over 100 places in the State and over 27,000 acres. According to thetrustees.org website their areas of focus include Land Conservation, Arts, , Agriculture, Horticulture and Ecology to name a few. Some of our favorite family hikes and locations are Trustees locations and Norris Reservation is no exception.
Norris Reservation is located in Norwell, MA and is a popular dog walking spot so if you have a shy little pup like we do make sure you’re aware that yours most likely won’t be the only pooch around. The Reservation is almost 130 acres and if you follow the blue lined McMullan Trail it will lead you out to the North River and the old boat house, a perfect place to stop with you little ones for a much begged for snack break. There are two other trail loops around the property the red lined River Loop Trail and the yellow marked Gordon Pond Trail.
From the parking lot you’ll start out and soon find yourself crossing a wide bridge past an old Mill site, make sure you take in your surrounding because off to the right down a set of stairs are some picnic tables and a little babbling brook. Continue on and you’ll make your way to your first intersection, from here veer to the left and travel the McMullan Trail to the Old Boat House, or stay to the right and look for the red marked River Loop, no matter which way you choose you won’t be disappointed!
If you’ve been following along with my blog the last year you know my kids are suckers for foot bridges, and the Norris Reservation has it’s share. From wooden ones to stone lined paths it’s a great hike for kids if you want to enjoy some nature and maybe even get lucky by spotting some high flying residents of the North River, the bald eagles! A jogging stroller would suffice down the start of your walk from the parking lot down Eleanor’s Path and across the bridge, but once you head into the woods I wouldn’t recommend trying to use it. The parking lot for Norris Reservation tends to fill up fast on weekends so get there early and take in the views and fresh air and don’t forget the snacks!
