World’s End Trail in Hingham, MA

For every long trip we take, Dave makes an elaborate spreadsheet listing mileage and campground reservation numbers and all that sort of thing, and I make a no less elaborate but much less spreadsheet-y day-by-day itinerary document with all our tentative plans for each day. The number of categories on the itinerary has grown over the years, expanding from the basics like big attractions and restaurant ideas to include more obscure things like craft breweries and best ice cream stops. I also try to find some good hiking possibilities at every stop. We don’t always actually get to the hikes I find, but I like to have them on there even on mostly urban stops for days when we’re tired of museums and to remind us that there are great hikes to be found in unexpected areas.

So even though our stay at Normandy Farms outside of Boston was mostly given over to city sightseeing, we found time for this pleasant little hike at World’s End in Hingham, a seaside town about 20 miles from Boston (and 30 miles from Normandy Farms). We went with Dave’s parents and met up with his Aunt Kathy who lives nearby, and it was a nice, laid-back place to get in some walking and catch up with family.

World’s End is one of a number of properties maintained in Massachusetts by The Trustees; the site encompasses 251 acres with carriage paths turned hiking trails laid out by Frederick Law Olmstead that allow for ambling along the coastline and taking in great views of the Boston skyline.

There’s a $10 parking fee, and advance purchase is required on weekends and encouraged on weekdays. We were there on a summer weekday, and it was quite busy, so I’d definitely buy in advance rather than risk being turned away. There are porta-potties but no permanent bathrooms, so plan accordingly.

There are a number of different paths you can take to piece together a loop of a couple of miles. There are some gentle grades, but nothing terribly arduous; it’s a great hike for young kids.

And that’s all I’ve got for today–just a pleasant hike with some nice views if you’re in the Boston area and want a break from the city.

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