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Whitney and Thayer Woods
4.7 ★★★★★ 83 Google reviews · Running trail in Cohasset, Massachusetts · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Loop distance
- 10 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Whitney and Thayer Woods' own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Serene woodland park with 10 miles of trails, meadows & unique glacier boulders, plus city vistas.
What runners say about Whitney and Thayer Woods
“Miles of walking paths and hiking trails that are well-maintained.”
“Beautiful park to trail run and hike.”
“Great trails that are well marked with maps at every intersection.”
“The Whitney and Thayer woods are a peaceful oasis of 800 acres of quiet woodland and meadow in Hingham and Cohasset.”
“Great place for an easy hike/walk through some well marked trails.”
The Whitney and Thayer woods are a peaceful oasis of 800 acres of quiet woodland and meadow in Hingham and Cohasset. Most of the property is shaded woodland with seasonal streams and ponds, glimpses of old stone walls reflecting the historical agricultural heritage and dotted with large glacial boulders.
Love these trails and woods. I usually walk several miles in and out. Try to get a good workout and if you are as well I highly recommend this area. There are marked trails that are good for running, biking, walking/hiking. The color coded trails are great and they circle around making a good few miles on each.
Great trails that are well marked with maps at every intersection. The overlapping loop trails are great so you can do long or short hikes from the same trailhead.
Great place for a walk in the woods. The only beef is the blue loop trail has a section that's not accessible and marked private property. The only site map that shows this is right at the private property gate. Anyway still a nice walk.
Trail conditions & character
“Dogs: are welcome on leash and off leash, subject to the normal expectation of proper behavior and waste collection.”
“As mentioned above there are many maps located at the trail junctions as well as larger maps that are at the beginning of trails where parking is available.”
“The Whitney and Thayer woods are a peaceful oasis of 800 acres of quiet woodland and meadow in Hingham and Cohasset.”
“They’re mostly gentle, with rolling hills, making them accessible for families, though some sections can be rocky or muddy after rain.”
“The only beef is the blue loop trail has a section that's not accessible and marked private property.”
“Great trails that are well marked with maps at every intersection.”
“Perfect low intensity hiking for the family (1, 2, to 5 miles).”
“They’re mostly gentle, with rolling hills, making them accessible for families, though some sections can be rocky or muddy after rain.”
“They’re mostly gentle, with rolling hills, making them accessible for families, though some sections can be rocky or muddy after rain.”
Plan your run at Whitney and Thayer Woods
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- Loop distance10 mi back to where you parked. Long enough for a real long run.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Trail mapOfficial trail map
- Websitethetrustees.org
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Running trails near Cohasset
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Whitney Spur Rail Trail
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Wompatuck Pump Trail
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Wompatuck Main Entrance
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State park with trails for mountain biking and hiking, plus picnic tables.