Itinerary
Scituate for Hikers
Scituate has a varied and wonderful system of short hikes and walks to entertain while getting you outside. Spend a few hours or the day visiting the woods, the marshes, and the nature trails. Stroll the Harbor Walk or take a casual walk along the back roads of town. You’ll have great views, meet interesting people, find hidden resting spots, and discover delicious food establishments along your path.
Morning Walk: Check out Driftway Park and AJ McEachern Trail. Located on the Driftway across from the Widow’s Walk Golf Course. Limited parking in the Driftway lot. 1 outhouse is available seasonally. This trail is flat and about 45 minutes long. It meanders out to the marsh onto a wooden look-out platform overlooking a section of the North River gazing towards the Atlantic and an area called the Spit. The trail also splits off to head out through some sand pits walking towards the wind turbine. Continue along to the end where you will have a great view again looking towards the Atlantic Ocean and a glimpse of the Scituate Country Club. This area is a great spot for bird watching, taking Fido for a walk on leash, or a casual stroll during all seasons. Come in winter for the locals decorating the evergreen trees.
Evening Stroll: Another wonderful family friendly stroll is the Scituate Harbor Walk. The mostly flat walk kicks off on the southern end of the Harbor Shopping District in the Cole Parkway Lot. The complete walk clocks in under an hour so lace up your walking shoes. Look for the Harbor Walk signs. There are plenty of sights, sounds, and definitely a hot or cold coffee along the way along with plenty of dining establishments should hunger strike you. Moving through the Cole Parkway area overlooking a section of Scituate’s fishing fleet, there are signs showcasing different areas and interesting locations. The walk strolls through the busy shopping district, passes by the Scituate Commercial Fishing Pier, where lobster boats unload the day’s catch heading to local markets. Continue along to head up a small hill passing the Inn at Scituate Harbor on your left. Turn right at the light. Close by here you’ll find the Abigail Bates House. Read the sign that highlights the Army of Two. Continue along passing the town’s public boat launch, the Scituate Yacht Club, and view a magical beach on your right as you head out towards Old Scituate Light. The walk culminates at the lighthouse. Spend some quality time here to watch the boats heading in and out of the busy Harbor. This is a good fishing spot out on the rocks casting for blues and striped bass. But that’s another fish story. Enjoy the Harbor Walk.
There are other marked trails located on conservation land around town including the Ellis Estate, Hubbell Preserve, Higgins-MacAllister Preserve, Bates Lane/West End Complex, and the Crosbie Family Preserve. Get outside, lace up your walking shoes, and go for a walk to really enjoy all that Scituate has to offer.
Trail map links:
