These 15 State Parks In Massachusetts Will Knock Your Socks Off
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Sophia
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There are some truly amazing state parks to visit in Massachusetts. From dramatic mountains to shady woodland groves, the best state parks in Massachusetts offer a little bit of everything. So keep reading and explore all of these wonderful state parks.
Alan E. Rich Environmental Park, Athol, MA 01331, USA
Even though this park is smack dab in the middle of Athol, it feels worlds away from civilization…in a great way. Millers River is runs through the park and is a perfect place swim (the water is crystal clear), kayak, and do a bit of fishing. Though the park has plenty of untamed beauty, there is a grassy landscaped area where you can lay out a picnic (they have tables in case you don’t want to sit on the ground) and a trail that will take you through all the most beautiful plants and flowers in the park. There are so many great things to do outside in Massachusetts, especially at this park. Learn more at the Alan E. Rich Environmental Park website.
The grim name only serves to contrast remarkably with the rugged drama of Purgatory Chasm’s jagged stones and cliff faces. This quarter-mile of granite seems otherworldly and a bit intimidating at first – you’ll definitely want to pack a camera and some STURDY shoes. Check out rock formations with such colorful monikers as Fat Man’s Misery, Corn Crib, and the Coffin. When you get tired of scrambling over stones, head to the grilling and picnicking area for a well-earned lunch. This is one of the best hiking trails in Massachusetts. Read more about Purgatory Chasm State Reservation on its website.
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Bartholomew's Cobble Reservation, 105 Weatogue Rd, Sheffield, MA 01257, USA
This spot has a little bit of everything. Between grassy meadows, shady forests, fascinating freshwater marshes, hiking trails, beaver preserves, and a natural history museum, you’ll have plenty to do and see. Pro tip: climb to the top of Halbert’s Hill for incredible views of the Housatonic River Valley. Start planning your trip to one of the best parks in Massachusetts by checking out the website for Bartholomew’s Cobble.
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Mount Greylock State Reservation Visitor Center, 30 Rockwell Rd, Lanesborough, MA 01237, USA
Mount Greylock Reservation was the first state park in Massachusetts, and it set the bar pretty high. Hike over 50 miles of trails while catching panoramic views of five surrounding states. Bunk down for the night at Greylock Campground, or spring for something more luxurious at the rustic Bascom Lodge, situated at the summit of Mount Greylock for the most epic views. This is one of the most scenic state parks to visit in Massachusetts. Learn more about Mount Greylock State Reservation on the state's website.
Garden in the Woods, 180 Hemenway Rd, Framingham, MA 01701, USA
This hidden paradise may be Framingham’s best kept secret. A gorgeous botanical garden that is maintained by the New England Wild Flower Society, this park is home to more than 1,500 varieties of rare plants and flowers. Roam the park’s paths and encounter tiny ponds, scenic valleys, a rock garden, babbling brooks, and oodles of butterflies alighting on milkweed blooms. Wandering around a garden is one of the most relaxing things to do outside in Massachusetts. Be sure to learn more about the Garden in the Woods.
Myles Standish State Forest, Plymouth, MA 02360, USA
MSSF offers five camping areas that are tucked into the forest of set along the edges of four of the park’s 16 lovely ponds. They even have an area set aside for horse camping. Explore 15 miles of bicycle trails, 35 miles of equestrian trails, and 13 miles of hiking trails that will take you deep into the forest. In the summer, programs such as cranberry bog explorations and cultural history walks are offered. This park offers some of the best hiking trails in Massachusetts. So plan your next here and visit the website for Myles Standish State Forest.
Mass Audubon's Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary, 100 Felix Neck Dr, Edgartown, MA 02539, USA
Martha’s Vineyard offers much more than pastel polo shirts and quaint cobblestone side streets. Felix Neck is a 194-acre wildlife sanctuary that includes over four miles of trails through all sorts of natural environments. Explore beautiful woodlands, meadows, and spectacular shoreline. Don’t miss the butterfly and bird gardens, and definitely say hello to the many barn owls that call the sanctuary home. This is one of the most special state parks to visit in Massachusetts. Learn more about the special Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary on the Massachusetts Audubon website.
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Bash Bish Falls State Park, Falls Rd, Mt Washington, MA 01258, USA
Besides the obvious attraction of Bash Bish Falls, a spectacular 80-foot double-pronged waterfall that cascades down a rocky cleft before thundering into a glimmering pool, this state park has a ton of other highlights. Dramatic forests of hemlock, gorgeous rock formations, excellent fishing holes are all on offer. Bobcats, black bears and peregrine falcons all make their home in Bash Bish State Park, so be sure to stick to the trails and stay observant. This is one of the best parks in Massachusetts, so learn more about Bash Bish Falls State Park on its webpage.
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Halibut Point State Park, Gott Ave, Rockport, MA 01966, USA
This is one of the youngest state parks, as the state only bought the land in 1981. You can experience awesome views of Mount Agamenticus in Maine here on a clear day, not to mention nab a glimpse of the sparkling waters off Cape Ann. The visitors' center includes an old WWII fire tower with a killer observation deck. Back on the ground, you’ll find blooming wildflowers, dramatic granite formations, and gentle streams flowing over colorful rocks. This is a great park for to birdwatching, too. Be sure to read more about the great Halibut Point State Park.
Cape Cod National Seashore, Chatham, MA 02650, USA
The CCNS was created by President John F. Kennedy and includes nearly 40 miles of seashore along the Atlantic coast of Cape Cod. It is the site of the historic Marconi Station, from which the first two-way transatlantic radio transmission was sent. This park is obviously a great place for a beach day, but there are also loads of bike and meadow trails to explore, as well the very cool glacial formation known as Doane’s Rock. Visiting this state park is one the the best things to do outside in Massachusetts. So visit the site for The Cape Cod National Seashore and then go visit it in person!
Nickerson State Park, 3488 Main St, Brewster, MA 02631, USA
This place is HUGE. Explore over 1,900 acres of shadowy woods and sunny meadows, go fishing in stocked trout ponds, and cycle the 8-mile bike path that leads into the Cape Cod Rail Trail. There are 400 sites to choose from in the park's campground, so you can definitely find a locale that you love. Start planning your visit here by learning more about Nickerson State Park.
Beartown State Forest, Great Barrington, MA 01230, USA
This park is sometimes overlooked in favor of the larger options, but it definitely deserves some attention. It’s a wonderful spot for camping, fishing, boating, and even snowmobiling. The forest includes an extensive network of trails across 12,000 acres and offers visitors a chance to glimpse deer, bears, bobcats, fisher cats and other wildlife, including the park's namesake, the black bear. Check out nearby Fountain Pond State Park for even more outdoor excitement. It's one of the loveliest state parks to visit in Massachusetts. Check out more about Beartown State Forest on its website.
Mohawk Trail, North Adams, MA, USA
This is one of the most scenic woodland area in Massachusetts and offers visitors an opportunity to sample real wilderness and untamed natural beauty. There are over 6,000 across of mountain ridges, deep gorges, and old-growth trees to explore. Check out one of their 47 campsites for all-seasons camping and definitely look into booking one of the log cabin rentals for the weekend. If you’re up for a hike, try literally following in the footsteps of Native Americans by walking the Mahican-Mohawk trail that connects the Connecticut and Hudson River Valleys. There are a lot of great things to do outside in Massachusetts at this state park. Plan you visit by reading more about Mohawk Trail State Forest.
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Mount Washington State Forest, Mt Washington State Forest, Mt Washington, MA 01230, USA
Situated in the far south-east corner of the state, Mount Washington State Forest is actually a group of state parks that offer spectacular scenery and breathtaking views. Hike the South Taconic Trail to the 2,250-foot high summit of Alander Mountain for some of the best views in the area, or follow the Appalachian Trail as it meanders along the ridgeline and through Sage’s Ravine. Visit in the spring for a glimpse of blooming mountain laurel and azaleas. Learn more about Mount Washington State Forest.
Freetown Fall River State Forest, Freetown, MA 02702, USA
Located just 5 minutes from Fall River and Taunton, this fresh is a vast collection of unpaved roads and trails. This is a great place to go horseback riding, dog sledding, and mountain biking. Bring your motorcycle and snowmobile along too, as this park actually welcomes riders. This 5,441-acre forest also include the 227-acre Wattuppa Reservation, which belongs to the Wampanoag Nation. Read more about this great park by visiting the website for Freetown-Fall River State Forest.
There are so many amazing state parks to visit in Massachusetts. It’s hard to choose which one to explore first. Which Massachusetts state park is closest to your heart? Let us know!
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More to Explore
state parks to visit in Massachusetts
What are some good hiking trails in Massachusetts?
There are some really fantastic hiking trails in Massachusetts and some offer some magnificent scenery. For a fun hike with great views, head over to the Knightville Dam in Huntington. The dam offers amazing views of the gorgeous river and forest below. History lovers should check out the Minute Man National Historic Park in Concord. This park commemorates the first battle of the American Revolutionary War. So take a lovely stroll and learn some notable history of the area. For more amazing hiking trails in Massachusetts, check out this great article, 14 Trails In Massachusetts With Undeniably Amazing Final Destinations.
What are some great things to do outside in Massachusetts?
There are some really unique and special things to do outside in Massachusetts. Head over to Wolf Hollow in Ipswich to get an up-close look at wolves. For the adventurers, check out Ramblewild's Tree-to-Tree Adventure Park in Lanesborough. Safely swing through the trees and enjoy the great outdoors. The Three Sisters Sanctuary in Goshen offers visitors a look at unique sculptures in its lovely garden. For more outdoor activities, check out this article, The 11 Very Best Day Trips You Can Possibly Take In Massachusetts.