The best walks and hikes around The Pinehills
4.5
(13)
184
hikers
45
hikes
Hiking around The Pinehills explores a landscape shaped by glacial activity, featuring rolling hills and depressions known as kames and kettles. The trail network winds through old-growth forests and extensive wooded paths, connecting to numerous ponds and nearby conservation areas. Many routes are on well-maintained paths, with options on both paved and unpaved surfaces.
Best hiking trails around The Pinehills
- The most popular hiking route is Long Island Pond Loop – Myles Standish State Forest, a 4.9 miles (7.8 km) trail that takes 2 hours 5 minutes to complete. This route circles a large pond within the adjacent state forest.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is Friends Trail Loop — Myles Standish State Forest, an easy 2.5 miles (4.1 km) path. This hike offers a shorter walk through the forest on generally flat terrain.
- Local hikers also love the Ellisville Harbor State Park Trail — Plymouth, a 1.8 miles (2.9 km) trail leading through coastal woodland, often completed in about 45 minutes.
- Hiking around The Pinehills is defined by its glacial topography, forested paths, and trails leading to coastal areas and ponds. The network provides a mix of easy, family-friendly hikes and longer, more moderate routes.
- The routes in The Pinehills are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.6 stars from more than 10 reviews. More than 150 hikers have used komoot to explore The Pinehills's varied terrain.
Last updated: August 22, 2026
4
hikers
5.86km
01:32
40m
50m
Betsy's Trail offers an easy hike through a mix of natural settings. You will enjoy peaceful views as the route takes you past the serene waters of Gallows Pond and Halfway Pond. This 3.6-mile (5.9 km) route has a gentle elevation gain of 130 feet (40 metres) and typically takes around 1 hour and 31 minutes to complete, making it a great option for a quick outdoor adventure.
When planning your visit, you will find parking typically available right at the trailhead, making access straightforward. While the trail is generally manageable, be aware that some sections may feature rocks and roots, so comfortable footwear is recommended. This route is suitable for most hikers looking for a relaxing outing.
As you hike, you can expect to move through varied natural landscapes, including both pine forests and open meadows. Keep an eye out for local wildlife, which often makes an appearance along the way. The trail's location within the Halfway Pond Conservation Area highlights its natural beauty and provides a refreshing escape into nature.
2
hikers
3.70km
00:57
10m
10m
Explore the Cranberry Bogs via Eel River Preserve Trail, an easy hiking route that guides you through a unique landscape of restored cranberry bogs. This gentle path covers 2.3 miles (3.7 km) with a minimal elevation gain of 45 feet (14 metres), making it perfect for a relaxed outing. You can expect to complete the hike in about 56 minutes, enjoying views of the Eel River and the tall Atlantic white cedar trees that now thrive here.
When planning your visit, be aware that while the trail is generally open and sunny, some sections can be muddy due to natural springs, so appropriate footwear is recommended. Benches are available along the path for resting, but there are no amenities like water, garbage cans, or toilets. Remember to bring everything you need and pack out all your waste to keep the preserve pristine.
This trail offers a fascinating glimpse into ecological restoration, as it winds through 40 acres of former commercial cranberry bogs that are gradually returning to their natural state. You will see indigenous cattails, pitch pines, and mosses, and it is a great spot for birdwatching, with ducks and red-tailed hawks often spotted. The preserve's transformation into a vibrant Atlantic white cedar swamp makes it a notable natural area.
Sign up for free
1
hikers
3.04km
00:48
30m
30m
Embark on the Long Island Pond Loop, an easy hiking route that guides you through scenic forest and wetland environments. You will enjoy tranquil views of Island Pond, offering a peaceful spot to pause and take in the natural surroundings. This accessible trail covers 1.9 miles (3.0 km) with a gentle elevation gain of 104 feet (32 metres), making it a perfect choice for a quick outdoor escape that takes about 48 minutes to complete.
When planning your visit, you will find the Long Island Pond Loop generally accessible, with parking typically available near the trailhead. Before heading out, it is always a good idea to check the local regulations for the Beaver Dam Conservation Area. This ensures you are aware of any specific rules regarding dog-friendly policies or potential seasonal access changes that might affect your hike.
This route offers a wonderful opportunity to immerse yourself in the local landscape without the challenge of a strenuous climb. It is situated within the Beaver Dam Conservation Area, providing a chance to experience the area's unique ecosystem. The trail's design allows you to connect with nature and enjoy the serene atmosphere of the pond and its surrounding habitats.
3.10km
00:48
10m
10m
An easy 1.9-mile hike in Russell Mill Pond Conservation Area, offering scenic views of the Eel River and woodlands.
2.18km
00:36
40m
30m
Hike the easy 1.4-mile Gallows Pond Preserve trail in Halfway Pond Conservation Area, featuring diverse forests and views of two ponds.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Tips from the Community
The views of the pond are spectacular from this road. Halfway Pond, a 232-acre warm water pond nestled in Plymouth, Massachusetts, sits between Myles Standish State Forest and Long Pond. Located west of Round Pond, southwest of Gallows Pond, and north of Fawn Pond and White Island Pond, it boasts an average depth of nine feet and a maximum depth of 13 feet. Fed by groundwater springs, it drains into the Agawam River. Halfway Pond Island, positioned at the pond's center, is designated a research natural area under The Nature Conservancy in Massachusetts' management.
0
0
Gallows Pond is a kettle pond, meaning that it was formed by retreating glaciers thousands of years ago. Due to its clear, cool waters, it is a popular swimming, sun bathing, fishing, and boating spot in the summer months.
0
0
Halfway Pond is not only a picturesque New England freshwater pond, but it also provides habitat for the federally endangered northern red-bellied cooter, a rare freshwater turtle species. Because the water is so clean, six mussel species live in Halfway Pond, two of which are quite rare. Additionally, the shores of the pond offer excellent opportunities for spotting bald eagles. You can enjoy many different seasonal activities such as canoeing and kayaking in the summer, hiking in the fall, snowshoeing in the winter, or searching for wildflowers in the spring.
0
0
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the hiking trails in The Pinehills open to the public?
Yes, The Pinehills features over 10 miles of trails that are open to the public for activities like hiking and biking. These trails wind through the community's forests and conservation lands.
Are dogs allowed on the trails around The Pinehills?
Yes, dogs are generally welcome on the trails in and around The Pinehills, including nearby parks like Ellisville Harbor State Park. It's always best practice to keep your dog on a leash and to clean up after them to ensure the trails remain enjoyable for everyone.
Can you suggest some easy, family-friendly hikes?
The area is excellent for families, with many accessible trails. The majority of the 31 hikes in the region are rated as easy. A great option is the Friends Trail Loop — Myles Standish State Forest, which is a relatively short and flat walk through the woods, making it suitable for hikers of all ages.
What is the terrain like? Are there many paved trails?
The landscape is defined by glacial 'kames and kettles,' creating a pleasantly rolling terrain with gentle hills rather than steep climbs. While some main walkways are paved and stroller-friendly, most hiking routes are on well-maintained but unpaved dirt paths through the forest.
Is there parking available for the hiking trails?
Yes, parking is available at various trailheads and access points. For trails within The Pinehills community, there are designated parking areas. Nearby parks like Ellisville Harbor State Park and Beaver Dam Conservation Area also have their own parking lots for visitors.
Are the trails suitable for trail running?
Absolutely. The rolling hills and well-maintained paths are very popular with local trail runners. The mix of wider paths and singletrack trails provides varied options for different types of runs. The Pine Hills MTB area is also frequently used by runners looking for more challenging climbs.
Are there any coastal or beach walks nearby?
Yes, for a beautiful coastal experience, the Plymouth Long Beach — Plymouth walk offers a long, scenic hike along a sandy barrier beach. It's a great way to experience the area's coastal beauty and is particularly good for bird watching.
Are there any historical sites along the trails?
Yes, one of the most significant historical landmarks is Sacrifice Rock. This site holds importance for the Wampanoag people and is located along what was once an indigenous path, offering a direct connection to the area's rich history.
What should I know about ticks in this area?
As with most wooded and grassy areas in New England, ticks can be present, especially from spring through fall. It is advisable to use insect repellent, wear long pants, and perform a thorough tick check on yourself and any pets after your hike.
Where can I find a good trail for wildlife viewing?
The Tidmarsh Wildlife Sanctuary Loop — Plymouth is an excellent choice. This trail winds through a restored wetland and coastal ecosystem, offering prime opportunities to see a wide variety of birds and other local wildlife in their natural habitat.
How do the trails here compare to those in Myles Standish State Forest?
The Pinehills trails are known for being meticulously maintained and integrated within a planned community, often featuring wider, more accessible paths. Myles Standish State Forest offers a more rustic and expansive wilderness experience with a vast network of trails and ponds, such as the popular Long Island Pond Loop. The two areas are adjacent, allowing you to easily explore both.
What do other hikers think of the trails around The Pinehills?
The trails are highly regarded by the komoot community. Reviewers often praise the beautiful scenery of the glacial kettle and kame landscape, the well-marked paths, and the peaceful forest environment.
Most popular attractions around The Pinehills
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Browse the best Hikes in other regions.
