Something tells me there isn’t much time left to indulge in empty trails. That something could be the 65-degree day with warm sunshine in the middle of winter in coastal Massachusetts, but hey, what do I know, right? It certainly wasn’t a one-off. This winter hasn’t felt much like winter, and spring seems to be beating back what’s left of the frigid air. With March beginning tomorrow, I guess I’ll go with it. I missed the snow this season, but spring feels pretty good right about now. Actually, it felt incredible at Norris Reservation, which is where you should spend your Saturday.
Norwell, Massachusetts, is a town I drive through, or around. No shade. It’s just always been, well, not my destination. The nearby Marshfield, Scituate, or Weymouth were plugged into my GPS, whether it was time for the fair, or time for the ocean. As it turns out, Norwell is home to the Trustees site Norris Reservation, which quickly became one of my favorite places I’ve found to wander.
I’ve never seen a site parking lot fuller, even in the thick of spring, than at Norris. Naturally, while most see that and think, “This’ll be great,” I try not to panic. I was walking in hesitant and uncomfortable, with strangers all around. The beauty I found at every turn had me saying, “We’re coming back in the summer,” by the time the visit was through. If you know me, you know that means there was a whole lot of varied scenery present. A couple of miles wound me through a lightly frozen mill pond, water bubbling over stones, a couple of duck families, a forest that shaded from brown to green to white with varied species, some marsh, and the North River. There’s even an old boat house, although no tie-ups are permitted. The sunshine here made even the colors of a quiet winter feel vibrant. I can’t even begin to imagine the flora waiting to be stumbled upon when the next season cycles through. That’ll be when the birdwatchers visit, and folks head over to fish. I’m already looking forward to that.
Maps are available at the entrance, and trails are clearly marked. The terrain is uneven all around, so please keep that in mind when planning a visit. If fatigue is a concern, there are plenty of benches throughout the whole reservation to stop and rest. I only spotted a few picnic tables, but the benches are wide enough to accommodate a picnic lunch mid-wandering too. This is one of very few Trustees sites where I spotted few dogs, and each owner abided by the leash-on Trustees rule, so if unleashed pups tend to scare you off, I doubt you’ll find much of that here. Also be sure to keep an eye on your little ones as there is a bridge with no railings shortly after you enter. It’s a wide bridge, but I’d say it’s better to be cautious. Norris Reservation seemed to be the spot for wandering families and each kiddo seemed entranced by it. You know I’m big on places like that. A natural environment that changes enough to keep the attention of say, a child, or maybe a TBI survivor? I’ll take it, and I’ll be back.
Extra Love: If you left the picnic at home, the south shore has plenty of allergen-free offerings. If you’re looking for a pub in town, I’ve heard good things about gluten-free fare at The Tinker’s Son. If you’re heading back toward the city, you can drop by Burtons in Hingham for an extensive Celiac-friendly menu. I’ll be bringing a picnic on my next visit.
Getting Good at Running Away 