Open Space & Conservation Locations

Lake Holbrook
Lake Holbrook

Holbrook Conservation Land & Open Spaces

  • Holbrook Town Forest is an ~115-acre conservation area in northeastern Holbrook, founded in 1955 on undeveloped land, and is maintained by the Town Forest Committee, with assistance from the Friends of the Holbrook Town Forest, and as well as being protected conservation land. The area contains woods, wetlands, small ponds and vernal pools, glacial outcroppings, and old stone walls. It has the distinction of being within the Cranberry Brook Watershed Area of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC), a designation that recognizes places due to the quality, uniqueness and significance of their natural and cultural resources, and increases environmental oversight. There are several trails, and activities include nature observation, walking/hiking, mountain biking, cross country skiing and snowshoeing.
  • Lake Holbrook is a 37-acre lake, surrounded mostly by single-family houses, but with several Town-owned parcels allowing public access, predominantly along North Shore Road. There are picnic tables and areas with scenic views, and activities also include nature observation and fishing.
  • There are several other areas designated as conservation land, but generally without clear public access or formal trails due to locations and/or the presence of wetlands and water bodies.

Other Nearby Open Spaces

  • Cranberry Pond Conservation Land is located in Braintree, adjacent to the Holbrook Town Forest, and is managed by the Town Conservation division and Conservation Commission. The area contains a pond, a brook, vernal pools, bogs, and an Atlantic Cedar swamp, which is a globally rare ecosystem. There are many trails, including connections between the Braintree and Holbrook open spaces, and activities include nature observation, walking/hiking, mountain biking and cross-country skiing.
  • Weymouth Great Pond is located in Weymouth near the town line and is managed by the Town, with the pond serving as the Town's public water reservoir. There is one main walking trail along the pond, that connects to two parks/playgrounds, and activities include nature observation, walking/hiking and biking. Note that dogs, fishing, boating, and swimming are prohibited to preserve water quality.
  • Ames Nowell State Park is located in Abington not far from the town line, and is managed by the state Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR). There are trails, and activities include nature observation, walking/hiking, fishing and non-motorized boating.
  • Blue Hills Reservation is located mainly in Milton and is managed by the state DCR. Blue Hills includes the Blue Hills Trailside Museum operated in partnership with MassAudubon, Houghton's Pond Recreation Area, and the seasonal Blue Hills Ski Area. There are many trails, and activities include nature observation, walking/hiking, mountain biking, skiing, non-motorized boating, fishing, and swimming.
  • Wompatuck State Park is located mainly in Hingham and is managed by the state DCR. There are many paved as well as natural-surfaced trails, and activities include nature observation, walking/hiking, biking and mountain biking, cross-country skiing, non-motorized boating, and camping.