Whitney and Thayer Woods — Attraction in Cohasset

Love these trails and woods. I usually walk several miles in and out. Try to get a good workout and if you are as well I highly recommend this area. There are marked trails that are good for running, biking, walking/hiking. The color coded trails are great and they circle around making a good few miles on each. At every major trail head or junction there are signs to let you know where you are. Very good map placements in my opinion. The color coded trails are marked by small pieces of wood attached to trees along their route to let you know you're on trail. However there are a few trails/shortcuts throught this area as well. They are quite rugged atleast for hiking, alot of these small trails would be hard to get a bike through but walking up and down in elevation and through some dense rooted areas are great for walking and exercise. I personally go off to these smaller trails that intersect the larger colored ones because I'm looking for a challenge and I've found they are certainly good for that. There are also some interesting landmarks throughout these woods. From the radio and water towers at the head of the red trail where you can see clear over the forest to the ocean to rooster rock and the Bigelow boulder/boulder lane are beautiful sites. Also Ode's den which has an interesting story to it is a small cave like structure underneath a large boulder of bedrock. Some quartz can be found on some of the bedrock, which I am extremely interested in as an amateur geologist. Signs and sight of wildlife throughout. Beautiful sounds of the forest all around you. As mentioned above there are many maps located at the trail junctions as well as larger maps that are at the beginning of trails where parking is available. For instance, at Turkey hill where I park my car. All and all a great place to experience the beauty of nature and to get some fresh air and exercise. I will post photos of various...

The Whitney and Thayer woods are a peaceful oasis of 800 acres of quiet woodland and meadow in Hingham and Cohasset. Most of the property is shaded woodland with seasonal streams and ponds, glimpses of old stone walls reflecting the historical agricultural heritage and dotted with large glacial boulders.

There is an extensive trail network, consisting of:

a) three main carriage road loops (marked on the trail map in blue, yellow and red). These carriage roads were built in the early 20th century when carriage riding was popular (similar to the more famous carriage roads in Arcadia) and remain broad, open easy walking or biking trails.

b) a network of side trails that are narrower and offer more challenge for the casual hiker.

Wildlife: you can see on occasion deer, turkeys, coyotes, turtles, frogs, snakes and other wildlife, but on most days you will only come across some of the bird life. Flies and mosquitos are prevalent Jun-Sep so insect repellent is essential.

Dogs: are welcome on leash and off leash, subject to the normal expectation of proper behavior and waste collection.

Access: there are a number of free car parks to access the woods:

At the top of Turkey Hill Lane in Hingham; this is the closest car park if coming from Route 3 / Boston. Route 3A Hingham. If coming from Hingham the entrance to this car park is on the right, just before you reach the Cohasset town line. It is easy to miss, so if you reach the Cohasset sign you will need to turn around. Route 3A / Cohasset MBTA station. There are a good number of dedicated free parking spots on the right as you enter the MBTA station from 3A (4 hour limit). Once parked, cross 3A at the light and go down the Spur trail for 0.5 miles. If coming by public transport, this is the easiest station to come to. Route 3A / Sohier St Cohasset. A large car park a few yards beyond the intersection of...

Great waking trails of varying lengths! Main trails are easily walkable and were mostly clear of debris even only a week after a big storm. However, many people allow their dogs to walk off leash despite posted signs against it, so if your dog is other dog aggressive or reactive, I would not recommend taking the risk since in an hour walk I saw 4 dogs off leash. Also trails have maps at every intersection with another path so you know know where you are along the walk. Last thing is there was one spot where the wetland had flooded the trail but it was still walkable as long as you don't mind getting your shoes wet, I have included a photo of this location...