Massachusetts State Parks

Whether you have a boat for boating and fishing in any of the many Massachusetts State Parks, or are looking for a relaxing get-away, you'll discover our Massachusetts State Park listings as the place to find just the right park for you and your family.  We have compiled all the state parks into one place for your convenience.

Massachusetts State Parks has something for everyone: Boating, Fishing, Bicycling, Camping, Canoeing, Kayaking, Hiking, Swimming or just good relaxation.  Click on any of the links below to find the specific information on boat launching fees, camp reservations and information about the park.

All state parks are controlled and maintained by the State of Massachusetts. They are clean, safe and well maintained by the state.


Listings

  • AbigailAdams

    Open year-round, dawn to dusk. a peninsula on the hingham/weymouth line at the mouth of the back river, stodder's neck was once an unsightly gravel pit. reclaimed and landscaped in a manner reminiscent of frederick law olmsted's work at world's end, stodder's neck provides harborside walking trails and a hilltop view of the back river.

  • AlewifeBrook

    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.

  • AmesNowellStatePark

    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.

  • AppalachianTrail

    The appalachian national scenic trail (at) is a passive recreation footpath that runs 2175 miles from springer mountain in georgia to mount katahdin in maine. ninety miles of this long-distance trail are in massachusetts, running along the ridges and traversing the valleys of berkshire county. conceived in 1921 by massachusetts native benton mckaye, the at was designed to provide a continuous green corridor along the ridge of the appalachian chain of mountains and hills.

  • AshlandStatePark

    Ashland state park has 470 acres including the 157 acre ashland reservoir. the park is operated seasonally and provides opportunities for swimming, picnicking, boating, fishing, bicycling and hiking. beach improvements at the park include facilities for wheelchair access to the boathouse and by ramp into the pond.

  • AshuwillticookRailTrail

    The ashuwillticook rail trail is a former railroad corridor converted into a 10-foot wide paved, universally accessible, passive recreation path. the ashuwillticook runs parallel to route 8 through the towns of cheshire, lanesborough and adams. the southern end of the rail trail begins at the entrance to the berkshire mall off ma rte. 8 in lanesborough and travels 11.2 miles north to the center of adams. parking lots and restrooms are available at selected locations along the way.

  • BashBishFallsStatePark

    In the extreme southwest corner of the state is a cluster of state parks noted for their spectacular scenery and breathtaking views. located here is bash bish falls, one of massachusetts' most dramatic and its highest single-drop waterfall. cascading water tumbles through a series of gorges and a hemlock-hardwood ravine forest, and then drops about 60 feet into a sparkling pool below.

  • BeartownStateForest

    Beartown state forest has two distinctly different worlds between the summer and winter. during the warm months the pristine 35-acre benedict pond attracts swimmers, boaters and fishermen. an extensive network of trails on over 12,000 acres offers visitors a chance to glimpse deer, bear, bobcat, fisher and other wildlife, including the park's namesake, the black bear. brooks, beaver ponds, rich deciduous forest, flowering shrubs and wildflowers and fall foliage are plentiful. the Appalachian Trail passes near benedict pond and offers spectacular wooded views.

  • BeaverBrook

    The first reservation established by the metropolitan parks commission (later the mdc) in 1893, beaver brook reservation is 59 acres of open fields, wetlands and woodlands. ponds, fields, marsh, and a cascading waterfall make the park's north section a delightful place to walk or picnic. the more developed south section features ballfields, a wading pool, and a tot lot. beaver brook's historic significance includes reminders of its past; the remains of a 19th century fulling mill, the historic robert morris copeland house (c.1835) and a monument to the waverly oaks, perhaps the most famous trees of the 1890's

  • BelleIsleMarsh

    Open year-round, 9:00 a.m. to dusk. belle isle marsh reservation preserves 152 acres of the 241-acre belle isle marsh, boston's last remaining salt marsh. a unique place to explore, the reservation exemplifies the type of wetlands that once lined the massachusetts bay shore. centuries of flourishing plant life have made the marsh more fertile than the richest farm land. its protected waters are nurseries to fish and shellfish and are critical habitat to many saltmarsh plants and wildlife rare to the metropolitan area. in addition to the preservation of the natural areas of the marsh, the dcr manages 28 acres of landscaped park with pathways, benches and an observation tower.

  • BlackstoneRiverandCanalHeritageStatePark

    The blackstone river and canal heritage state park recalls the role of canals in transporting raw materials and manufactured goods between emerging industrial centers. walk along restored sections of the blackstone river canal and towpath from the River Bend Farm Visitors Center.

  • BlueHills

    Located only minutes from the bustle of downtown boston, the dcr blue hills reservation stretches over 7,000 acres from quincy to dedham, milton to randolph, providing a green oasis in an urban environment. rising above the horizon, great blue hill reaches a height of 635 feet, the highest of the 22 hills in the blue hills chain. from the rocky summit visitors can see over the entire metropolitan area. with its scenic views, varied terrain and 125 miles of trails, the blue hills reservation offers year-round enjoyment for the outdoor enthusiast.

  • BorderlandStatePark

    Borderland is one of the most historically significant tracts of publicly owned land in the commonwealth. created in the early 1900s by artist and suffragist blanche ames and her botanist husband oakes, borderland offers many of the same pleasures that the ames family enjoyed: walking and horseback riding on woodland trails, fishing and canoeing in the ponds, or, in winter, ice-skating and sledding.

  • BostonHarborIslands

    The massachusetts department of conservation and recreation (ma dcr, state parks) is one of twelve managing partners of the boston harbor islands national recreation area. this park system includes 34 islands and peninsulas spread over fifty square miles of bays, harbors, and rivers within the greater boston harbor basin.

  • BradleyPalmerStatePark

    This 721-acre former estate features pine needled paths, acres of sunny rolling meadows and spectacular rhododendrons which line old carriage roads. peak bloom is usually in mid-june.

  • Breakheart

    Open year-round, dawn to dusk. breakheart reservation is a 640-acre hardwood forest with jagged, rocky outcroppings, two fresh-water lakes, and a rambling section of the saugus river. seven rocky hills, over 200 feet high, provide vistas of boston, southern new hampshire and central massachusetts. an extensive trail system through the woodlands guides visitors to various areas of the reservation. fishing in silver and pearce lakes, hiking the trails and birdwatching by the saugus river are popular year-round activities. the supervised swimming area at pearce lake, one of the few fresh- water swimming spots north of boston, draws crowds in the summer. in addition to its natural resources, the reservation has a rich cultural history.

  • BrimfieldStateForest

    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.

  • BristolBlakeStateReservation

    Offering 140 acres in the town of norfolk, the reservation was once home to a commercial sawmill operation. a large, open field welcomes visitors and an old stone lined cow path leads to stony brook pond and teal marsh where turtles and great blue herons are easy to spy. a boardwalk leads over kingfisher pond to a stand of beech trees,  which is a popular spot for a wide variety of wildlife viewing.  it is adjacent to the massachusetts audubon’s 116 acre stony brook wildlife sanctuary and is managed collaboratively with them. 

  • BrookFarm

    This national historic landmark is 179 acres of rolling fields, woodland and wetland and was the location of the experimental society of transcendentalists who lived on the farm in the 1840's. tours are offered periodically through the year.

  • CallahanStatePark

    Callahan state park is a 820-acre day use area located in northwest framingham. 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, 70 acres of which are currently under an agricultural lease.

  • CapeCodRailTrail

    The cape cod rail trail follows a former railroad right-of-way for 22 miles through the towns of dennis, harwich, brewster, orleans, eastham and wellfleet. its paved surface, few hills, and well-marked automobile crossings make it ideal for cyclists. the trail has a wide unpaved shoulder on one side to accommodate horseback riding, walkers, and runners.

  • CastleIsland

    Fort independence, a pentagonal five-bastioned, granite fort built between 1834 and 1851, is the dominating feature of castle island. this 22-acre urban park is connected to the mainland by both pedestrian and vehicular causeways. pleasure bay, the m street beach and carson beach form a three mile segment of parkland and beach along the south boston shoreline of dorchester bay. carson beach offers some beautiful views and great public amenities: a rehabilitated mothers' rest, public restrooms, exhibit space, first aid and lifeguard functions, while the outdoor courtyards allow space for passive recreation. carson beach also features a walkway which allows one to walk, bike, or run along the water's edge from castle island to the kennedy library.

  • CharlesRiver

    Dcr's charles river reservation is a linear park stretching from boston harbor up the river for 20 miles. the lower half of the reservation, from downtown boston to the watertown dam, is the Charles River Basin, which includes the esplanade on the boston side. the basin abuts the campuses of mit, boston university and harvard. the Upper Charles River section of the reservation begins at watertown square and meanders to riverdale park in west roxbury.

  • Chester-BlandfordStateForest

    Chester-blandford state forest offers a rustic park experience and spectacular sanderson brook falls. explore trails and places with names like mica mine road and gold mine brook that recall the days when the hills of Chester were pitted with small mines producing mica, emery and corundum. boulder park features an easy-graded universal access interpretive trail and pavilion amidst shady eastern hemlocks.

  • ChestnutHillReservation

    Considered a nineteenth-century masterpiece of engineering, urban planning and landscape design, the chestnut hill reservation is listed on the national register of historic places and is a city of boston landmark.  today, visitors can jog, walk their dog (please keep on leash and remove waste), or just stroll around the historic reservoir. open year-round, dawn to dusk. click here for more information on the history of the reservation.

  • ChicopeeStatePark

    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.

  • ClarksburgStatePark

    Clarksburg state park offers 368 acres of abundant and unspoiled northern hardwood forest with breathtaking views of the hoosac range, mount greylock and the green mountains.

  • CochituateStatePark

    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, andboat 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.

  • ConnecticutRiverGreenwayStatePark

    The connecticut river greenway, is one of massachusetts' newest state parks. it connects open spaces, parks, scenic vistas, and archaeological and historic sites along the length of the connecticut river as it passes through the state. there are over 12 miles of permanently protected shoreline, and numerous access points to the river (listed below). like jewels along a necklace, several larger properties such as Mt. Sugarloaf State Reservation, Norwottuck Rail Trail and the Great Falls Discovery Center (located in turner's falls) provide added visitor amenities.

  • CutlerPark

    The seven hundred acres known as cutler park comprise the largest remaining fresh water marsh on the middle charles. located in needham and dedham, the marsh and small lake attract over 100 species of birds which make cutler park a prime spot for nature study. other activities suitable to this wetland preserve are hiking, canoeing and fishing. open year-round, dawn to dusk.

  • D.A.R.StateForest

    The daughters of the american revolution (dar) donated 1,020 acres to the commonwealth for a state forest in 1929. since then more than 750 additional acres have been acquired to include upper and lower highland lakes, which offer a popular swimming beach, shady picnic area and a group picnic pavilion. located in the eastern foothills of the berkshires, discover 15 miles of mixed-use trails through northern hardwood-conifer forest. climb the goshen fire tower for spectacular views of the connecticut river valley and into five states.

  • DemarestLloydStatePark

    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.

  • DightonRockStatePark

    An 11-foot-high "glacial erratic" boulder known as dighton rock once rested on the shore of the taunton river adjacent to this park. covered with petroglyphs, carved designs of ancient and uncertain origin, the rock is now installed in a small museum. the museum (open by appointment) exhibits several explanations of the carvings, which range from portuguese explorers to native americans.

  • DorchesterShores

    Malibu beach, victory road park and tenean beach provide the public with coastal access along the extended mouth of the neponset river. malibu beach offers protected swimming and bathhouse. victory road park is a passive park with indigenous planting on a reclaimed landfill. tenean beach is a popular swimming beach with playground facilities, tennis and basketball courts. nearby savin hill beach, restored to its original olmsted brothers design, has a tot lot, baseball fields and protected swimming. together these facilities are an important link in the continuous pathway and greenway system from Castle Island  in south boston to the neponset river.

  • DouglasStateForest

    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 onmiles of woodland trails. facilities include two pavilions, boat ramp, swimming beach, picnic area and restrooms.

  • Dubuque,KennethMemorialStateForest

    Located within hawley, plainfield and savoy, the 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; moody springs; a rare fieldstone "beehive" charcoal kiln; and remains of mill complex at hallockville pond.

  • DunnStatePark

    This 130-acre park features a 20 acre pond, walking trails, swimming, fishing, picnicking, public programs, and play equipment. private canoes and non-motorized boats are allowed on the pond. in the winter the trails are open for cross country skiing, ice skating is allowed on the pond and often there is a fire blazing in the visitors centers fireplace.  all activities offered by the park are accessible to people with disabilities.

  • EllisvilleHarborStatePark

    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 and sightseeing. in fall and winter, harbor seals can often be seen just off-shore.

  • ElmBank

    The reservation is open year round dawn to dusk. gates open at 8am. elm bank reservation, located in wellesley, is one of the most recent parkland acquisitions. the 182 acres of woodlands, fields, and old estate property is surrounded on three sides by the charles river. the reservation is listed on the national register of historic places for its many elements of estate landscaping. a variety of wildlife, including deer, thrive in the upland habitats and along the river.

  • ErvingStateForest

    This forest provides a wide variety of recreational pursuits including, boating, swimming and fishing at laurel lake with its beautiful, brick-lined lakeshore, camping, picnicking, hunting, horseback riding and winter sports. the woodlands are interlaced by 8 miles of forest roads, and numerous trails lead to points of scenic interest.

  • F.GilbertHillsStateForest

    Covering 1,027 acres in foxboro and wrentham, f. gilbert hills is a "passive use" pine and oak forest. there are 23 miles of trails for various uses, looping through the forest. one of these leads to the warner trail, a long-distance hiking trail that travels through norfolk county on its way to rhode island. mountain biking is a widely popular activity and there are also trails for orvs and horseback riding.

  • FallRiverHeritageStatePark

    This 8.5-acre park enjoys a spectacular location overlooking battleship cove, home of the world war ii battleship, u.s.s. massachusetts.

  • FederatedWomen'sClubStateForest

    The massachusetts federation of women's club state forest lies in petersham and new salem on route 122. its 984 acres stretch to the south and west in the watershed of the quabbin reservoir. please note that no pets are allowed on dcr 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, and a dam on fever brook holds back sufficient water to attract migrating and native wild fowl. in the southwest section is the forest's chief geological feature, the gorge.

  • Forefather'sMonument

    Pilgrim memorial sp is one of the most heavily visited parks in the state parks system.  nearly one million people a year come from all over the world to visit the town where in 1620 europeans first made a home in new england and to see plymouth rock.  this simple glacial erratic boulder on the shore of plymouth harbor has become a world famous symbol of the courage and faith of the men and women who founded the first new england colony.  a landscaped waterfront park provides scenic views of plymouth harbor. the mayflower ii, a replica of the ship that brought the first pilgrims to massachusetts, is anchored at the park.

  • FortPhoenixStateReservation

    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 (and managed by the town of fairhaven) 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.

  • FortRevere

    Fort revere park is an 8+ acre historic site located atop telegraph hill in hull village. the park contains the remains of two seacoast fortifications, a water tower with an observation deck, a military history museum and picnic facilities. fort revere park is open daily, sunrise to sunset, year round. there are grills and picnic tables available.

  • Freetown-FallRiverStateForest

    Just 5 minutes from fall river and taunton, and 15 minutes from new bedford, freetown state forest is a vast tract of public land acquired over a twenty year period beginning in the 1930's. near the main entrance is a day use area, with wading pool, picnic area, fields and restrooms. the remainder of the forest offers 50 miles of unpaved roads and trails. horseback riders, dog sledders, mountain bikers, and seasonal motorcycle and snowmobile users are welcome, as are hunters and anglers in season. rattlesnake brook, which meanders throughout much of the property, is stocked with brook trout each spring.

  • Gardner,C.M.StatePark

    C. m. gardner state park is located in the rolling berkshire foothills along a scenic section of the westfield river east branch. in summer the sunlit mountain river here is a delightful spot to relax. a wooded picnic area is available on the banks of the river.

  • GardnerHeritageStatePark

    The heritage state park is located in a restored 19th century fire station. it contains self-guided exhibits that trace the silversmith and furniture making industry in gardner, also known as “chair city.”   questions may be directed to the dcr park supervisor located at dunn state park, gardner, at 978-632-7897. 

  • Georgetown-RowleyStateForest

    This 1,112 acre forest offers a variety of year-round activities including horseback riding, hiking, walking, hunting (some restrictions), cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling.

  • GranvilleStateForest

    Located along the southern border of massachusetts in the towns of granville and tolland, this state forest's 2,426 acres, borders with connecticut's 9,152 acre tunxis state forest, creating a sense of tranquil remoteness. formerly, this extensive rolling terrain was once the hunting and fishing ground of the tunxis tribe, later becoming open farmland and pastures; now slowly reverting back into a northern hardwood-conifer forest. in 1749 the first english pioneer to this area, samuel hubbard, settled along the banks of the river now bearing his name. 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.

  • GreatBrookFarmStatePark

    Chosen by yankee magazine's travel guide to new england as editor's pick 2000, great brook farm state park stands as a jewel in northern massachusetts! agriculture has been part of great brook's history for centuries. holsteins have been kept here for over 60 years and current farmer mark duffy continues the tradition with his black & white ladies. native americans used sections of great brook farm as sacred sites. seventeenth century cellar holes comprise "the city" where early english settlers worked one of numerous mill sites on the 1,000 acre park.

  • HalibutPointStatePark

    Halibut point is a uniquely beautiful coastal seascape. looking seaward on a clear day, the view stretches from crane beach in ipswich to mount agamenticus in maine and the isles of shoals off the coast of new hampshire.

  • HammondPond

    Open year-round, dawn to dusk. hammond pond, a wooded reservation with a large, scenic pond, is located in the chestnut hill section of newton adjacent to the city's webster conservation area. it is a natural forest with wooded trails and large geological formations. nearby lost pond has a quaking bog and system of natural trails.

  • HamptonPondsStatePark

    Located in the city of westfield, hampton pond state park offers water based recreation activities and picnicking.

  • HaroldParkerStateForest

    Harold parker state forest, which lies in andover, north andover, north reading and middleton, comprises just over 3,000 acres of central hardwood-hemlock-white pine type of forest. the forest is twenty miles north of boston and within one hour's drive of three million people. recreational opportunities include hiking, mountain biking, fishing, hunting, horseback riding, camping and picnicking. the forest has over 35 miles of logging roads and trails and offers quiet seclusion to off-road hikers and bikers. non-motorized boating is allowed on any of the 11 ponds. no horse, boat or bike rentals are available at the facilit

  • HemlockGorge/VillageFalls

    Open dawn to dusk. hemlock gorge in needham and newton is a small 23-acre wild area along the banks of the charles river. the park is dominated by the steep gorge, the river, its surrounding stands of hemlock trees and echo bridge, a huge granite and brick structure that spans the river and gorge. when built in 1877 by the boston water works, the bridge was the second largest masonry arch in the united states. and in 1982, it was designated a national historic landmark. atop the bridge one is afforded spectacular views of the river and neighboring lands. from a platform beneath the bridge's central arch, visitors have long enjoyed testing the echo that gave the structure its name. open year-round, dawn to dusk. for more information call (617) 698-1802 or check out the Friends of Hemlock Gorge.

  • HolyokeHeritageStatePark

    The park's visitors' center features exhibits about paper manufacturing and holyoke's industrial history. a slide show celebrates the city's rich blend of cultures and people. special programs are offered year-round. the children's museum, the restored antique holyoke Merry-Go-Round and the volleyball hall of fame are also located within the park.

  • HopkintonStatePark

    Hopkinton state park is located in the towns of hopkinton and ashland and includes the picturesque hopkinton reservoir.  the park offers a variety of year round recreational activities including 2 life guarded swimming beaches, stocked fishing, 1 reservable group picnic site (see split rock below), 12 tree shaded, first come first served, picnic areas (300 picnic tables and 165 charcoal cooking grills), 10 miles of marked trails, open field space and a concrete boat launching ramp for non-motorized watercraft. outdoor recreation of hopkinton inc. provides seasonal boat rentals (508) 435-3965. public restrooms are available during the spring, summer and fall months. 

  • HorseneckBeachStateReservationandCampground

    Spread across nearly 600 acres of barrier beach and salt marsh, horseneck beach is one of the most popular facilities in the massachusetts state forests and parks system. 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 (a rocky headland at the eastern end of the reservation), is a 100-site

  • Houghton'sPondRecreationArea

    The department of conservation and recreation invites you to spend the day and enjoy the calm, clear waters of houghton’s pond in the scenic blue hills reservation. offering 7,000 acres of open space, the blue hills reservation is a green oasis in an urban environment.

  • JugEndStateReserv.andWildlifeMgnt.

    Jug end offers one of the most scenic areas in the berkshires. the former site of the popular Jug end barn resort, this 1,158 acre property has been returned to a natural state. it is now managed for passive recreation and environmental research in partnership between dcr and the department of fisheries and wildlife.

  • LakeDennisonRecreationArea

    Lake dennison is a section of the army corps of engineers birch hill flood control project. the dcr, via otter river state park staff, manages 4,221 acres of corps land for recreational use. located in winchendon, the park has 150 campsites. there is a swimming beach on lake dennison.

  • LakeLorraineStatePark

    Lake lorraine is a freshwater swimming area and regional boating safety training center.

  • LakeWyolaStatePark

    Lake wyola state park, also known as the carroll a. holmes recreation area, is located in the quaint hill town of shutesbury, just north of amherst. This 40-acre day-use area is located on the shores of lake wyola, a native american word meaning “quiet waters”. here on the crystal clear waters of the 128-acre lake one can swim at the guarded beach or picnic at one of the many picnic sites all with charcoal grills.

  • LawrenceHeritageStatePark

    A restored boarding house with two floors of interactive exhibits tells the tale of lawrence, one of the nation's first planned industrial cities. along with stories of lawrence's mill workers and industry, the workers' role in the 1912 bread and roses strike is relived with images and sounds. walk along the esplanade of a nineteenth-century canal and through a park created within the walls of an industrial-era building.

  • LeoJ.MartinGolfCourse

    Ponkapoag golf course was built in 1936 and is a renowned, donald ross, 36-hole facility. it features a putting green, driving range, snack bar, pro shop, and power carts. tee times on a first come, first served basis. lessons are available.

  • LeominsterStateForest

    Leominster state forest is a 4,300-acre parcel of forested land, located in the five towns of westminster, princeton, leominster, fitchburg and sterling in north central massachusetts. the forest is conveniently located off of rte 2 (exit 28), is an easy drive for local residents, and convenient from the boston and worcester communities. parking is available along rte. 31 in several areas. from memorial day to labor day, parking fees are charged in the paved parking 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. nature lovers will enjoy the numerous hiking trails, the prolific mountain laurel bloom in late june, early july and the opportunity to observe all kinds of wildlife.

  • Lowell-Dracut-TyngsboroStateForest

    Located in three towns, this forest contains 1,140 acres including 180 acres of ponds, swamps, and wetlands. it is the probable site of a native american village prior to colonial settlement and later was acquired to obtain granite for canals and factory foundations. the forest has six miles of trails offering hiking, bicycling, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling. hunting is permitted in season.

  • LowellHeritageStatePark

    Lowell boasts a remarkable network of nineteenth-century canals created to provide power to the bustling textile mills that operated along the water's edge. today the buildings remain and continue to evoke the sense of a great industrial city. visitors can participate in activities, including canal rides, and explore exhibits about lowell's role in america's industrial history presented in conjunction with the Lowell National Historical Park. a victorian garden in the heart of the downtown area, and over two miles of landscaped esplanade, summer concerts, and swimming and boating in the merrimack river are additional attractions at this popular park.

  • LowerNeponsetRiverTrail

    Open year-round, dawn to dusk. the lower neponset river trail follows the path of a former railroad bed along the shore of the neponset river. traversing a rich variety of historical and ecological contexts, the 2.4 mile path serves to link the neponset area to the larger network of dcr trails. the trail currently stretches from the historic port norfolk neighborhood in dorchester, through pope john paul ii park, across granite avenue through the neponset marshes, and through the lower mills area to central avenue in milton. in the future connections are planned from central avenue to mattapan and from port norfolk to commercial point, linking to existing trails to castle island.

  • LynnHeritage

    The oceanfront community of lynn is famous for its shoe manufacturing, for pioneering developments in electronics and for the 19th century reformers who lived there. exhibits and tours highlight the innovation and industry of lynn, the turn-of-the-century shoemaking capital of the u.s. compare the craft and tools of a hand made shoe with a factory made shoe. experience the struggle of shoe workers during the strike of 1860. find out why lydia pinkham’s medicinals were known the world over. a boardwalk stroll at the nearby waterfront park features an extraordinary mosaic mural on lynn's history.

  • LynnShoreparks

    Open year round, dawn to dusk. boat ramps provide public access to lynn harbor. public swimming at long beach and king's beach. fee for parking at long beach, 8:00am - 6:00pm, may - sept. an expansive seascape can be viewed from over four miles of waterfront that is managed under public ownership. a promenade extends along the two-mile length of the two reservations at the edge of nahant bay and is available year round for activities such as walking, jogging and bicycling. vast areas of hard-packed sand are exposed at low tide which can be accessed at king's beach and long beach on nahant bay as well as near the boat launching area on lynn harbor. other interesting natural features include a mile-long system of fragile sand dunes parallel to long beach, and tide pools at red rock park that are often filled with colorful marine plants and animals.

  • ManuelF.CorrellusStateForest

    Correllus state forest occupies over 5,100 acres in the center of martha's vineyard. it was created in 1908 as the "heath hen reserve," in an attempt to prevent the bird's extinction. sadly, the last heath hen (an eastern subspecies of the prairie chicken) was seen in 1932. today 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. as part of a cooperative effort, the state forest is now working to bring back the site's native ecosystem.

  • MartiniShellPark

    Open year round dawn to dusk. the dcr martini shell was built in 1960 as an outdoor theatre and is named in honor of francis d. martini, a us army private who died in combat in world war ii, and is 34 feet tall with 334 square feet of stage area (approximately 30 feet wide at front, 10 feet wide at back, 20 feet deep) the shell is located at 1015 truman parkway in the readville/hyde park section of boston. the park area is 5.6 acres, shaped as an elongated triangle, situated between truman parkway and the neponset river

  • MassasoitStatePark

    This heavily wooded park, minutes from interstate route 495, offers abundant beauty and many opportunities for recreation. four lakes provide excellent fishing. swimming for camping patrons only is available at the beach on middle pond. biking, canoeing, walking, hiking, horseback riding and cross-country skiing are popular activities. in the fall the contrast of scarlet cranberry bogs against the pines is breathtaking.

  • MaudslayStatePark

    The former moseley family estate on the merrimack river, 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. special use permits may be obtained for wedding ceremonies and similar programs.

  • MelneaA.CassRecreationalComplex

    The renovated facility offers a large indoor recreational arena that offers a year round, climate controlled recreational space which is connected to the melnea a. cass memorial pool.  the facility was built to be a flexible space that can accommodate many different uses.

  • MiddlesexFells

    Open year-round, dawn to dusk. the middlesex fells reservation's 2,575 acres offer a welcome retreat for city dwellers and a suitable terrain for hikers, mountain bikers, horseback riders, rock climbers, cross-country skiers and picnickers as well as natural and cultural history buffs. "fells" is the saxon word for rocky, hilly tracts of land - an apt name for this scenic area which is rich in local history. this picturesque area was once favored for timber, granite quarrying, ice industry, and water power for the many mills including one that manufactured some of the first vulcanized rubber products. the area was first explored by governor winthrop and his men in the winter of 1632: " ...they came to a very great pond, having in the midst an island of about one acre and very thick with trees of pine and beech and the pond had divers small rocks standing up here and there in it, which therefore called spot pond." (quote from gov. winthrop's private papers)

  • MohawkTrailStateForest

    A clear, cold river cascades through mohawk trail state forest along a rocky streambed. one of the most scenic woodland areas in massachusetts, the state forest offers visitors a taste of real wilderness in a rustic setting. over 6,000 acres of mountain ridges, deep gorges and tall old-growth trees support a diversity of plant and animal life. 56 wooded campsites are available seasonally, and six overnight log cabins are available year-round.

  • MonroeStateForest

    Wild and rugged monroe state forest has deep valleys, steep mountains and tall trees reaching for the sky. to view this forested landscape with valley-filled fog is an unforgettable experience. a hike to the top of spruce mountain or to ccc-built raycroft lookout offers magnificent panoramas of the surrounding hoosac and green mountains and deerfield river. from the parking area off river road, hike the dunbar brook trail through shaded stands of old-growth old-growth eastern hemlock and associated northern hardwood trees. this pristine brook tumbles and drops 700 vertical feet in two miles, over huge moss-covered boulders forming entrancing waterfalls, rapids and pools.

  • MooreStatePark

    A peaceful 400-acre retreat in the heart of central massachusetts, moore was the site of grist and saw mills from 1747 through the early part of this century. it then became a private estate. what remains today is the best of both: stone mill foundations, a restored sawmill, and mountains of glorious rhododendrons, azaleas and mountain laurel. the flowers cascade down hills, line wooded paths and decorate waterfalls.

  • MoynihanRecreationArea

    Open year round dawn to dusk. the dcr martini shell was built in 1960 as an outdoor theatre and is named in honor of francis d. martini, a us army private who died in combat in world war ii, and is 34 feet tall with 334 square feet of stage area (approximately 30 feet wide at front, 10 feet wide at back, 20 feet deep) the shell is located at 1015 truman parkway in the readville/hyde park section of boston. the park area is 5.6 acres, shaped as an elongated triangle, situated between truman parkway and the neponset river

  • Mt.EverettStateReservation

    In the extreme southwest corner of massachusetts is a cluster of parks noted for their spectacular scenery and stunning views. they surround "the dome" of mount everett in this 1,356 acre state reservation. seasonal road access and parking is available to the guilder pond day-use area. from thereon a 0.75 mile path leads to the top of mount everett. at the 2,624-foot elev. summit, amidst an unusual dwarf pitch pine-scrub oak forest, is a breathtaking 360-degree panorama of massachusetts, new york and connecticut.

  • Mt.GraceStateForest

    At 1,621 feet, mount grace is the third highest elevation in massachusetts, east of the connecticut river. recreation activities at the 1,458-acre state forest include hiking, walking, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and hunting (in season).

  • Mt.GreylockStateReservation

    At 3,491 feet, mount greylock is the highest point in massachusetts. rising above the surrounding berkshire landscape, dramatic views of 60-90 miles distant may be seen. it became massachusetts' first wilderness state park, acquired by the commonwealth in 1898, to preserve its natural environment for public enjoyment. wild and rugged yet intimate and accessible, mount greylock rewards the visitor exploring this special place of scenic and natural beauty.

  • Mt.HolyokeRangeStatePark

    Rising roughly 1,000 feet in elevation, mt. holyoke range state park straddles the seven-mile ridge that runs from hadley to belchertown. the ridge is a patchwork of state, town and private lands. parcels acquired by the state since the 1970's bring the park to over 3,000 acres. the notch visitor center, located on route 116 in amherst, is open daily. displays and interpretive programs are available in season. the park's friends group offers hikes and programs throughout the year.

  • Mt.SugarloafStateReservation

    Mt. sugarloaf offers a commanding view of the connecticut river, the pioneer valley, and the pelham and berkshire hills. consisting of two peaks, north and south sugarloaf, the reservation offers picnicking, scenic viewing and hiking. an auto road winds to the summit, making south sugarloaf mountain accessible by private automobiles. available on the summit is a pavilion for scenic viewing and picnicking.

  • Mt.TomStateReservation

    Mt. tom boasts an unparalleled view of the connecticut valley north and south, the berkshire mountains to the west and the pelham hills to the east. this 2,082 acre facility offers 20 miles of hiking and walking trails; picnicking; canoeing and fishing on lake bray; and cross country skiing and ice skating in the winter. mt. tom also offers a children's play area.

  • Mt.WashingtonStateForest

    In the extreme southwest corner of massachusetts is a cluster of state parks noted for their spectacular scenery and breathtaking views. situated high on a mountain plateau, much of this forest was once clear-cut between the late-1700s to mid-1800s, to produce charcoal fuel for local iron forges. today, amidst the re-grown red oak-northern hardwood forest, the 4,169 acre mount washington state forest offers 30 miles of trails over rugged terrain and wilderness camping. hike the south taconic trail to the 2,250 ft. elev. summit of alander mountain for amazing views. or follow the Appalachian Trail as it winds its way along the ridgeline and through sage's ravine. springtime features include blooming mountain laurel and azalea; and in summer, a carpet of ferns.

  • MylesStandishMonumentStateReservation

    High atop captain's hill, 200 feet above sea level, stands the myles standish monument, a 116-foot granite shaft crowned by a 14-foot statue of captain myles standish, military leader of plymouth colony. begun in 1872, completed in 1898, and refurbished in 1988, the monument offers a panoramic view of the south shore-church spires, several 19th-century lighthouses, the five-mile-long duxbury beach, plymouth harbor, and the blue hills off to the northwest.

  • MylesStandishStateForest

    Sprawling across the southern sections of plymouth and carver, myles standish state forest is the largest publicly owned recreation area in southeastern massachusetts. mssf offers five camping areas, tucked into the forest or set along the edges of four of the park's 16 ponds. All are beautifully maintained and a section of the charge pond area is set aside specifically for horse camping. a day-use area at college pond offers picnicking, swimming, fishing, canoeing. fifteen miles of bicycle trails, 35 miles of equestrian trails and 13 miles of hiking trails take visitors deep into the forest, which includes one of the largest contiguous pitch pine/scrub oak communities north of long island.

  • MysticRiver

    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, making it one of the commonwealth's best protected streams. the river has been much altered since the 1800's when its shores were largely saltmarsh.

  • NantasketBeach

    Open year-round, dawn to dusk. lifeguards on duty from late june to early september. nantasket beach has been a popular summer destination for city dwellers since the middle of the 19th century. the reservation encompasses 26 acres along one and a third miles of oceanfront. the historic Paragon Carousel evokes memories of the area's amusement park history. band concerts and public dance lessons are popular summertime events.

  • NashuaRiverRailTrail

    The nashua river rail trail is a former railroad right of way that travels 11 miles through the towns of ayer, groton, pepperell and dunstable. the trail offers a 10-foot wide paved surface for the entire length, and a five-foot wide gravel equestrian path for seven miles of the trail from groton center to the new hampshire border in dunstable. the entire trail is open to pedestrians, bicyclists, inline skaters, wheelchairs, and cross-country skiers.

  • NasketucketBayStateReservation

    Acquired by the state in 1999, nasketucket bay state reservation in mattapoisett offers 209 acres of wooded trails, open field and rocky shoreline for the public to enjoy.

  • NaturalBridgeStatePark

    Discover a geologic wonder at this 48 acre park. examine the only naturally formed white marble arch and man-made white marble dam in north america, and tour an abandoned marble quarry. the "natural bridge" for which the park is named, according to geologists, is 550 million year old bedrock marble, carved into an arch by the force of glacial melt water over 13,000 years ago; one of the best places in new england to demonstrate the effects of glaciation. the bridge spans rushing hudson brook as it twists and tumbles through a steep 60-foot deep gorge.

  • NeponsetRiver

    Open year round dawn to dusk. the neponset river, unlike the charles and mystic rivers, remains a natural estuary with extensive marshlands at its mouth and significant freshwater wetlands along much of its upstream length. it provides an unusually rich and diverse habitat for both plants and animals including a number of threatened and endangered species. the estuarine portion of the neponset river upstream of granite avenue is characterized by extensive tidal marshes. granite bound for boston from quincy was transferred by early railroad to boats at a pier on the milton shore. this segment of the river offers interesting canoeing and nature study opportunities.

  • NickersonStatePark

    Travel the road to the upper campgrounds in nickerson state park and you may think for a moment that you have been magically transported to the berkshire hills or the piney woods of the carolinas. nowhere in sight 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. yet, if you walk or bicycle through the woods, you will find no rivers or streams feeding the ponds. these are “kettle ponds,” among more than 300 formed as glaciers retreated from the cape over 10,000 years ago. completely dependent on groundwater and precipitation, the water level in the ponds fluctuates from season to season and year to year.

  • NorwottuckRailTrail

    The norwottock rail trail is an 11 mile path linking northampton, hadley, and amherst along the former boston & main railroad right-of-way. the path's level terrain provides safe passage for pedestrians, wheelchairs, joggers, skaters, bicyclists, and cross-country skier of all ages and abilities. motorized vehicles and horses are prohibited. both ends of the path offer free parking for trail users – elwell state park on damon road in northampton and station road in south amherst. public restrooms are available at the parking area at elwell recreation area.

  • OctoberMountainStateForest

    At 16,500 acres, october mountain is the largest state forest in massachusetts. here visitors can camp, hike and enjoy the outdoors while they visit nearby Tanglewood and other berkshire region points of interest. 47 campsites dot a sunny hillside and offer a great base to explore this vast forest.

  • OtterRiverStateForest

    Otter river state forest is a popular camping and day-use facility in a beautiful area of 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. otter river state forest was the first area acquired by the state forest commission in 1915.

  • PearlHillStatePark

    This 1,000 acre park is open on a seasonal basis from memorial day through labor day. pearl hill's campground offers some of the largest and most private campsites in massachusetts, all beneath a canopy of stately pines. there are 51 campsites, now served by a new bathhouse, and a day use area which includes a five-acre pond created by the seasonal damming of park hill brook, with a beach area on the pond. the area offers miles of hiking trails, abundant swimming opportunities and great antiquing.

  • PilgrimMemorialStatePark(PlymouthRock)

    Pilgrim memorial sp is one of the most heavily visited parks in the state parks system.  nearly one million people a year come from all over the world to visit the town where in 1620 europeans first made a home in new england and to see plymouth rock.  this simple glacial erratic boulder on the shore of plymouth harbor has become a world famous symbol of the courage and faith of the men and women who founded the first new england colony.  a landscaped waterfront park provides scenic views of plymouth harbor. the mayflower ii, a replica of the ship that brought the first pilgrims to massachusetts, is anchored at the park.

  • PittsfieldStateForest

    Streams, waterfalls and flowering shrubs abound in pittsfield state forest. 65 acres of wild azalea fields are a profusion of pink blossoms in june. the forest has two camping areas and two picnic areas. fishermen frequent scenic berry pond, one of the highest natural water bodies in the state at 2,150 feet in elevation. the vista from the top of berry mountain, accessible by auto road from april to december, is a striking panorama and a great place to watch the sun set.

  • PonkapoagGolfCourse

    Ponkapoag golf course was built in 1936 and is a renowned, donald ross, 36-hole facility. it features a putting green, driving range, snack bar, pro shop, and power carts. tee times on a first come, first served basis. lessons are available.

  • PopeJohnPaulIIPark

    Open year-round, dawn to dusk. formerly used as a landfill and a drive-in theatre, the site of pope john paul ii park was once a barrier between the people of dorchester and the neponset river waterfront.

  • PurgatoryChasmStateReservation

    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.

  • QuabbinReservoirWatershed

    Quabbin reservoir is one of the largest man-made public water supplies in the united states. created in the 1930s by the construction of two huge earthen dams, the reservoir is fed by the three branches of the swift river, and seasonally by the ware river. quabbin's water covers 39 square miles, is 18 miles long and has 181 miles of shoreline. when full, quabbin holds 412 billion gallons of water.

  • QuincyQuarries

    It was here in west quincy that america's large scale granite quarrying industry was born in 1825 when, after an exhaustive search throughout new england, solomon willard selected the area as the source of stone for the bunker hill monument in charlestown. with his development of the revolutionary construction techniques that made hard quincy granite a practical building stone, willard earned the title "father of the granite industry". the granite railway, a civil engineering landmark, was established in 1826. it was designed and constructed by railway pioneer gridley bryant, and many of his inventions are still in use today. quincy became known nationwide as "the granite city". the last active quarry closed in 1963; in 1985, the then metropolitan district commission purchased 22 acres including granite railway quarry. trail connections to the blue hills reservation are protected by recent parkland purchases.

  • QuincyShores

    Open year round, dawn to dusk. bathhouse open july to september. quincy shore reservation offers a variety of recreational opportunities. quincy shore drive links wollaston beach with caddy memorial park and moswetuset hummock. the 2.3 mile beach is popular for its jogging/bicycling trail and swimming. caddy park on the southern end of the beach has over 15 acres of fields and marsh as well as a play area, lookout tower and picnic tables. moswetuset hummock, on the beach's northern end, is a national historic site. once a summer campsite of native americans during the 1600's, it is a mixture of woodland trails and open marshland. the site which has a short loop trail, offers views of quincy bay and 144-acre squantum marsh.

  • QuinsigamondStatePark

    Quinsigamond state park consists of two sites located on lake quinsigamond in worcester: regatta point and lake park. the 25 acre regatta point area offers facilities for swimming, sailing, picnicking and fishing. the area is used extensively for sailing and rowing crew regattas.

  • RevereBeach

    Open year round, dawn to dusk. lifeguards are on duty from late june to early september. revere beach, the oldest public beach in america, celebrated its 100th anniversary in 1996. today, this 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.

  • RobinsonStatePark

    Robinson state park serves as a major day use area for the springfield region.  donated to the state in 1934 by john c. robinson, the facility includes over 800 acres with five miles of frontage on the westfield river.

  • RoxburyHeritageStatePark

    The dillaway-thomas house at roxbury heritage state park was built in 1750 and served as headquarters for general john thomas and the continental army during the siege of boston in 1775. the house has been restored to show how it changed over two centuries and now offers exhibits which interpret both the past and present history of roxbury and its people and cultures. a new park adjacent to the dillaway-thomas house provides a scenic overlook of downtown boston.

  • RumneyMarsh/SaugusRiver

    Open year-round, dawn to dusk. rumney marsh, a 600+ acre reservation, is located within the rich saugus and pines river estuary. this expansive saltmarsh provides habitat for an array of wildlife including migratory birds and marine life. the reservation also provides recreational opportunities such as boating, fishing, walking, and bird watching. it is designated as an "area of critical environmental concern".

  • Rutland State Park

    The park office is located off of rte 122 near the long pond boat ramp. The recreation area is located off of rte 122a in mid-central massachusetts.

  • SalisburyBeachStateReservation

    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 the beach- going public 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.

  • SandisfieldStateForest(YorkLake)

    Within the rolling northern hardwood forests of sandisfield state forest is york lake, featuring a popular day use area with a 300-foot beach for unguarded swimming, a picnic area and a boat launch ramp.

  • SandyPointStateReservation

    Sandy point is at the very 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, a threatened species, and the least tern, a species of special concern in massachusetts. passive recreational activities include walking, beachcombing, fishing and birding. access is through the abutting parker river national wildlife refuge.

  • SavoyMountainStateForest

    Savoy mountain state forest makes it easy to leave the everyday world behind. scenic north and south ponds, with wooded edges and hills rising in the distance, offer tranquil places to fish, picnic and swim. 45 campsites and 1 group site are located in an old apple orchard. four log cabins overlook south pond, available for year-round rental.

  • SchoonerErnestina

    The schooner ernestina is a one hundred year old ship designated by the department of the interior as a national historic landmark. originally built at the james and tarr yard in essex, massachusetts and launched february 1, 1894 as the effie m. morrissey, she has sailed on through the century to become one of six remaining essex-built schooners.

  • ScussetBeachStateReservation

    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 very popular with trailer campers. for salt water anglers, the area offers a popular fish pier, a 3000 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-CrowellStateForest

    This quiet year-round campground at the beginning of cape cod has over 285 sites in a wooded setting (camping site 1; camping site 2). yurt camping is now available. more than 15 miles of roads and trails provide hiking and equestrian access to over 700 acres of pitch pine and scrub oak landscape. parking access to the beach at scusset state reservation is provided in camping fee.

  • SkinnerStatePark

    J.a. skinner state park is more than 400 acres of forest on mount holyoke, at the western end of the holyoke range. it offers breathtaking views of the connecticut river valley. the summit is accessible by hiking the road or hiking trails year-round.

  • SouthCapeBeachStatePark

    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.

  • SouthwestCorridorPark

    The southwest corridor park is a 4.7 mile, 52-acre, linear park stretching from the back bay to forest hills. it links the neighborhoods of south end, back bay, roxbury and jamaica plain with a street-level, green open space for parkland and recreation. approximately a quarter of the parkland is decked over the railroad tracks, providing more space for grass and plantings, and such recreational facilities as 11 tot lot areas, 2 spray pools, 7 basketball courts, 5 tennis courts, 2 street hockey rinks, 2 amphitheatres, and approximately six miles of biking, jogging and walking paths.

  • SpencerStateForest

    Spencer state forest, a 965-acres area provides swimming and picnicking facilities on howe pond. other activities offered at spencer include fishing, canoeing, hiking, nordic skiing and snowmobiling. the Midstate Trail, a long-distance hiking trail that extends through central massachusetts to mt. watatic in the north, runs close to the park.

  • SquantumPoint

    Open year-round, dawn to dusk. at squantum point, visitors can see the boston skyline across the harbor and dozens of species of wild birds in the park. the park was originally used as a naval airfield. it was also once the home of the bethlehem shipbuilding corporation, which built destroyers for the navy. the dcr developed the site as a waterfront park with financial support from the national grid, while maintaining both its bird habitat and the traces of its aviation history. the park officially opened to the public in june, 2001, and it is now a popular spot to watch the birds and take in the spectacular views of the harbor.

  • Stodder'sNeck

    Open year-round, dawn to dusk. a peninsula on the hingham/weymouth line at the mouth of the back river, stodder's neck was once an unsightly gravel pit. reclaimed and landscaped in a manner reminiscent of frederick law olmsted's work at world's end, stodder's neck provides harborside walking trails and a hilltop view of the back river.

  • StonyBrook

    Open year-round, dawn to dusk. enneking, dedham and turtle pond parkways wind through extensive tree covered hills, valleys, rock-outcroppings and wetlands; past turtle pond and into hyde park. stony brook reservation contains 475 acres of scenic landscapes and a variety of recreational facilities.

  • StreeterPointRecreationArea

    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 rt 20.

  • SudburyReservoirWatershed

    In 1878 a system of reservoirs was constructed to provide water supply by holding back the sudbury river, to supplement the lake cochituate system in natick. these new reservoirs were sudbury, whitehall, hopkinton, ashland, stearns, brackett, and foss. in 1947 the whitehall, hopkinton, ashland and cochituate reservoirs were turned into state parks, and in 1976 the entire sudbury system was officially reclassified as an emergency water supply. today only the sudbury reservoir and foss (framingham reservoir no. 3) are classified as a reserve drinking water supply. the dcr owns and manages 4,943 acres of land in the sudbury reservoir watershed system.

  • TollandStateForest

    The centerpiece of this state forest, located in the rolling southern berkshire hills, is the 1,065-acre otis reservoir. the lake provides a wide variety of recreational activities. a public boat launch ramp is available, popular with fishermen seeking out trout and bass in the lake's depths.

  • UptonStateForest

    This 2660 acre forest offers visitors a natural diversity of flora and fauna accented with historically significant contributions of the civil conservation corps (ccc).

  • WachusettMountainStateReservation

    Rising above the surrounding 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 mt. 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. the reservation's natural resources include forests, alpine meadows, ponds, streams, fields, and even a perched bog. recreational opportunities abound at the reservation including hiking, nature study, hawk watching, picnicking, and skiing. the reservation offers 17 miles of hiking and walking trails, including 3.9 miles of the Midstate Trail, which runs from ashburnham to the rhode island border. mountain road stretches to the john hitchcock visitor's center at the summit, a short distance from the Wachusett Mountain Ski Area, which is the largest in eastern massachusetts.

  • WachusettReservoirWatershed

    The 4,135-acre reservoir was built between 1897-1908 by damming the south branch of the nashua river. water was sent via an aqueduct to the weston reservoir. it now receives some of its water from quabbin reservoir and still supplies the boston area.

  • WahconahFallsStatePark

    Located in the heart of the berkshire hills, wahconah falls offers visitors spectacular scenic views anytime of year. wahconah falls brook flows over several smaller tiered falls then cascades about 40 feet into a deep pool. the falls "roar," especially during spring run-off. relax, picnic or fish in the shade of the northern hardwood-conifer forest, or take a hike on the 0.5 mile loop trail (moderate difficulty) through open woods and along upper portions of the falls.

  • WaldenPondStateReservation

    Henry david thoreau lived at walden pond from july 1845 to september 1847. his experience at walden provided the material for the book walden, which is credited with helping to inspire awareness and respect for the natural environment. because of thoreau's legacy, walden pond has been designated a national historic landmark and is considered the birthplace of the conservation movement. park interpreters provide tours and ongoing educational programs. the reservation includes the 102-foot deep glacial kettle-hole pond. mostly undeveloped woods totaling 2680 acres, called "walden woods," surround the reservation.

  • WaquoitBayNationalEstuarineResearchReserve

    The waquoit bay national estuarine research reserve (wbnerr) is located on the south shore of cape cod, in the towns of falmouth and mashpee. it encompasses some 2,700 acres of open waters, barrier beaches, marshlands and uplands. washburn island, South Cape Beach State Park, reserve headquarters and the quashnet river corridor are components of the reserve which include trails through or near marshes, beaches, rivers and woodlands. the waquoit bay reserve is representative of typical shallow bay environments, from chesapeake bay to cape cod. for more information on research, coastal monitoring and stewardship projects, visit the reserve's website at

  • WareRiverWatershed

    The dcr owns approximately 23,000 acres in an area commonly known as the Ware River watershed. located in central massachusetts between the quabbin reservoir and the wachusett reservoir, the ware river watershed is the land and water which drain to the mwra diversion facility on the ware river in barre. the water that enters the intake travels to either the quabbin or wachusett reservoir through an underground tunnel, the quabbin aqueduct.

  • WatsonPondStatePark

    Watson pond state park is a beautiful 10 acre park in taunton.  operated seasonally, it offers swimming and picnicking.  amenities include a 300’ beach, a picnic area, a bath house and a small pavilion.  easy access from rte. 495 makes it a popular park for families and groups.

  • WebbMemorial

    Located on boston harbor close to the boston harbor islands, webb memorial offers quiet enjoyment and vistas of the harbor and boston skyline. the park is a scenic peninsula that extends nearly half a mile into hingham bay. recreational activities include fishing, picnicking and walking. a large pavilion with grills is available for rent to organized groups from may through october.

  • WellsStatePark

    Wells state park is a popular 1,400-acre woodland park. the two principal activities are camping and hiking. the campground has 60 attractive sites. walker pond provides a peaceful setting for fishing, canoeing, and swimming. the swimming beach is for campers' use only. during the summer, wells has an interpretive program available which provides guided walks, hikes, recreational activities and evening campfire programs. contact the park for a weekly schedule of events.

  • WendellStateForest

    Located south of the millers river, wendell state forest covers 7,566 acres of rolling forested hills, streams, ponds, and trails. purchased in the 1920s the area had been heavily burned during the early 1900s. some of the park development and most of the road systems are attributed to civilian conservation corps activities in the 1930s.

  • WesternGatewayHeritageStatePark

    A former railroad yard, this urban park uses historical artifacts and exhibits to bring to life the controversial and danger-filled construction of the hoosac tunnel, one of the greatest engineering feats of the 19th century. the tunnel was dug 4.75 miles through hoosac mountain, linking massachusetts to albany, ny. 200 men lost their lives building the tunnel, which is still being used today. an audio-visual presentation takes visitors back in time, where the sounds of dripping water, pickaxes against stone, explosions, and debates re-create the hardships and heroism of the tunnel's construction.

  • WeymouthBackRiver

    Open year-round, dawn to dusk. a peninsula on the hingham/weymouth line at the mouth of the back river, stodder's neck was once an unsightly gravel pit. reclaimed and landscaped in a manner reminiscent of frederick law olmsted's work at world's end, stodder's neck provides harborside walking trails and a hilltop view of the back river.

  • WhitehallStatePark

    This park consists almost entirely of water: the 592 acre whitehall reservoir was once used as a source of drinking water. the area offers boating, fishing, a public boat ramp, and hiking trails

  • WillardBrookStateForest

    Willard brook state forest contains 2,597 acres and is located in the towns of ashby and townsend, 50 miles from boston. here you can find the character and feeling of forests usually found much farther west in the state with a tumbling brook and quick water amid groves of classic new england woods.

  • WillowdaleStateForest

    Willowdale offers trail-use opportunities on 40 miles of trails and fishing and boating on 100 acre hood pond. there are no developed recreational facilities at the forest which exists as two separate parcels divided by route 1. the eastern block of the forest abuts bradley palmer state park and the ipswich river.

  • WilsonMountain

    Open from dawn to dusk year round. wilson mountain was acquired in 1995. its 213 acres protect diverse wildlife habitat and important recreational open space. the property provides panoramic views of boston and the blue hills and is the largest remaining piece of open space in dedham.

  • WindsorStateForest

    Deep in the rolling hills of the berkshire highlands, windsor state forest's cascading waterfall at windsor jambs stands out for its spectacular beauty. windsor jambs brook plunges through a 25-foot-wide gorge, with 80-foot-high granite walls rising on either side; a beautiful and refreshing place to visit.

  • WinthropShoreparks

    Open year round, dawn to dusk.  lifeguards are on duty from late june to early september.

  • WompatuckStatePark

    Located just a 35-minute drive from downtown boston, wompatuck state park offers 262 wooded campsites (140 of them with electricity), 12 miles of paved bicycle trails, and many miles of wooded bridle paths and hiking trails. the park is very popular with trailer campers: electrical and water hookups are available. fishing is allowed in the cohasset reservoir. a boat ramp is provided for car-top boats, but no boat trailers, please.
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