11 Lesser-Known State Parks In Massachusetts That Will Absolutely Amaze You

Massachusetts has no shortage of gorgeous state parks to explore. However, it can be easy to fall into a bit of a "park rut" when it comes to planning a day out in the fresh air. Check out a few of these lesser-known state parks to visit in Massachusetts that will help you inject a bit of adventure and novelty into your next day off.

1. Ames Nowell State Park, Abington

This 700-acre park in Abington is a hidden gem. Ames Nowell State Park is perfect for taking out non-motorized boats and casting a few lines. The park also has boardwalks surrounding a lake and trails for hiking through the woods if you're looking for hiking trails in Massachusetts. Bring a snack to enjoy at the park’s picnic area or get a game going on the playing field. (Linwood St, Abington)

Visit the Mass.gov website to learn more.

2. Clarksburg State Park, Clarksburg

This beautiful state park encompasses 368 acres of unspoiled hardwood forest. The park offers spectacular views of the Hoosac Range, Mount Greylock, and the Green Mountains, along with a lovely grassy picnic space on the edge of Mauserts Pond. There are also 9.5 miles of trails to explore and 45 campsites available from May to September. It's a great park to explore if you're looking for things to do outside in Massachusetts. (1199 Middle Rd., Clarksburg)

Visit the Mass.gov website to learn more.

3. Bradley Palmer State Park, Topsfield and Hamilton

Bradley Palmer State Park covers over 730 acres of land between Hamilton and Topsfield, right along the Ipswich River. With its extensive network of trails and beautiful Willowdale Estate, this park has enough to keep you entertained all weekend. The park also offers meadows filled with wild berries and a central road lined with beautiful white pine. (40 Asbury St., Topsfield)

Visit the Mass.gov website to learn more.

4. Breakheart Reservation, Saugus and Wakefield

The Breakheart Reservation in Saugus and Wakefield is a great North Shore option for those looking to escape into nature. Featuring a lush hardwood forest, two freshwater lakes, a curling length of the Saugus River, and gorgeous views of the Boston skyline from atop rocky hilltops, this park has a bit of everything. (177 Forest St., Saugus)

Read our previous coverage to learn more.

5. Cutler Park State Reservation, Needham

This nature preserve has over 730 acres of beautiful landscape to explore, as well as the largest remaining freshwater marsh on the middle Charles River. Over 100 species of bird can be spotted here, and the marsh boardwalk is a spectacular place for a stroll. It's one of the most beautiful state parks to visit in Massachusetts. (84 Kendrick St., Needham)

Read our previous coverage to learn more.

6. Blackstone River and Canal Heritage State Park, Uxbridge

If you aren’t from around Uxbridge, you’ve probably never heard of this charming state park. The southern entrance to the park will lead you to the historic Stanley Woolen Mill, which was an important site during the textile industry boom of the mid-1800s. The park is also rich with wildlife and will soon offer cyclists the opportunity to hop on the Blackstone River Greenway. (287 Oak St., Uxbridge)

Visit the Mass.gov website to learn more.

7. Halibut Point State Park, Rockport

Halibut Point State Park is a rocky state park right on the ocean. It was once the Babson Farm granite quarry but is now open to the public as a unique natural reservation. The quarry has been filled with water and snails, hermit crabs, and sea stars can be spotted in the tide pools. The park also offers trails for hiking and ledges for picnicking. It's one of the best state parks in Massachusetts. (Gott Ave., Rockport)

Read our previous coverage to learn more.

8. Hampton Ponds State Park, Westfield

This park is your one-stop shop for all your summer water fun. Hampton Ponds offers swimming, motorized and non-motorized boating, plus some really great fishing. You can also picnic right by the water. (1048 N. Rd., Westfield)

Visit the Mass.gov website to learn more.

9. Greycourt State Park, Methuen

Not many parks can boast of having the ruins of a castle, but that’s exactly what you’ll find at Greycourt State Park. The 24-acre green space in Methuen was once the site of the 19th-century Charles H. Tenney estate, also called Tenney Castle. Today, the park includes the intact foundations of the old estate, plenty of grass, and a few quiet walking trails. This is one of the most fascinating state parks to visit in Massachusetts. (37 Pleasant St., Methuen)

Read our previous coverage to learn more.

10. Fort Phoenix State Reservation, Fairhaven

This public recreation area on Buzzards Bay has a fascinating history. It’s an old Revolutionary War fort, and the first naval battle of the conflict was fought nearby off the Elizabeth Islands. Today, you can head to Fort Phoenix for swimming, hiking, and picnicking. The park also offers tennis and basketball courts, along with outdoor showers, grills, and a playground. What a great park to visit if you're looking for things to do outside in Massachusetts. (Green St., Fairhaven)

Visit the Mass.gov website to learn more.

11. Dunn State Park, Gardner

Dunn State Park is a cozy 132-acre spot that surrounds charming Dunn Pond. For a smaller state park, it offers plenty to do. You can hike the walking trails, canoe in the water, swim in the guarded area, paddle boat, picnic, and fish. It’s even a great spot to ice skate in the winter.

(289 Pearl St., Gardner)

Visit the Mass.gov website to learn more.

These state parks to visit in Massachusetts are all amazing options for an outdoor adventure. What are some of your favorite state parks? Let us know in the comments! For more of the best state parks in Massachusetts, check out our list of these awesome spots that will knock your socks off.