Massachusetts State Parks
Ames Nowell State Park
Linwood St., Abington, MA 02351
Ames Nowell is open year-round for daytime recreation. Cleveland Pond is popular with boaters and fisherman. If you're looking to stay dry, there are several miles of trails along the pond edge and surrounding woods.
Phone
(781) 857-1336
Ashland State Park
156 West Union St, Ashland, MA 01721
Ashland State Park has 470 acres including a 157 acre reservoir. The park operates seasonally and offers hiking, biking, boating, swimming, and fishing.
Phone
(508) 881-4092
Beartown State Forest
69 Blue Hill Road, Monterey, MA 01245
This 12,000 acre forest is the perfect place to visit no matter the season. Swim, boat, or fish in Benedict Pond.
Phone
(413) 528-0904
Blackstone River and Canal Heritage State Park
287 Oak St. , Uxbridge, MA 01569
The Blackstone River features 1000 acres of natural park, filled with trails and historical sites. The park also has biking, horseback riding, canoe access, fishing, hunting, picnic areas and more.
Phone
(508) 278-7604
Borderland State Park
259 Massapoag Ave., North Easton, MA 02356
Borderland State Park features a historic mansion open for tours. This park also features trails for hiking, biking, or horseback riding, fishing and boating in the pond, and facilities for tennis and disc golf.
Phone
(508) 238-6566
Sunday - Saturday:
8:00 am-4:00 pm
Boston Harbor Islands
Boston Harbor Islands, Boston, MA 02110
Explore 13 islands of Boston Harbor, 2 of which are publicly accessible by ferry in 2021 and offer lots of activities. You'll find swimming, boating, hiking and camping among the most popular. You're also welcome to host your next group outing on one of these beautiful islands.
Phone
(781) 740-1605
Sunday - Saturday:
9:00 am-5:00 pm
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C.M. Gardner State Park
Rte. 112 North, Huntington, MA 01050
Enjoy a relaxing day by the water exploring the rolling Berkshire foothills. Walk or picnic along the Westfield River East Branch, go fishing, or take out a canoe or kayak.
Charles River Reservation
1175A Soldiers Field Road, Boston, MA 02116
This 20-mile reservation stretches along the Charles River and offers plenty of activities, from picnics and playgrounds to sports fields, boating, and bike paths.
Phone
(617) 727-4708
Clarksburg State Park
1199 Middle Rd, Clarksburg, MA 01247
Clarksburg State Park offers 368 acres of abundant northern hardwood forest. Come camp, hike, ski, go boating or fishing and enjoy the views.
Phone
(413) 664-8345
Cochituate State Park
43 Commonwealth Road, Natick, MA 01760
Cochituate State Park's main feature is Lake Cochituate, which is made up of three linked ponds.
Phone
(508) 653-9641
Connecticut River Greenway State Park
The Connecticut River Greenway connects parks and other areas along the Connecticut River. Up to 8 parks are accessible from the greenway as you follow it across the state. You'll find river access with public boat ramps all along the river.
Phone
(413) 586-8706 ext. 3
Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) State Forrest
DAR State Forest offers dozens of campsites, forest trails, a lake to swim and fish in.
Phone
(413) 268-7098
Demarest Lloyd State Park
115 Barneys Joy Road, Dartmouth, MA 02748
This park is one of the best kept secrets in the Massachusetts forest and park system. Here, an 1800-foot saltwater beach is backed by rambling hills of beach grass and shaded, grassy picnic sites. A broad, scenic marsh lines the Slocum River on the park's eastern edge. The beach is ideal for families with children. The Buzzards Bay surf is calm and shallow, meaning warm water temperatures through most of the summer. It is also a great spot to see egrets, herons, ospreys, terns and hawks.
Phone
(508) 636-3298
Sunday:
8:00 am-6:00 pm
Monday - Friday:
10:00 am-6:00 pm
Saturday:
8:00 am-6:00 pm
Dighton Rock State Park
3rd Ave., Berkley, MA 02779 Directions
Dighton Rock State Park offers the perfect setting for a picnic. You'll find soft, grassy areas covered by shade trees by the Taunton River. You can also fish or canoe, or take a walk through the 85-acre park. Interested in local history? Visit the museum (by appointment only) to learn about the mysterious carvings in Dighton Rock.
Phone
(508) 822-7537
Douglas State Forest
107 Wallum Lake Road, Douglas, MA 01516 Directions
5,907-acre Douglas State Forest borders Connecticut and Rhode Island. Enjoy swimming and boating at Wallum Lake or hike miles of woodland trails.
Phone
(508) 476-7872
Dunn State Park
289 Pearl St., Gardner, MA 01440 Directions
Dunn State Park has a range of universally accessible activities, from fishing to hiking to swimming.
Phone
(978) 632-7897
Elm Bank Reservation
900 Washington St., Wellesley, MA 02482 Directions
There is plenty to see as you walk through this park. Take a hike through the woodlands and find a variety of wildlife. Stroll through the gardens for a glimpse of amazing landscaping.
Phone
(508) 653-9641
Erving State Forest
Erving State Forest, Erving, MA 01344 Directions
Visit for a swim or hike, camp at one of our 27 sites, or kayak on Laurel Lake.
Phone
(978) 544-3939
Great Brook Farm State Park
165 North Road, Carlisle, MA 01741 Directions
This 1000-acre park features more than 20 miles of trails. You can see notable Native American sites and 17th-century cellar holes leftover from English settlers. There's also an active dairy farm that offers free tours on weekends.
Phone
(978) 369-6312
Hampton Ponds State Park
1048 North Road, Westfield, MA 01085 Directions
Hampton Ponds State Park is located near Westfield, Mass, and is just the place for a relaxing summer day. Spend some time on the water before having lunch at one the many grill-equipped picnic areas.
Phone
(413) 532-3985
Harold Parker State Forest
305 Middleton Road, North Andover, MA 01845 Directions
Harold Parker State Forest is a located in Andover, Mass, only an hour north of Boston. With 35 miles of trails, 11 ponds, and dozens of campsites, there’s something in this Central Hardwood-Hemlock-White Pine forest for everyone.
Phone
(978) 686-3391
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Hopkinton State Park
164 Cedar St., Hopkinton, MA 01748 Directions
Hopkinton State Park includes a little bit of everything: 1,500 acres of forest crisscrossed by hiking trails, beaches, stocked fishing, first-come-first-served picnic areas, and a reservable group picnic site.
Phone
(508) 435-4303
Sunday - Saturday:
8:00 am-8:00 pm
Kenneth Dubuque Memorial State Forest
466 W. Hawley Road, Plainfield, MA 01070 Directions
Explore 35 miles of mixed-use trail throughout this 7,882-acre woodland. You can hike, mountain bike, and snowmobile. Keep a lookout for remains of the past, such as cellar holes from the abandoned village of South Hawley, a rare fieldstone "beehive" charcoal kiln, and the remains of a mill at Hallockville Pond.
Phone
(413) 339-5504
Lake Dennison Recreation Area
86 Winchendon Road, Baldwinville, MA 01436 Directions
Located in Winchendon, the Lake Dennison Recreation Area has 150 campsites and a beach where you can swim.
Due to recent weather conditions, snowmobile trails are closed until further notice.
Phone
(978) 939-8962 year round
Sunday - Saturday:
10:00 am-8:00 pm
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Lawrence Heritage State Park
1 Jackson St., Lawrence, MA 01840 Directions
Lawrence, MA was one of the nation's first planned cities, and you can learn about its history and development at Lawrence Heritage State Park. The exhibits in the Visitors Center, a restored 1840s boarding house, tell the stories of Lawrence's mill workers, including their role in the 1912 Bread and Roses Strike. You can also learn about the immigrant populations who settled in Lawrence, and test your skills by planning your own industrial city. Visitors can also walk the esplanade alongside the Merrimac River.
Phone
(978) 794-1655
Sunday - Saturday:
9:00 am-4:00 pm
Leominster State Forest
1 Fitchburg Road, Westminster, MA 01473 Directions
From hiking and mountain biking to rock climbing and fishing, Leominster State Forest has everything for outdoor enthusiasts. Hike a segment of the 95-mile Midstate Trail or take a dip in Crow Hill Pond. In the winter, break out your cross-country skis or snowshoes.
Phone
(978) 874-2303
Lowell Heritage State Park
160 Pawtucket Boulevard, Lowell, MA 01854 Directions
Lowell Heritage State Park features exhibits, created in partnership with the National Park Service, that will teach you about the historic network of canals and mills constructed in the 19th century to power Lowell's then-bustling textile industry. Also, the 2-mile waterfront stretch is great for summer concerts and boating.
Phone
(978) 458-8750
Lower Neponset River Trail
Hallet Street, Boston, MA 02124 Directions
This rail trail spans 5 miles from Dorchester, MA into Milton, MA. Enjoy the views of the Neponset River as you walk or ride along the trail. Nearby parks also offer plenty of fun for the family.
Phone
(617) 727-6034
Massasoit State Park
1361 Middleboro Ave., East Taunton, MA 02718 Directions
Head out on foot or by bike on Massasoit State Park's trails. This is an especially nice park to visit in the fall, when you can see the contrast of scarlet cranberry bogs and pine trees. There are also plenty of ponds in which to fish.
Phone
(508) 828-4231
Middlesex Fells Reservation
4 Woodland Road, Stoneham, MA 02180 Directions
At Middlesex Fells, you can hike, bike, fish, or let your dog run free in the off-leash area. BOAT RENTALS ONLY. Rent a canoe or kayak to explore Spot Pond.
Phone
(617) 727-1199 ext. 406
Mohawk Trail State Forest
Cold River Road, Charlemont, MA 01339 Directions
Mohawk Trail State Forest is one of the most scenic woodland areas in Massachusetts. It covers 6,000 acres of mountain ridges, gorges, and woods, and it is home to a variety of plant and animal life.
Phone
(413) 339-5504
Moore State Park
1 Sawmill Road, Paxton, MA 01612 Directions
Moore State Park spans 400 acres and is located in the heart of Massachusetts. Between the 18th and early 20th centuries, it was home to grist and saw mills. Today, visitors come to glimpse its popular waterfalls and cascades of flower blooms. Other attractions include the stone mill foundations, a restored sawmill, and networks of wooded paths.
Phone
(508) 792-3969
Mount Tom State Reservation
125 Reservation Road, Holyoke, MA 01040 Directions
Mount Tom features wonderful views of the Pioneer Valley in west-central Massachusetts. The area is also a great place to bird watch--especially for hawks.
Phone
(413) 534-1186
Myles Standish State Forest
194 Cranberry Rd., Carver, MA 02330 Directions
Myles Standish State Forest offers plenty of year-round activities for the entire family. If you’re looking for a place to camp, swim, or explore the outdoors, this southeastern park is for you.
Phone
(508) 866-2526
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Neponset River Reservation
76 Hill Top St., Boston, MA 02124 Directions
The Neponset River Reservation extends from Milton, MA to the Boston Harbor. The Neponset is a natural inlet, and you'll find marshlands and freshwater wetlands all along its length. In addition to hiking and boating, you can also find playgrounds and spray decks throughout the reservation.
Phone
(617) 727-5290
Nickerson State Park
3488 Main St., Brewster, MA 02631 Directions
1,900-acre Nickerson State Park is located in Brewster, MA on Cape Cod. There's plenty of wooded trails and ponds to explore, and Nickerson also offers more than 400 campsites.
Phone
(508) 896-3491
October Mountain State Forest
317 Woodland Road, Lee, MA 01238 Directions
At 16,500 acres, October Mountain is the largest state forest in Massachusetts. You'll find trails for any level of hiking experience, and you can also visit nearby Tanglewood, popular music venue and home to the Boston Symphony Orchestra.
Phone
(413) 243-1778
Pittsfield State Forest
1041 Cascade St., Pittsfield, MA 01201 Directions
This sprawling, 11,000-acre forest includes Berry Pond and 30 miles of trails. Whether hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, or exploring the mountain range to Berry Pond, you're sure to find the perfect outdoor adventure.
Phone
(413) 442-8992
Pope John Paul II Park Reservation
Hallet Street, Boston, MA 02124 Directions
Once a landfill, Pope John Paul II Park now offers picnicking, trails, athletic fields, and more. This is also a good place to look for birds and wildlife, which have also benefited from the restoration.
Phone
(617) 727-6034
Rutland State Park
49 Whitehall Road, Rutland, MA 01543 Directions
Hike the trails across 300-acre Rutland State Park. You can also visit Whitehall Pond to swim, boat, or picnic near the beach.
Phone
(508) 886-6333
Sandisfield State Forest (York Lake)
Route 183 and East Hill Road, New Marlboro, MA 01230 Directions
This northern hardwood forest includes hiking trails and York Lake, which is stocked with trout and open to non-motorized boats.
Phone
(413) 229-8212
Savoy Mountain State Forest
260 Central Shaft Road, Florida, MA 01247 Directions
Savoy Mountain State Forest offers more than 50 miles of trails. You can also camp at one our tent sites, or reserve a log cabin.
Phone
(413) 663-8469
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South Cape Beach State Park
668 Great Oak Road, Mashpee, MA 02649 Directions
Spend the day relaxing along South Cape Beach's mile of white sands.
Phone
(508) 457-0495
Spencer State Forest
51 Howe Road, Spencer, MA 01562 Directions
The 965-acre Spencer State Forest features trails that run for miles through the woods and across rivers. Visitors can picnic at Howe Pond, cross-country ski, and snowmobile.
Phone
(508) 886-6333
Squantum Point Park
Victory Road, Quincy, MA 02171 Directions
This former Naval airfield is now a beautiful waterfront park. Squantum Point offers great views of the Boston Skyline across the harbor and is a popular spot for birdwatching.
Phone
(617) 727-5290
Tenean Beach
Conley St., Dorchester, MA 02122 Directions
Tenean Beach is more than just a swimming destination. A playground and tennis and basketball courts offer plenty of fun for all ages.
Phone
(617) 727-5290
Tolland State Forest
410 Tolland Road, East Otis , MA 01029 Directions
At the center of Tolland State Forest sits the 1,065-acre Otis Reservoir, which offers a variety of recreational activities. A boat launch is available for boats up to 24 feet in length. No watercraft, except pontoon or sail powered boats, may exceed 24 feet in length. No boats with bathrooms are allowed on the Otis Reservoir.
The beach area is currently CLOSED under renovation.
Phone
(413) 269-6002
Upper Charles River Reservation
96 Forest Grove Road, Waltham, MA 02453 Directions
The Upper Charles River Reservation extends from the Watertown Dam to Riverdale Park in West Roxbury, MA. Now that native plants have been restored to the riverbanks, birds and wildlife have returned. You can follow paths that wind along the Charles River, through the towns of Watertown, Waltham, Newton and Weston.
Phone
(617) 727-1058
Walden Pond State Reservation
915 Walden St., Concord, MA 01742 Directions
Let a visit to Walden Pond bring you back in time to the mid-1800's. Experience the connection with nature that inspired Henry David Thoreau's Walden. Enjoy a day of swimming, walking around the famous pond or boating out on the water. Also be sure to visit the replica of Thoreau's single-room cabin.
Organized groups must call in advance to make a reservation. Park hours vary seasonally.
Phone
(978) 369-3254
Sunday - Saturday:
7:00 am-4:00 pm
Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve
131 Waquoit, East Falmouth, MA 02536 Directions
Waquoit Bay has 2,700 acres of open waters, barrier beaches, marshlands, and uplands. The reserve is representative of typical shallow bay environment. Enjoy discovering the bay, by land or water.
Phone
(508) 457-0495
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Webb Memorial State Park
371 River St., North Weymouth, MA 02191 Directions
Webb Memorial State Park is a peninsula that extends half a mile into Hingham Bay. Visitors are treated to scenic views of Boston's harbor and skyline, and groups can rent a pavilion for special events from May - October. Available activities include fishing, picnicking, and walking.
Phone
(781) 337-8624
Wells State Park
159 Walker Pond Road, Sturbridge, MA 01566 Directions
Wells State Park was, established in 1968, is a 1400 acre public recreation area located off Route 49 in Sturbridge, Massachusetts. The park offers 12 miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and cross-county skiing. The woodlands are made up of an oak-hickory forest and northern hardwood forest types with groves of eastern white pine. Terrain is rugged with ledges interspersed between wetlands.
A notable trail leads to the cliffs of Carpenter Rocks, named after John Carpenter, who built and operated a sawmill nearby. Scenic views include the eastern section of Walker Pond and surrounding wooded valley.
Walker Pond's 104 acres provide opportunities for boating and fishing. The fish population is made up of largemouth bass, chain pickerel, yellow perch, white perch, bluegill, pumpkin-seed, brown bullhead, white suckers, golden and bridled shiners.
Phone
(508) 347-9257
Wendell State Forest
392 Wendell Rd, Millers Falls, MA 01349 Directions
Wendell State Forest is 7,566 acres of rolling forested hills, streams, ponds, trails, a baseball diamond, and a picnic area. You can visit Wendell any time of year.
Phone
(413) 659-3797
Whitehall State Park
300 Wood St., Hopkinton, MA 01748 Directions
Whitehall State Park's main feature is the Whitehall Reservoir, where visitors can boat (boat ramp available) and fish. The reservoir is a popular icefishing spot, too. Hikers will find trails along the reservoir's edges.
Phone
(508) 435-4303
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Wompatuck State Park
Address
204 Union St., Hingham, MA 02043
Phone
The park's campground offers 262 campsites, 140 of which have electrical service. Camping is open from mid-April until mid-October. A boat ramp allows access to Aaron River Reservoir for non-motorized boating. Park trails include 12 miles of paved bicycle routes as well as trails for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and cross-country skiing. Upland game bird hunting is allowed in season in the South Field area.
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