The Nook - Kingston, MA

Enjoy a leisurely stroll and beautiful view beside the historic Jones River.

The Nook lies at the mouth of the Jones River, part of the last quiet refuge amidst the heavily developed Rocky Nook peninsula in Kingston. The land drops gently to the estuary, affording an expansive view of the salt marsh meadow and tidal creek. Wild geranium, a showy relative of the more familiar garden plant, grows here; it is uncommon in the region and may thrive on the calcium-rich soil from the scattered middens of shells left by Native Americans who once summered here.

Access:

The Nook offers visitors one of our less strenuous terrains, as the trail is largely flat and smooth.

Acquired:

Donated to Wildlands Trust in 1992 by Mary C. Cherry.

History:

The area was once a much-favored area for Native Americans. When you walk the land today, an old cart path leads you through the pine and red cedar thickets, recalling the days when this property was used as active farmland and pasture.

After your walk, make sure to visit the nearby memorial to pilgrim John Howland across the street.

Location:

West of Howlands Lane (approx. 66 Howlands Lane, Kingston, MA)

Directions:

From Route 3: Take Exit 18 (old Exit 9) and merge onto MA-3A S/Main St. Drive for 0.9 mile and turn left onto Howlands Lane. Continue on Howlands Lane for about a half mile. Parking is on the left.

Parking:

Parking is on the left side of Howlands Lane, across from the Pilgrim John Howland Memorial. ​