3 of the best places south of Boston where walking is great and views are beautiful
When you're ready to spend a few hours or more walking outdoors and enjoying the scenery, it helps to be able to have a hassle-free start.
Gail McGrath, of Pembroke, has a few tips. She looks for parks or conservation areas that are free to enter, easy to access and have enough parking.
McGrath, a retired teacher, is a leader with the nonprofit organization Nordic Walking United. She's grew up in Quincy and has seen what the South Shore has to offer in local walking and hiking trails with some good views.
"There are so many beautiful places to walk on the South Shore," she said.
Here are three of the best South Shore places that offer trails for walking and beautiful views.
Blue Hills Reservation, Quincy, Milton, Randolph
Over 7,000 acres and 125 miles of trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding from Quincy to Dedham, Milton to Randolph. Houghton's Pond for swimming and fishing. Department of Conservation and Recreation. You get both big and more focused views. Great Blue Hill, at 635 feet, is the highest of the 22 hills in the Blue Hills chain. 695 Hillside St. 617-698-1802.
World's End, Hingham
251 acres on a peninsula bordered by the Weir River and Hingham Harbor. Trek along Frederick Law Olmsted-designed carriage paths over rolling hills and rocky shorelines, and discover sweeping views of the Boston skyline. At the end of Martin's Lane in Hingham. 781-740-7233.
Webb Memorial State Park, Weymouth
Easy walking trails with scenic views of Boston's harbor and skyline on a grassy peninsula between Weymouth’s Back and Fore rivers extending half a mile into Hingham Bay. This state park is the only mainland portion of the Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area. 361 River St. 781-337-8264. Great Esker Park is also nearby.
This article originally appeared on The Patriot Ledger: 3 of the best South Shore places for walking and beautiful views