Massachusetts - State and Local Parks

Bash Bish Falls State Park
Falls Road
Mount Washington, MA
Phone: 413-528-0330

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Bash Bish Falls is has the highest single-drop waterfall in the state. Cascading water tumbles through a series of gorges and a hemlock-hardwood ravine forest. Bash Bish Falls is located next to the 4,169-acre Mount Washington State Forest which offers 30 miles of trails, including the South Taconic Trail and wilderness camping. Hours: sunrise to one-half hour after sunset. Access is free. Parking is allowed only at the designated lot. No services are available. Carry-in, carry-out all your belongings and trash. Pets are permitted on leash. Prohibited: swimming, diving, access inside the gorge and rock climbing.

Beartown State Forest
69 Bluehill Road
Monterey, MA  01245
Phone: 413-528-0904

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Beartown State Forest is open in all seasons. During the warm months Benedict Pond attracts swimmers, boaters and fishermen. A network of trails on 12,000 acres offers visitors a chance to see animals, brooks, beaver ponds, forests, and fall foliage. Open in winter for cross-country sking, snowshoeing and snowmobiling. Hiking on the 1.5-mile Benedict Pond Loop Trail in any season. Year-round camping available.
Hours: Sunrise until sunset. Parking is $5 per vehicle, May through mid-October. Unguarded swimming is available at designated area only. Pets on leash are permitted. Non-motorized boating at Benedict Pond day-use area. All Terrain Vehicles are permitted from May 1 through November. Snowmobiling is available, with parking at Benedict Pond day-use area.

Brimfield State Forest
86 Dearth Hill Road
Brimfield, MA
Phone: 413-267-9687

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This rolling, heavily forested property has over 20 miles of roads and trails and is used primarily for hiking, walking, horseback riding and fishing. Dean Pond Recreation Area, located in the western portion of Brimfield State Forest, has a pavilion, comfort station, 100 linear feet of beach and picnic facilities. The roads are popular for equestrian use and related special events. Accessible Restrooms. Recreational uses: fishing, group day use, horseback riding trails, hunting (with restrictions), mountain biking, picnicking, cross-country skiing, swimming, walking trails. Headquarters and Dean Pond Recreation Area are located off of Route 20 in south-central Mass

C.M. Gardner Park
Route 112
Huntington, MA
Phone: 413-354-6347

This small 29-acre park offers canoeing, fishing, and swimming areas. Riverside picnicking is available.

Chester-Blandford State Forest
Route 20
Chester, MA
Phone: 413-354-6347

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Chester-Blandford State Forest offers a rustic park experience and spectacular Sanderson Brook Falls. Boulder Park features an easy interpretive trail and pavilion. Hike up an easy grade for a mile to see the cascade at Sanderson Brook Falls; hike the Newman Marsh Memorial Trail to the top of Observation Hill. Forest is open year-round, sunrise to sunset. Access is free. Limited number RV sites. Carry-in, carry-out all trash. Be aware of bears. Pets permitted on a leash. Motorized off-road vehicles prohibited. Swimming prohibite at Sanderson Brook Falls. Recreational uses: fishing, hiking, horseback riding trails, hunting (restrictions), mountain biking, picnicking, cross-country skiing, walking trails.

Chesterfield Gorge
River Road
Chesterfield, MA
Phone: 413-532-1631

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This dramatic rock canyon features 70-foot-high walls carved by centuries of rushing water from the Westfield River. Fromm the half-mile trail along the cliff tops are breathtaking views of the gorge, the river, and the surrounding forest of hemlock, ash, and oak, and is home to bears, bobcats, and turkeys. A half-mile trail runs along the top of the Gorge. Easy walking. The trail from the parking lot connects to the East Branch Trail (also known as River Road), popular with day hikers and mountain bikers, which follows the river another seven miles, beyond Bliss State Forest. Trout fishing. Hours: Daily, April 1 to December 1, 8 a.m. to sunset. Facilities: Seasonal public restrooms. Picnic tables.

Chicopee Memorial State Park
Burnett Road
Chicopee, MA
Phone: 413-594-9416

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Chicopee State Park, formerly the Cooley Brook Reservoir and Watershed has been developed as a high use active recreation area. The total acreage is 575 acres including a 25-acre pond. Activities include swimming, fishing and picnicking. Recreational uses: accessible beaches, accessible restrooms, fishing, group day use, picnicking, restrooms, scenic viewing area, swimming, walking trails.

Clarksburg State Park
1199 Middle Road
Clarksburg, MA
Phone: 413-664-8345

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Clarksburg State Park offers 368 acres of unspoiled hardwood forest with views of the Hoosac Range, Mount Greylock, and the Green Mountains. Mauserts Pond has a day-use area with picnicking and a pavilion. The pond is surrounded by 9.5 miles of foot trails. Forty-five wooded campsites are located near the lake. Open: Year-round, sunrise to sunset. Facilities open Memorial Day through Columbus Day, with a $5 parking fee. Camping season is from mid-May to mid-October. Campsites and comfort station are available. Unguarded swimming is available at Mauserts Pond. Pets are permitted on leash. Boat Launch is available for non-motorized boats. Prohibited: Motorized off-road vehicles.

Connecticut River Greenway State Park
Damon Road and Route 9
Northampton, MA
Phone: 413-586-8706 ext. 12

This park features canoeing, hiking trails, and picnic areas. Rest facilities are available. One of Massachusetts’ newest state parks.

D.A.R. State Forest
Route 112
Goshen, MA
Phone: 413-268-7098

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This public forest includes Upper and Lower Highland Lakes, with a swimming beach, picnic area, and group picnic pavilion. There are 15 miles of mixed-use trails through the forest. The campground offers 51 wooded campsites with showers and a private beach. Wheelchair accessible campsites available. Summer activities include: paddling, hiking, fishing, horseback riding, and mountain biking. Winter activities are ice fishing, skating, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling.
Open: year-round, sunrise until sunset. A $5 fee per vehicle from Memorial Day through mid-September. Camping from mid-May through mid-October. Off-season camping October through April. All facilities accessible to handicapped. Guarded Swimming is available at the day-use area. Unguarded swimming is available at campers-only beach. Pets are permitted except on the sandy beach area. Non-motorized boating is available. Snowmobiling is available, conditions permitting. Parking at day-use area parking lot off Route 112.

Erving State Forest
Route 2A
Erving, MA
Phone: 978-544-3939

The forest has swimming, paddling, fishing, motorboating, and picnic areas. There are hiking and cross-country ski trails. Public campgrounds and handicapped accessible restrooms.

Granville State Forest
323 West Hartland Road
Granville, MA  01034
Phone: 413-357-6611

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This extensive rolling terrain was once the hunting and fishing ground of the Tunxis tribe, later becoming open farmland and pastures; now it is reverting into a northern hardwood-conifer forest. Enjoy a walk along the Hubbard River as it cascades through natural rock formations forming pools and waterfalls, dropping a rapid 450 feet in 2.5 miles. Recreation at Granville includes a wooded camping area with toilet and shower facilities. Other popular activities include bird watching, wildlife viewing, snowshoeing, and mountain biking. Swimming is prohibited.
Hours: Sunrise to sunset. Access is free. Camping season is late May through mid-October. Sites available for RVs up to 35 feet long. No hook-ups or trailer waste station are available. Wheelchair-accessible sites are available. Pets are permitted on a leash. Motorized off-road vehicles, alcoholic beverages, picnicking and swimming are pronibited.

Hampton Ponds
Route 202
Westfield, MA
Phone: 413-532-3985

This 42-acre park features water activities, such as with swimming, fishing, canoeing, and motor boating. Rest facilities are available.

Kenneth Dubuque Memorial State Forest
Route 8A
Hawley, MA  01339
Phone: 413-339-5504

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This 7,882-acre northern hardwood and spruce-fir forest offers 35 miles of mixed-use trails, six miles of hiking trails and one mile interpretive trail around Hallockville Pond. Discover an abundance of historic sites including cellar holes from the abandoned village of South Hawley; a fieldstone beehive charcoal kiln; and remains of mill complex. Open: year-round, sunrise to sunset. Access is free. Interior roads are in poor condition. Carry-in, carry-out all your belongings and trash. Snowmobiling: is available on 35 miles of trails, conditions permitting. Parking is available at King Corner garage on Route 8A. Prohibited: All-terrain vehicles and alcoholic beverages.

Lake Lorraine State Park
44 Lake Drive
Springfield, MA
Phone: 413-543-6628

This small two-acre park offers fishing and swimming on Lake Lorraine. There is a picnic area. It also is a regional boating safety-training center.

Look Memorial Park
300 North Main Street
Florence, MA  01062
Phone: 413-584-5457

You’ll have a picnic!

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A Private Non-Profit park located on the Berkshire Trail (Route 9) in Northampton, Look Memorial Park consists of 157 Acres of picnic sites, pavilions, and attractions. Whether it’s reserving a picnic site for your family to have a day in the Park for a BBQ or your entire family renting a pavilion for a Family reunion, Look Park is the place to go for a great family day outside. While at the Park don’t forget to visit the Christenson Zoo featuring Bald Eagles, Red Tailed Hawks, Pygmy Goats, Sheep and much much more! Looking for a great place for a day in the outdoors? Look Park is the Pioneer Valley’s best place for outdoor family fun, year round!

Mohawk Trail State Forest
175 Mohawk Trail / Route 2
Charlemont, MA  01339
Phone: 413-339-5504

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More than 6,000 acres of mountain ridges, deep gorges and tall old-growth trees support a diversity of plant and animal life. Fifty-six wooded campsites are available seasonally, and six overnight log cabins are available year-round.Discover miles of rivers and streams for excellent trout fishing, a swimming area, and a day-use picnic area. Open: Year-round, sunrise to sunset. A $5 fee per vehicle charged from May through mid-October. Camping season is mid-April through mid-October. Cabins are available year-round. Recreational vehicles are permitted on designated sites. Off-season camping is available. Pets are permitted on tent sites only, on leash. Motorized off-road vehicles prohibited.

Monroe State Forest
Tilda Hill Road
Monroe, MA
Phone: 413-339-5504

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This park is ideal for fishing, hiking, and cross-country skiing. The park is known for its scenic beauty. A public campground is available.

Mount Everett State Reservation
East Street
Mount Washington, MA
Phone: 413-528-0330

Enjoy canoeing, fishing, hiking, cross-country ski trails, and picnic areas. The park offers breathtaking views and is adjacent to the Appalachian Trail.

Mount Tom State Reservation
Reservation Road
Holyoke, MA
Phone: 413-534-1186

Visitors to this reservation can enjoy canoeing, fishing, hiking, and picnic areas in the summertime, and cross-country skiing in the winter. One of New England’s best hawk watching spots.

Mount Washington State Forest
East Street
Mount Washington, MA
Phone: 413-528-0330

This forest features fishing and picnic areas, and cross-country and hiking trails. There is a public campground. Bash Bish Falls is part of the forest.

Natural Bridge State Park
Route 8
North Adams, MA
Phone: 413-663-8469

The focal point of this park is a natural bridge, but visitors can also enjoy swimming, hiking, fishing, and cross-country skiing. Special events are scheduled, call for more information.

October Mountain State Forest
Woodland Road
Lee, MA
Phone: 413-243-1778

The largest state forest in Massachusetts is more than 16,000 acres. It offers visitors canoeing, fishing, hiking, cross-country skiing, and a public campground with wheelchair accessible sites.

Pittsfield State Forest
Cascade Street
Pittsfield, MA
Phone: 413-442-8992

A wheelchair-accessible trail highlights this 10,000-acre forest featuring swimming, canoeing, fishing, hiking, and cross-country skiing. Programs are scheduled year-round. Two public campgrounds/picnic areas are available.

Robinson State Park
North Street
Agawam, MA
Phone: 413-786-2877

This 811-acre park offers visitors bike trails, fishing, swimming, picnic areas, hiking, and cross-country skiing. This urban park features a small logging demonstration area.

Sandisfield State Forest
York Lake Street
Sandisfield, MA
Phone: 413-258-4774

This 7,785-acre forest offers fishing areas, canoeing, swimming, and picnic areas. There are trails for hiking and cross-country skiing. York Lake has a 300-foot sandy beach.

Savoy Mountain State Forest
Central Shraft Road
Florida, MA
Phone: 413-663-8469

Visitors to this forest can enjoy a variety of activities, including swimming, canoeing, motor boating, fishing, hiking, and cross-country skiing. A public campground in an apple orchard is available.

Stanley Park
Western Avenue
Westfield, MA
Phone: 413-568-9312

Set on 300 acres, this park features a Japanese garden, rose garden and arboretum.
Hours: Open seasonally, 8 a.m. to dusk. Fee charged.

Tolland State Forest
Route 8
East Otis, MA
Phone: 413-269-6002

This 4,893-acre state forest offers camping, fishing, motor boating (with boat ramp), swimming, hiking, and cross-country ski trails. In season hunting is permitted.

Wahconah State Park
Route 9/8A
Dalton, MA
Phone: 413-442-8992

A small park with areas for fishing and picnicking. There are hiking trails along Wahconah Brook leading to a scenic view of Wahconah Falls.

Wendell State Park
Montague Road
Wendell, MA
Phone: 413-659-3797

Visitors will enjoy fishing, canoeing, swimming, and picnic areas in this 7,566-acre forest. In season, trails are open for hiking and cross-country skiing.

Windsor State Forest
River Road
Windsor, MA
Phone: 413-663-8469

Visitors to this forest will enjoy swimming, fishing, and canoeing. Trails for hiking and cross-country skiing are available, in addition to a public campground. Hunters and snowmobilers are welcome.

Cape Cod National Seashore
Salt Pond Visitor Center at Nauset Road and Route 6
Eastham, MA  02642
Phone: 508-255-3421

Open: Daily, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. (longer during the summer)

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Forty miles of pristine sandy beach, marshes, ponds, and uplands support diverse species. Lighthouses, cultural landscapes, and wild cranberry bogs offer a glimpse of Cape Cod’s ways of life. Swimming beaches and walking and biking trails beckon visitors. The park's six oceanside swimming beaches have life guards from late June through August. Eleven self-guided nature trails are open year-round. Parking lots are open year-round, daily, 6 a.m. to midnight.
Salt Pond Visitor Center is Cape Cod National Seashore's main visitor facility, with orientation movies, a bookstore, a museum, and restrooms. The Visitor Center is also convenient to the popular 1.5-mile Nauset Marsh Trail and the Buttonbush Trail, a quarter-mile trail that features a guide rope and text panels in Braille, and the Nauset Bicycle Trail.
The Province Lands Visitor Center is located on Race Point Road, off Route 6, at the northern end of Cape Cod National Seashore, approximately one mile from Provincetown. It is open May 1 through October 31, daily from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Phone number is 508-487-1256. The observation deck at this Visitor Center provides a 360-degree view of the Province Lands dunes, the Outer Beach and the Atlantic Ocean. Exhibits about local plants and animals and the Pilgrim's landing in Provincetown are featured.
Other highlights of the National Seashore are the Fort Hill Area off Route 6(Eastham); the Coast Guard and Nauset Light beaches, Nauset and Three Sisters Lighthouses off Route 6 (Eastham); the Marconi Station Site(Wellfleet); the Highland Lighthouse (Cape Cod Light) and Highland House (Truro); and the Old Harbor Life-Saving Station (Provincetown).

Lowell Holly
South Sandwich Road
Mashpee & Sandwich, MA  02563
Phone: 508-679-2115

Open: Year-round, daily, sunrise to sunset

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Lowell Holly’s 135 acres feature stands of a wide variety of holly trees, rhododendrons, and mountain laurel, but the property’s most intriguing feature may be its two peninsular knolls, jutting into Mashpee Pond and Wakeby Pond. Both vantage points offer spectacular views over these large ponds. Mashpee and Wakeby ponds are renowned for their exceptional trout, smallmouth bass, chain pickerel, and bluegill. Four miles of carriage paths and footpaths connect all points of interest, including two small sandy beaches. Activities at the reservation include swimming, fishing, boating, bicycling, birdwatching, hiking, food concessions, restrooms, bathhouses, and wheelchair access. Year-round parking area is free to all. Seasonal parking area is available Memorial Day through Labor Day. Fee is $6 per car or motorcycle. Boat landing fee is $6 for daily landing fee or $40 for seasonal permit.

Nickerson State Park
Route 6A
Brewster, MA  02631
Phone: 508-896-3491

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Travel to the upper campgrounds in Nickerson State Park, you may think that you have been transported to the Berkshire Hills or the piney woods of the Carolinas. Nowhere are the sand dunes and salt marshes usually associated with Cape Cod. Instead, you are surrounded by woods that slope down to the banks of eight crystal clear fresh water ponds, known as kettle ponds.
Nickerson's 1,900 acres offer 420 campsites, yurt camping, an amphitheater, eight miles of roads, hiking trails, an eight-mile bike path that connects to the 25-mile Cape Cod Rail Trail, and ponds stocked year-round with trout. Cape Cod Bay is within walking or bicycling distance. You can swim and canoe at Flax Pond; birdwatch or catch-and-release fish at Higgins Pond; or join the interpretive and recreational programs offered by park staff.
Park amenities include: beaches, camping, fishing, picnicking, restrooms, bike paths, nonmotorized boating, boat ramp, yurt camping, canoeing, hiking, horseback riding trails, mountain biking, showers, cross-country skiing, swimming, trailer and RV dumping, walking trails.

Scusset Beach in Scusset Beach State Reservation
Scusset Beach Road
Sandwich, MA  02563
Phone: 508-888-0859

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Scusset Beach is located on Cape Cod Bay at the east end of the Cape Cod Canal. It is a popular swimming and camping area. The 98 site camping area is popular with trailer campers. For salt water anglers, the area offers a popular fish pier, a breakwater, and 1.5 miles of frontage along the canal. A picnic area and bicycling along the canal are also available. The reservation is also a popular spot for watching the variety of boats and ships passing through the canal.

Shawme-Crowell State Forest
Route 130
Sandwich, MA  02563
Phone: 508-888-0351

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This quiet year-round campground at the beginning of Cape Cod has more than 285 sites in a wooded setting. More than 15 miles of roads and trails provide hiking and equestrian access to more than 700 acres of pitch pine and scrub oak landscape. Parking access to the beach at Scusset State Reservation is provided in camping fee. The regular camping season is from mid-April through mid-October. Amenities include restrooms, camping, hiking, hunting (with restrictions), interpretive programs, picnicking, showers, cross-country skiing, swimming, trailer and RV dumping, walking trails. Off-season camping is available Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.

South Cape Beach State Park
Great Oak Road
Mashpee, MA  02649
Phone: 508-457-0495

Open: Memorial Day to Labor Day

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South Cape Beach, located between Waquoit Bay and Vineyard Sound, contains a wide variety of coastal environments, including barrier beach and dunes, salt marsh, scrub oak/pitch pine woodland and "kettle" ponds. A magnificent white sand beach stretches for over a mile. Newly constructed over-the-dune boardwalks, a small parking area and bathrooms make this a lovely place to spend a day at the shore. Interpretive programs are offered during the summer months.

Douglas State Forest
107 Wallum Lake Road
Douglas, MA
Phone: 508-476-7872

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Bordering both Connecticut and Rhode Island, this popular 5,907-acre state forest offers a variety of recreational opportunities. Visitors can enjoy swimming, boating and fishing at Wallum Lake and hiking, horseback riding, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling on miles of woodland trails. Facilities include two pavilions, boat ramp, swimming beach, picnic area and restrooms.
The Midstate Trail, a long-distance hiking trail that extends through central Massachusetts to Mount Watatic in the north, runs through the forest. Douglas State Forest also includes a rare example of Atlantic White Ceder swampland. A 5-acre portion of this swamp is designated as a Massachusetts Wildland. It is accessible to the public via a boardwalk trail.

Dunn Pond State Park
Route 101
Gardner, MA
Phone: 508-632-7897

Visitors to this small park will enjoy recreation around the pond: canoeing, fishing, swimming, hiking, and cross-country skiing. Programs are scheduled at the park throughout the year. Rest facilities are available.

Federated Women's Club State Forest
West Street
Petersham, MA
Phone: 508-939-8962

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The forest’s 984 acres stretch to the south and west in the watershed of the Quabbin Reservoir. Please Note that NO pets are allowed on Watershed Property. Groves of pine and stands of maple, birch and hemlock invite the visitor along the wooded roads. The road along Fever Brook is outstanding for its scenery. A wildlife sanctuary compromising 140 acres has been set aside in the center of the forest, attracting migrating and native wild fowl. In the southwest section is the forest's chief geological feature, the Gorge. Limited-service campsites are available on a first come/first serve basis. Recreational uses include fishing, hiking, hunting, and cross-country skiing.

James W. Brooks Woodland Preserve
Petersham, MA
Phone: 508-840-4446

Trails criss-cross the landscape of this preserve, which is ideal for bird-watching. Areas for fishing and cross-country skiing also are available.

Lake Dennison Recreation Area (Beach and Campground)
219 Balwinville State Road (Route 202)
Winchendon, MA
Phone: 508-939-8962

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More than 4,000 acres offer visitors swimming, canoeing, and fishing areas. Trails for hiking and cross-country skiing are available. There is a public campground with 150 campsites. There is a swimming beach on Lake Dennison. The campground office hours are 10 a.m.–10 p.m. The regular camping season is from late May to early September. Beach is open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Leominster State Forest
90 Fitchburg Road / Route 31
Leominster, MA
Phone: 508-874-2303

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Leominster State Forest is a 4,300-acre parcel of forested off of Route 2 (exit 28), and convenient from Boston and Worcester. Parking is available along Route 31. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, parking fees are charged in the paved lots. The forest offers recreational opportunities year round, ranging from mountain biking and swimming in the summer to cross country skiing and snowmobiling in the winter.
The trails at Leominster State Forest offer a wide variety of terrains. For hikers, The Midstate Trail, a 95-mile long-distance trail that runs from Rhode Island to the New Hampshire border, passes through the western edge of the park. A popular day hike along the Midstate Trail begins at Redemption Rock on Route 140 in Princeton and heads north over a scenic ridgeline which includes Crow Hill Ledges.
The terrain available to mountain bikers ranges from rolling unpaved fire roads to multi-use trails. Hiking trails are off limits to bikers. There is rock climbing at Crow Hill Ledges. Permits are required (no fee) and are available at the park headquarters between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
The swimming beach at Crow Hill Pond is located next to two picnic areas with picnic tables, grills, and a modern bathhouse. Lifeguards are on duty from mid-June until Labor Day. All other ponds in the park are off limits to swimming. Kayakers, canoeists and fishing enthusiasts enjoy using Paradise Pond. Several put-ins are available. Crow Hill Pond (swimming beach side) is stocked with trout. Hunting is also allowed in the park. Winter recreation includes cross country skiing, snow shoeing, and snowmobiling. Snow mobiling is limited to the unpaved roads and the multi use trails. There is no camping at Leominster State Forest.

Moore State Park
Route 31
Paxton, MA
Phone: 508-792-3969

Enjoy canoeing, fishing, swimming, and hiking and cross-country ski trails. This was the site of grist and saw mills from 1747 through the early 20th century.

Otter River State Forest
86 Winchendon Road
Baldwinville, MA
Phone: 508-939-8962

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Otter River State Forest is a popular camping and day-use facility in north central Massachusetts. Its developed facilities are centered on Beaman Pond and include 85 campsites, a swimming beach, ball field and picnic areas. Yurt camping is also available. Camping season is mid-May through mid-October. Campground office hours at 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Swimming is permitted from 10am to 8pm at designated buoy areas only.

Purgatory Chasm State Reservation
198 Purgatory Road
Sutton, MA
Phone: 508-234-3733

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A unique natural landmark, Purgatory Chasm runs for a quarter of a mile between granite walls rising as high as 70 feet. Popular with picnickers and rock-climbers alike, the Chasm is believed to have its origin in the sudden release of dammed-up glacial meltwater near the end of the last Ice Age, approximately 14,000 years ago. Trails lead to a wide variety of rock formations, with such romantic names as The Corn Crib, The Coffin, The Pulpit, Lovers' Leap and Fat Man's Misery. Recreational uses: walking, hiking, picnicking, hunting, accessible restrooms.

Quinsigamond State Park
North Lake Avenue
Worcester, MA
Phone: 508-755-6880

This small park features lake swimming and fishing. There are also picnic areas and rest facilities available.

Rutland State Park
Route 122A
Rutland, MA
Phone: 508-886-6333

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Rutland State Park is a 300-acre recreation area with developed facilities for fresh water swimming, picnicking, and boating. At Whitehall Pond, there is a swimming beach and adjacent picnic area. Uses includes paddling, fishing, hiking, hunting (with restrictions) mountain biking, cross country skiing, and walking.

Spencer State Forest
Howe Pond Road
Spencer, MA
Phone: 508-886-6333

Visitors to this state forest will enjoy fishing areas, canoeing, swimming, and cross-country skiing and hiking trails. Picnic areas are available.

Streeter Point Recreation Area
6 Streeter Point Avenue
Sturbridge, MA
Phone: 508-347-9316

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This accessible area has a 100-car parking area and offers fishing, swimming and picnicking on 400-acre East Brimfield Reservoir. Boating access is from ramps located on US Army Corps of Engineers-maintained ramps on Route 20.

Upton State Forest
Westboro Road
Upton, MA
Phone: 508-278-6486

Visitors to this state forest can find a fishing spot, eat in one of the designated picnic areas, or just take in the scenery.

Wachusett Mountain State Reservation
345 Mountain Road
Princeton, MA
Phone: 508-464-2987

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Rising above the forest to a height of 2006 feet, Mount Wachusett stands as a unique landmark within the central New England landscape. From the summit, a clear day reveals views of Mount Monadnock in New Hampshire, the Berkshires to the west, and the Boston skyline to the east. The 3,000-acre Wachusett Mountain State Reservation surrounds the summit and offers a wealth of natural and recreational resources. Recreational activities at the reservation including hiking, nature study, hawk watching, picnicking, skiing, and hunting. The reservation offers 17 miles of hiking and walking trails.
Wachusett Mountain is part of an extensive greenway area, including Leominster State Forest, Massachusetts Audubon's Wachusett Meadow Wildlife Sanctuary and Minns Wildlife Sanctuary. It is also the location of the largest known area of Old Growth Forest east of the Connecticut River in Massachusetts, with trees dating over 350 years old. Evidence of the glacial activity which shaped the mountain can be seen at Balance Rock. The mountain access road is open to personal vehicles from Memorial Day through the last Sunday in October. Operating hours for the roadway during this season are 9 a.m. till sunset daily.

Whitehall State Park
Route 135
Hopkinton, MA
Phone: 508-435-4303

Park has mountain biking, canoing/sailing, fishing, hiking on marked trails and motorboating. Scheduled programs are offered for visitors.

Boston Common Frog Pond
Boston Common
Boston, MA
Phone: 617-635-2120

The Frog Pond was originally one of three natural mud ponds in the area that became Boston Common, the nation's first public park established in 1634. As other natural ponds were filled in to accommodate the growing city, the Frog Pond became a popular oasis for Bostonians both young and old. Favorite activities included sailing model boats, wading, and ice skating. The renovated Frog Pond features a 16,000-square-foot ice skating surface operable in temperatures up to 55 degrees. In warm weather the Frog Pond features a 70-foot-high spray fountain and wading. During spring and fall it is used as a shallow reflecting pool.

Boston Harbor Islands National Park Area
Boston, MA
Phone: 617-223-8666

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Boston Harbor Islands National Park Area offers a quiet place to relax, explore, camp, swim, fish or picnic. Tours to Boston Light ("The ultimate Lighthouse experience," according to the Boston Globe) operate Thursday-Sunday from June to October. Ranger narrated Discovery Cruises and Sunset Cruises are offered on a frequent basis in the summer. Ranger-led activities and special events are offered on many islands for a variety of audiences. Not only are these islands a source of natural beauty and wonder--they're also rich in history and legends, with tales of pirates, shipwrecks, wars, abandoned prisons, and even ghosts! It's all right in Boston Harbor and accessible by boat or public ferry from Long Wharf downtown or the South Shore... so near, and yet so far away!

Callahan State Park
Edmands Street
Framingham, MA
Phone: 508-653-9641

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Callahan has seven miles of marked trails and is used for activities including fishing, hiking, horseback riding (horses not provided) and cross-country skiing. Within the park are nearly 100 acres of open fields. Recreational activities include mountain biking, hiking, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, and walking.

Castle Island, Pleasure Bay, M Street Beach and Carson Beach
William J. Day Boulevard
South Boston, MA
Phone: 617-727-5290

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Fort Independence, built between 1834 and 1851, is the dominating feature of this historic site, surrounded by a small park with fishing and swimming areas, and bike trails.

Cochituate State Park
Route 30
Natick, MA
Phone: 508-653-9641

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Cochituate State Park is a popular regional day use park featuring water-based recreational opportunities including boating, swimming, windsurfing, and fishing on its three large lakes. Picnicking, swimming, and boat launching are limited to the main area of the park on the middle lake and boaters can gain access to the other lakes through channels under roadways. Jet skis are not allowed on the lake.

Hopkinton State Park
268 Cedar Street
Hopkinton, MA
Phone: 508-435-4303

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Hopkinton State Park offers a year-round recreation, including two guarded swimming beaches, stocked fishing, a group picnic site, 12 shaded picnic areas, 10 miles of marked trails, open field space, a boat launching ramp for non-motorized watercraft, and seasonal boat rentals. The swimming areas are supervised by lifeguards from late May through Labor Day. The waterfront has a handicapped accessible ramp.
Hours: Summer, 8 a.m.-8 p.m.; rest of the year, 8 a.m.-sunset. Pets on leash are welcome. Trail system is multi-use. Hikers, mountain bikers, equestrians, cross country skiers are welcome. Snowmobiles are permitted when snow cover is at least four inches deep.

Mystic River Reservation -- Mystic Lakes -- Sandy Beach
Off Mystic Valley Parkway
Medford, Somerville, Everett, MA
Phone: 617-727-5380

Open year round, dawn to dusk. The banks of the Mystic River are almost entirely publicly owned from the Amelia Earhart Dam at the mouth of the Mystic Lakes. The property includes:
Mary O'Malley Park. The park has striking views of the harbor and the Tobin Bridge over the Mystic River. A boat landing and shelter are located on an historic granite pier and a wind sculpture by William Wainwright enlivens the waterfront. Tennis courts and a large open lawn area for concerts and picnics are also available.
Torbert Macdonald Park. Macdonald Park has an award-winning landscape design of the meandering paths, trees and open lawns provides space for rest and enjoyment as well as bicycling, jogging, walking and informal games in a riverside setting.
Draw Seven Park. The Draw Number Seven Railroad Bridge, which once crossed the Mystic River, gave this park its name. This park provides field game space for Somerville and adjacent communities. Draw Seven Park offers nine acres of parkland including two soccer fields, a bikeway/walkway, a picnic area with shelter and beautiful landscaping.
Mystic Lakes. Today the Mystic Lakes are popular for freshwater swimming at Sandy Beach. Special sailing programs are available at the Tufts University Boathouse. The Upper Mystic Lake is for non-powered boats only. The Lower Mystic Lake is for power boats with no wake. Information about Shannon Beach: 617-727-5380.

Revere Beach
Revere Beach Blvd.
Revere, MA
Phone: 781-289-3020

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Lifeguards are on duty from late June to early September. Revere Beach boasts miles of shoreline which welcomes throngs of visitors every summer. Along the boulevard there is a bandstand for summer concerts, a bathhouse and many shade shelters. Revere Beach is very accessible by public transportation which makes it a popular spot for people from all around metro Boston. Open year round, dawn to dusk.

Cape Poge Wildlife Refuge, Wasque Reservation, East Beach
Dike Road (on Chappaquiddick Island adjacent to Martha's Vineyard)
Edgartown, MA  02539
Phone: 508-627-7689

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Chappaquiddick Island’s eastern edge is a barrier beach that extends for seven miles from Wasque Point past the Cape Poge Lighthouse to the Gut. The refuge offers 14 miles of beachfront and oversand vehicle and walking trails. Facilities include picnic tables, bike rack, restrooms, which are open May 30 to October 30. Fresh water is available by hand pump at the Wasque and Mytoi parking areas. Annual over-sand vehicle permits available for qualified vehicle owners. Tours include a natural history tour, a wildlife kayak or canoe tour, a fishing discovery tour, and Cape Poge Lighthouse tour. Entrance fee May 30 to October 15; free to pedestrians off season. Open year-round, daily, 24 hours. Gatehouse open May 30-October 15, daily, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Manuel Correllus State Forest
Barnes Road
Edgartown, MA
Phone: 508-693-2540

Correllus State Forest occupies over 5,100 acres in the center of Martha's Vineyard. It is managed for passive recreation, mostly hiking and cycling on its 15 miles of bike paths. It is also the focus of one of the largest environmental restoration projects in the country. The Great Plain that forms much of Martha's Vineyard supports an unusual concentration of rare species and extensive examples of several uncommon sand-plain communities, including grasslands, heathlands, barrens, and woodlands, dominated by mixed oak-pine.

Menemsha Hills
North Road, Chilmark
Martha’s Vineyard, MA
Phone: 508-693-3678

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The highlight of Menemsha Hills is Prospect Hill, one of the highest points on Martha's Vineyard, whose spectacular view includes the village of Menemsha, the Elizabeth Islands, and Gay Head Light. Former woods roads and footpaths pass through several distinct ecosystems, including perched wetlands that support red maples, cinquefoil, beech, and black cherry. At Menemsha Hills bluffs, a view of the Great Sand Bank provides a reminder of the Vineyard's glacial origin, and to the northeast stands the remains of a tall brick chimney, the last vestige of a 19th-century brickyard that operated here.

Bradley Palmer State Park
Asbury Street
Topsfield, MA
Phone: 508-887-5931

This park features trails for hiking, biking and cross-country skiing. In addition, there is an area set aside for canoeing.

Halibut Point State Park
Gott Avenue
Rockport, MA
Phone: 508-546-2997

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Halibut Point is a beautiful coastal seascape. Looking seaward, the view stretches from Crane Beach in Ipswich to Mount Agamenticus in Maine and the Isles of Shoals off the coast of New Hampshire. A Visitors Center located near the Babson Farm quarry features exhibits about the park's natural and cultural history. The 60-foot tall structure offers panoramic views.
The park is open 8 a.m.-8 p.m. daily from Memorial Day to Labor Day; a parking fee is charged. The park is open sunrise to sunset from Labor Day to Memorial Day. On weekends from Memorial Day through Columbus Day tours of the quarry are offered. Other programs include wildflower walks and tidepool programs during the summer and seabird walks during the winter. Recreational uses: Fishing, historic site, picnicking, scenic viewing area, cross-country skiing, walking trails.

Harold Parker State Forest
1951 Turnpike St., Route 114
North Andover, MA  01845
Phone: 508-686-3391

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Harold Parker State Forest, 20 miles north of Boston, comprises 3,000 acres of hardwood forest. Swimming at Berry Pond,which has a sand beach, a new wash house, changing rooms, and flush toilets. Open Memorial Day to Labor Day. Lifeguards are on duty 10 a.m.-6 p.m. daily. Grills and picnic tables are available.

Lawrence Heritage State Park
1 Jackson Street
Lawrence, MA
Phone: 508-794-1655

This historic park features fishing areas, hiking trails, and boating. Open 9 am-4 pm.

Lowell Heritage State Park
500 Pawtucket Boulevard
Lowell, MA
Phone: 978-369-6312

Park features hiking and biking trails, cross-country skiing, swimming, picnic areas, and more.

Lowell-Dracut-Tyngsboro State Forest
Trotting Park Road
Lowell, MA
Phone: 508-453-0592

This is a 1,150-acre park with swimming, canoeing, and fishing areas. Visitors can enjoy hiking and cross-country ski trails, in addition to seasonally scheduled programs.

Maudslay State Park
Curzon Mill Road
Newburyport, MA
Phone: 978-465-7223

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This park features 19th century gardens and plantings, rolling meadows, towering pines, and one of the largest naturally-occurring stands of mountain laurel in Massachusetts. Most breathtaking are the ornamental trees and masses of azaleas and rhododendrons that bloom in May and June. An exquisite place for walking, biking, horseback riding and informal picnics. Cultural events are a regular feature during the summer. During the winter a portion of the park is off limits due to roosting bald eagles, but the remainder provides excellent cross country skiing and winter walks. Parking Fee at is $2.

Salisbury Beach State Reservation
Beach Road, Route 1A
Salisbury, MA  01952
Phone: 508-462-4481

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Salisbury Beach is one of the state's most popular ocean beaches, stretching 3.8 miles along the Atlantic Ocean. This 521-acre park offers swimming, boating, fishing, and camping, and is very popular with trailer campers. Facilities include a 484-site campground with renovated bathhouses, an extensive day-use parking lot, three new comfort stations for beach users with boardwalks over the dunes, and a new playground and pavilion area. The facility also has two boat ramps on the Merrimack River at the campground's southern edge. In fall and winter, harbor seals often sun themselves on the jetty.
The campground office hours are 8 a.m.–10 p.m. The camping season is from early May to mid-October. Off-season camping is available from mid-October to late November for Thursday, Friday and Saturday night stays. There is a $2 per night surcharge for camping fees at Salisbury Beach. the $2 surcharge will be added to the day-use fee for cars and buses.

Sandy Point State Reservation
Parker River Wildlife Refuge, Refuge Road
Ipswich, MA
Phone: 508-462-4481

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Sandy Point is at the southern tip of Plum Island, a classic Atlantic Ocean barrier island. The 77-acre park is among the state's most beautiful and popular coastal beaches. It is also an important nesting area for the piping plover and the least tern. Recreational activities include walking, beachcombing, fishing, and birding. Access is through the abutting Parker River National Wildlife Refuge. The reservation is open sunrise till sunset. Parking is allowed only in two designated areas. When these lots are full, the reservation is temporarily closed. Pedestrians have free access to the beach, but must stay clear of all fenced areas. \

Willowdale State Forest
Linebrook Road
Ipswich, MA
Phone: 508-887-5931

Features hiking and cross-country ski trails.

Ames Nowell State Park
Linwood Street
Abington, MA
Phone: 617-857-1336

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Ames Nowell is a year-round day use area with recreational activity centered around Cleveland Pond which is popular with boaters and fisherman. Development includes a picnic area, ball field and several miles of trails along the pond edge and the surrounding woods. Recreational uses: non-motorized boating; canoeing, fishing, group day use, horseback riding, mountain biking, picnicking, restrooms, cross country skiing, walking trails.

Borderland State Park
Massapoag Avenue
North Easton, MA
Phone: 508-238-6566

1,772 acre park offers fishing areas, hiking, cross-country ski trails, full rest facilities and scheduled visitor programs.

D.W. Field Park
D.W. Field Parkway
Brockton, MA

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In the heart of Brockton, Massachusetts, D.W. Field Park remains as a gentle solace to the residents of Brockton and all those who enter its gates. Its gentle slopes, many ponds, native trees, and wildlife remind visitors of Brockton’s past as a small farming community. The park covers 700 acres with seven miles of paved roadway.

Demarest Lloyd State Park
Barney's Joy Road
Dartmouth, MA  02748
Phone: 508-636-3298 (summer)

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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, giving rise to warm water temperatures through most of the summer. It is also a great spot to see egrets, herons, ospreys, terns and hawks.
The park is open mid-May to mid-September, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends and holidays. No pets allowed on the beach. Kite surfing, skim boards, boogey boards or flotation devices are not allowed. Powerboats and jet skis are not allowed to land on the beach. Recreational uses: Fishing, canoe/kayaking, picnicking, restrooms, showers, swimming, walking trails.

Dighton Rock State Park
Bay View Road
Berkley, MA
Phone: 508-644-5522

Small park features canoeing and fishing, hiking and cross-country ski trails, and picnic areas.

Ellisville Harbor State Park
Route 3A
Plymouth, MA
Phone: 508-866-2580

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Ellisville Harbor is a unique coastal property, including an 18th century farmstead, beachfront, salt marsh, rolling meadows, and red pine forest. It's also one of the most scenic spots on the South Shore coastline, where you can see small fishing boats, a barrier beach, sphagnum bog, forested upland and open meadows. Recreation activities include walking, bird watching, beach combing, sightseeing, fishing, and cross-country skiing. In fall and winter, harbor seals can often be seen just off-shore.

Fort Phoenix Beach State Reservation
Green Street
Fairhaven, MA  02719
Phone: 508-992-4524

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One of the smaller parks in Massachusetts, Fort Phoenix State Reservation combines historic features, scenic views and a variety of recreational facilities. Minutes from downtown New Bedford, the park contains a half-mile of Buzzards Bay beachfront. Adjacent to the park is Fort Phoenix, a national landmark Fort which gives the park its name. From the ramparts remnants, one can gaze across the bay where the first naval battle of the Revolutionary War was fought, to the rolling meadows of the Elizabeth Islands.

Freetown State Forest
Route 119
Ashby, MA
Phone: 508-597-8802

5,651 acres state forest features fishing, picnic areas and hiking and cross-country ski trails.

Holmes Reservation
Court Street and Robbins Road
Plymouth, MA
Phone: 781-821-2977

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Holmes Reservation is an open, grassy field located in the heart of Plymouth - a treasured piece of open space in an otherwise developed city center. Visitors can take in distant views of Plymouth Harbor, Duxbury Beach, Clark's Island, and Gurnet Point. Before the Revolutionary War, a section of the field was part of a famous "Muster Ground" where Plymouth farmers in the militia would gather to practice shooting their muskets and marching in formation.

Horseneck Beach State Reservation
Route 88 South
Westport, MA  02790
Phone: 508-636-8816

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Located at the western end of Buzzards Bay, the sandy, southwest-facing, 2-mile long beach is breezy all year round, providing excellent wind surfing and a dependable respite from sweltering inland temperatures every summer. The combination of ocean beach and estuary habitat makes Horseneck one of the premier birding locations in New England. Behind the dunes near Gooseberry Neck is a 100-site campground.
The regular camping season is mid-May through mid-October. Swimming is permitted only at designated beaches. Pets are not allowed at swimming areas. Recreational uses: beaches, camping, picnicking, restrooms, boating (all types), boat ramp, fishing, historic site, picnicking, showers, swimming, trailer / R.V. dumping.

Massasoit State Park
Middleboro Avenue
Taunton, MA
Phone: 508-822-7405

This 1,500 acre park features canoeing and boating areas, swimming and fishing. Hiking and cross-country ski trails are also available. There are picnic areas as well as a public campsite.

Miles Standish State Forest
Long Pond Road
Carver, MA
Phone: 508-866-2580

Forest features 14,651 acres of camping, hiking and biking trails, cross-country skiing, canoeing, swimmiing, and fishing areas.

Norris Reservation
Dover Street
Norwell, MA
Phone: 781-821-2977

A walk through Norris Reservation’s two-mile trail system takes in a cathedral of pines, groves of beech, and scattered American holly. A granite outcrop, set too deep for early farmers to remove, emerges from the forest floor. Stone walls mark former property boundaries, pastures, and croplands, and a rustic boathouse serves as an observation deck over the North River. Visitors can also enjoy bird watching, cross-country skiing, and fishing on the shores of the North River.

Webb Memorial State Park
River Street
Weymouth, MA
Phone: 617-740-1605

Park with swimming and canoeing areas, as well as rest facilities.

Wompatuck State Park
Off Route 128
Hingham, MA
Phone: 617-749-7160

This state park cross-country, hiking and bike trails. Fishing areas and swimming are also available. There is a public campground with picnic and rest facilities.