Wompatuck Loop

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Wildlife

This State Park is one of Boston's nearest options for designated camping. Additionally, the park is open to a variety of activities like mountain biking, horseback riding, and, of course, hiking. With over 40 miles of trails, this network can be explored again and again without repeating the same trail and it's open to dogs on leash.

With a combination of dirt trails and paved roads that are closed to vehicles, hiking in Wompatuck is a great experience for all ages and abilities. This loop hike provides a sample of what Wompatuck has to offer, and it can be done in reverse or revised to accommodate varying groups or time constraints.

Trail maps, restrooms, and water are available at the Visitor's Center.

From the Visitor's Center and main parking area, head east on the paved road which serves as part of the Healthy Heart Loop. At the first intersection, turn left (north) on N2 - N11, the first of many wooded trails through the northwest corner of the park.

At N11, turn right (southeast) on the paved road section for a hundred feet or so looking for the lefthand entrance onto N16 South Access. Cross the creek below Triphammer Pond before heading east (right) onto N16 - N17. Continue through the maze of trails, keeping an eye on the trail map or Hiking Project mobile app. When in doubt, continue east toward Doane Street as you gain elevation gradually toward the high point of the hike right before the two-mile mark.

Right after the high point, at junction 25, you'll cross town lines from Hingham to Cohasset. This is also a great spot to cut your hike in half by taking the paved road to the right (southwest) toward junction N32 and N14 beyond that. For this loop, continue southeast toward N31.

Just before N31, turn right (southwest) onto the Doane Street - Wildcat Pond trail to cross back into Hingham and turn right toward C7 and Wildcat Pond. From here, head northwest to N33 and then N33 - N14, before a final paved section back to the Visitor's Center.