Wompatuck State Park

May 10, 2020 Sunny

This large state park is mainly located within Hingham on the south shore. It has a 250 site campground as well as paved bicycle trails and a network of mountain bike trails. The land was once owned by Chief Josiah Wompatuck, who deeded it to the settlers in 1655.

We took a loop trail that started into the woods from the large visitor center parking lot and headed west, passing by a stone wall.

Eventually we reached an old bridle path that followed along the edge of the park.

Soon we arrived at the really lovely Woodpecker Pond, where we found a few ducks that shyly swam away. The pictures below start to show how striking the reflected sky appeared in the waters.

The forest was at times somewhat swampy but there were well-maintained boardwalks to cross these sections.

Some parts of the trail were strewn with large boulders and running brooks with clear water. This area was refreshing and the current was suprisingly swift.

Starting on a trail toward the visitor center, we found a cool obstacle course that was designed for mountain bikers. In fact, we came across a web of mountain bike trails and riders just beyond this point.

Eventually, we emerged onto a peaceful stretch of paved roads that are closed to motorized vehicles. Surprisingly, there were just a handful of walkers and almost no bicyclists. The interesting thing here is that the road is lined with military structures from the time when this was the Hingham Naval Ammunition Depot Annex.

Continuing along the paved trail, we turned on a trail that followed some abandoned railroad tracks. Suddenly we came to our goal, Triphammer Pond, following the loop trail.

Plenty of people were on this trail and some of them fishing from the dam on this side of the pond. It was beautiful in the late afternoon sun.

From here it was a quick walk back to the visitor center.

• The forest had some wild parts, but the rusty relics from the past military use cast a shadow in my view. However, the flat and wide bicycle paths looked ideal for younger riders.
• A variety of landscape, best enjoyed on bikes.
• Lake. Forest. Path. It feels like I’ve been here before.
• It was just another forest along a lake. Okay.
• I liked throwing the rocks through the fence. And there were sign about Wompatuck.

For more information: Wompatuck State Park official site