        
| Property Description |
129 acres | Established 1970 |
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In the 1920s, Albert and Eleanor Norris began purchasing land along the North River, a National Natural Landmark and a Commonwealth of Massachusetts Scenic River. They eventually built a cottage, cut a trail system, opened up the shady forest to attract wildflowers and ferns, and created a haven for woodland and riverside wildlife.
A walk through the Reservation takes in a cathedral of pines, groves of beech, and scattered American holly. A lichen-covered granite outcrop, set too deep for early farmers to remove, emerges from the forest floor. Stone walls mark former property boundaries, pastures, and croplands. A rustic boathouse serves as an observation deck over the North River.
The Norris Reservation owes much to the millers, farmers, and shipbuilders who used and shaped this landscape. In 1690, the energy of Second Herring Brook was first harnessed to run a gristmill and then a sawmill. Farmers later cleared the forest, grazed cattle near the river's banks, and harvested salt hay. Between 1650 and 1870, shipyards or landings operated along tidal parts of the North River. Skilled shipwrights turned white oak and pine into various sailing vessels. |
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| Trails |
| 2 miles of trails. Easy walking. |
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| Facilities |
| Benches. Boat House overlooking North River (tie-ups not permitted) |
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| Tours & Programs |
| Interpretive tours and programs for families and adults are offered throughout the year. For listings, visit our Events Calendar or contact Interpreter Meg Connolly at mconnolly@ttor.org. |
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| Literature |
| Printed trail maps are distributed free from bulletin boards in parking areas. Please understand that supplies periodically run out. You may also download trail maps from this web site or mail order trail maps in advance of your visit. |
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| Property Acquisition History |
| Original acreage a gift of Mrs. Albert F. Norris in 1970 in memory of her husband. Additional land given in 1982. Additional land given by Richard K. McMullan, Caroline McMullan Burke, and A. Dale McMullan in 1992, and by Ralph D. and Elizabeth W. Gordon in 2000. |
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Telephone:
781-821-2977
E-mail:
seregion@ttor.org
When to Visit:
Year-round, daily, sunrise to sunset. Allow a minimum of 1 hour.
Admission Fees & Permits:
Free to all. On-site donation welcome from nonmembers.
Regulations / Advisories:
Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times.
How to Get There:
From Route 3, take exit 13 onto Route 53 travelling north and follow for 0.6 mi. Turn right onto Route 123 (Main Street) and follow for 3 mi. towards Norwell center. Just before entering town center, turn right onto West Street and follow for 0.3 mi. until it dead ends into Dover Street. Entrance and parking area (12 cars) are straight ahead on Dover Street.
Road Map:
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