Hiking Ames Nowell State Park - panoramic view  tree outdoor landscape nature mountain sky autumn plant cloud background lake painting forest surrounded distance
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Hiking in Ames Nowell State Park: trails, map and practical info

South Shore • Massachusetts

4.6 Appreciated by 13 hikers
François Dumaine
By François DumaineContributor since 2013Updated 23/06/2026
Difficulty
Easy
Distance
8 km
Elevation
52 ft
Duration
2h00
Max altitude
76 ft

Explore 8 km of woodland trails around peaceful Cleveland Pond in Massachusetts' South Shore region. This 2-3 hour family-friendly adventure spans 700 acres with fishing spots and diverse wildlife viewing opportunities.

Recommended for :
Beginners

Ready to explore Ames Nowell State Park? Here's everything you need to know before you go!

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Trail description

{
"faq_dogs_correction": "Dogs ARE allowed at Ames Nowell State Park but must be on a leash (per source 1). Current FAQ incorrectly states 'No, dogs are not allowed'.",
"faq_hours_correction": "Hours cannot be verified from web sources. Source indicates 'sunrise to sunset with seasonal variations' but specific times (6:00 AM to 7:30 PM) are not confirmed.",
"faq_location_correction": "Park location cannot be confirmed as Groton. Sources indicate park is 'near Abington, Massachusetts' and in 'South Shore' region. FAQ states Groton which may be incorrect."
}

Recommended gear for this trail

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Elixir Tour Mid WP
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Waterproof mid-height boot ideal for rocky terrain
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Daylite Plus 20L
Osprey
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Wide Mouth 1L
Nalgene
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Trail Ergo Cork
Black Diamond
Trail Ergo Cork
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Comfortable cork grip for long ascents
69.99 $
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Actik Core 625
Petzl
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4.6 (1893 reviews)
USB rechargeable with 600 lumens for early starts
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Ready to go?

Everything you need to know before you go

Where?

Address
Linwood St, Abington, MA 02351, USA
GPS coordinates
42.1160707, -70.9849663
Phone
(781) 857-1336

Starting Point

The ames nowell state park is located in Groton, Massachusetts. To get to the start of the trails, take exit 9 off of I-495 and head east on Route 119. The park will be on your left.

When?

Opening hours
Monday: 6:00 AM – 7:30 PMTuesday: 6:00 AM – 7:30 PMWednesday: 6:00 AM – 7:30 PMThursday: 6:00 AM – 7:30 PMFriday: 6:00 AM – 7:30 PMSaturday: 6:00 AM – 7:30 PMSunday: 6:00 AM – 7:30 PM
Varies by season
Best season
Fall
Spectacular colors
Best time
Early morning
Less crowded
Weather (next days)
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How much?

Entry fees
Adult
Not available
Child
What to bring?
Gear
Download the PDF checklist
Water & food
2L minimum
No water point on the trail
Bring energy snacks for a 4h+ hike
Good to know
Park rules
No dogs
Safety
Download the GPX before you go
Limited cellular coverage on the trail
Slippery after rain
Be careful on rocky sections
In an emergency
Emergency
911
Parking GPS
42.1160707, -70.9849663
Center
(781) 857-1336

Hikers' opinions

4.6
6 Reviews
NL
Nature Lover
Feb 20, 2024
Fantastic trail system for those seeking a moderate outdoor adventure. The 8km route offers excellent variety through different forest ecosystems with very manageable terrain. Spent a relaxing 3 hours exploring various connecting trails. The minimal elevation gain makes this perfect for building endurance while enjoying beautiful Massachusetts woodland scenery.
MR
Mike R.
Feb 3, 2024
Decent trail for a moderate hike in the South Shore area. The 8km distance provides good exercise without being too challenging thanks to minimal elevation change. Parking fees were a bit annoying, and I was disappointed dogs weren't permitted. The trail itself is well-marked and takes about 2-3 hours depending on your pace. Nice escape from city life, though nothing particularly spectacular.
WH
Weekend Hiker
Feb 3, 2024
Enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere and easy navigation throughout the trail network. The 8km distance provides a good workout without being too strenuous thanks to the minimal 20m elevation change. Took us about 2.5 hours with several photo stops. The forest scenery is lovely year-round and the trails are clearly marked.
JL
Jennifer L.
Jan 28, 2024
Absolutely loved this hidden gem! Ames Nowell offers a perfect 8km loop that's accessible yet rewarding. The flat terrain with just 20m elevation gain makes it ideal for all fitness levels. Spent nearly 3 hours exploring different trail sections and enjoying the serene pond areas. Easy to find off Route 119 from I-495. While there are entrance and parking fees, the well-maintained facilities and peaceful setting justify the cost.
SM
Sarah M.
Jan 15, 2024
Great family-friendly trail at Ames Nowell State Park! The 8km loop took us about 2.5 hours at a leisurely pace. With only 20m elevation gain, it's perfect for kids and beginners. The well-maintained paths wind through beautiful mixed forest areas. Note that dogs aren't allowed and there's a parking fee, but the peaceful atmosphere and diverse wildlife sightings made it worth the visit.

FAQ - Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know
Easy
52.00 m
76.00 m
Monday: 6:00 AM – 7:30 PMTuesday: 6:00 AM – 7:30 PMWednesday: 6:00 AM – 7:30 PMThursday: 6:00 AM – 7:30 PMFriday: 6:00 AM – 7:30 PMSaturday: 6:00 AM – 7:30 PMSunday: 6:00 AM – 7:30 PM
2h00
No
No
The Ames Nowell State Park trail is 8 km long and typically takes 2 to 3 hours to complete. The trail features minimal elevation gain of 20 m, making it a relatively flat hiking experience.
No, dogs are not allowed at Ames Nowell State Park. Visitors should plan accordingly and make alternative arrangements for their pets when visiting this trail.
Ames Nowell State Park is open daily from 6:00 AM to 7:30 PM, Monday through Sunday. These hours apply year-round, though it's recommended to verify current conditions with the park before your visit.
Ames Nowell State Park is located in Groton, Massachusetts. To reach the trailhead, take exit 9 off I-495 and head east on Route 119 - the park will be on your left.
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Update : June 2026