Exploring This Small Town Park In Massachusetts Is The Definition Of An Underrated Adventure
By Kim Falchek|Published December 01, 2023
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Kim Falchek
Author
Kim Falchek has been exploring the towns, trails, and hidden gems of Massachusetts since her college days in Boston. When not writing, Kim enjoys photography, going on road trips, and spending time at the beach. Kim has previously been a contributing writer for LA Family Travel, Global Munchkins, and Latched Mama. She currently lives in Salem, Massachusetts where she and her family embrace all things Halloween!
Unless you live in the North Shore region of Massachusetts, you probably don’t hear a lot about the small town of Topsfield. The town may be best known for its long-running agricultural fair, but it is also home to local farms, historic houses, and beautiful parks and outdoor recreation spots. If you are looking for a day of adventure, you should check out Topsfield’s Bradley Palmer State Park.
Bradley Palmer is a gorgeous state park on the scenic Ipswich River. Portions of the park also run through the boarding town of Hamilton. Bradley Palmer is set on 736 acres of land.
The Bradley Palmer Loop is a popular moderate trail that takes about an hour to complete. The hike is just over three miles long and runs through meadows and forests.
For an easier walk, you can take the 1.3-mile Healthy Heart Trail, which is a short half-hour hike. This out-and-back trail is flat and has some nice spots to stop and rest along the way.
This trail is a great option for families with small children.
And speaking of little ones, Bradley Palmer has the perfect spot to keep them entertained on a hot summer day. The park’s spray deck features a wading pool and several spray and splash activities. There are also shady lounging spots, a play structure, and bathrooms. My family spent lots of afternoons here when my kids were little.
While you are at the park, be sure to view the gorgeous Willowdale Estate. Once the summer home of Bradley Palmer, the space is now a popular venue for weddings and events.
Have you visited Bradley Palmer State Park? Did you hike or opt for a day at the splash pad? More information about visiting the park can be found on the Bradley Palmer State Park webpage. Other beautiful parks to explore nearby include Endicott Park in Danvers and Long Hill Reservation in Beverly.
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