Local Trails to Help Keep You on Track for a Healthier 2022!
Happy New Year! I'm not sure how you feel about resolutions, but I typically stay away from them. If I feel like I need/want a change or to try something new I don't like to wait until January 1 to implement it. I tend to seize the opportunity as soon as I can. That being said, I know a lot of people like to make positive changes toward healthier living as one of their New Years resolutions. These are my favorites and something I can totally get behind. There are so many things you can do, small and large to get healthy! I am an avid outdoor enthusiast and all around fitness lover. That’s why I am kicking off my 2022 blogs with a short list of some of my favorite outdoor spaces within a short drive of downtown Plymouth. These spots are good for walking/hiking, biking and some are even good for cross country skiing and snowshoeing. Do yourself a favor and try some out. You will see some beautiful sights, get some fresh air, and stay on track for a healthy 2022!
1) The Pinehills/Cleft Rock Park: This is a fantastic spot right off State Rd! Easy to get to and plenty of parking. The trails here vary greatly so regardless of your skill level you can have a terrific time. According to some of the posted sites there are only a few miles of public trails. That's because a lot of the land belongs or belonged to the power plant essentially deeming it "private". The truth is there are miles and miles of beginner to intermediate trails that are tucked between State, Rocky Hill and Power House Roads, so you really can't get lost! The mountain biking is fantastic from single track to wide grass roads to technical berms, rocky ledges and man-made features. You will see walkers, runners and some dogs...but rarely have I felt that any of the trails was "crowded". The only potential drawback is that after storms the trails can be “messy” as this is area is not cared for by DCR. The cleanup is usually done by local riders and walkers so if you are so inclined, give a hand!
2) Halfway Pond Conservation Area: We ride here a lot and are typically all alone. There are literally hundreds of acres of Wildlands Trust land and trails to explore by foot or pedal. The terrain is mixed...from winding trails through the woods, to sandy roads and pine barrens. There is something for everyone here: Uphill, downhill, bogs, pond-side riding, some sections with a little technical skill required, but you can make your ride/run/hike whatever you want here with so many options. We even sneak in a swim at Gallows Pond afterwards on those steamy summer rides. We like to park at the small lot past the boat ramp at Long Pond, a little farther down W Long Pond Rd. It gets us right on the trails!
3) Myles Standish State Forest: One of Plymouth's amazing treasures. We love it at Myles Standish!! There are miles upon miles upon miles of trails to explore here. The terrain varies so greatly that you can have a meandering bike ride through flat (ish) tree lined trails; long sandy tough climbs leading in and out of pine barrens, ponds and camping areas; and a paved bike path that seems to go on forever! We use different loops for different times of the year as mountain biking in the deep sand in summer is nowhere near as enjoyable as it is in late fall or winter after a solid rain or freeze! Lots of this terrain is also fantastic for trail runs, hikes and cross country skiing or snowshoeing. Some favorites: Charge Pond and the Pine Barren trail adding in some of the offshoots for added terrain; and the Bentley Loop. Bring some snacks and/or lunch and make a day of it. You won't regret it!
4) Morton Park: This is a great spot to head 3 seasons of the year: Summer it gets crowded so we tend to stay away. The park is fantastic for walking, riding and cross country skiing/snowshoeing! The trails right along the pond and beaches are nice single track quick rides...while the hard packed dirt road is better for the beginner mountain biker or skiing and snowshoeing. We have a lot of fun in and around Morton Park and if we do go in the summer you can swim in multiple areas, I would just suggest going on a weekday rather than weekend!. There is plenty of parking in the main lot and it's free if you have a town beach sticker, but we like to head into the park from the area off Billington St and duck into the woods on some of those nice side trails. You can also ride from Holmes Playground on Summer St along the herring run to get into the park from Billington St. This adds some distance and is a pretty ride!
5) North Hill Marsh in Duxbury: Although we have more parks, trails and forests than we could ever fully explore here in Plymouth, we also love to get out of town on occasion. One of our favorite go-to's is right off Mayflower St in Duxbury, about 15 minutes from downtown Plymouth. This 146 acre wildlife sanctuary is part of the Frederick B Knapp Town Forest (823 acres) and can't be beat for views and trail riding/walking. Over 9+ miles of marked trails and off shoot trails, can keep you outside for hours of fun and exercise. This terrain offers good ups and downs, some nice single track and also some wider grassy or hard packed dirt trails too. You will ride through and along bogs, around the ponds and through thick forest. Make sure you stop to take plenty of pictures, it’s a beautiful setting! The parking lot can fill up, but there is street parking along Mayflower if you miss out on a spot. We rarely run into people on the trails no matter how full the lot is due to the size of the trail system and the many options for routes. Go have yourself a day!
Whether it’s a walk, an extended hike, mountain bike ride or ski/snowshoe trek you will love your time at any of these locations. Get outside and get some exercise. It’s not just great for your physical well being…it’s wonderful for your brain as well. Happy Trails!