Massachusetts State Parks

1. Bash Bish Falls State Park

Named after the namesake waterfall, Bash Bish Falls State Park is a fine outdoor space to go exploring while in Massachusetts.

Bash Bish Falls is of course the park’s main feature, attracting crowds from all over the U.S., and is the highest single-drop waterfall in the entire state at 60 feet.

The state park was established in 1924 and comprises several gorges as well as an eastern hemlock ravine forest.

You can spend time hiking to the site of the waterfall, and though swimming is prohibited there, there are a number of streams and rock pools which you can swim in.

Other activities include fishing and wildlife viewing - you may come across black bears, timber rattlesnakes, and porcupines.

Address: Falls Rd, Mt Washington, MA 01258, Phone: 413-528-0330

2. Beartown State Forest

Managed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation, Beartown State Forest spans over 10,000 acres and includes nearly 200 acres of recreational parkland.

The public outdoor space was established in 1921 and was mainly developed by the Civilian Conservation Corps who created many of the forest roads which are still used today.

The forest has many trails, including multi-use ones and those designated for all-terrain vehicles, hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling.

The 1.7-mile trail around Benedict Pond is filled with interpretive displays for visitors to get a better idea of the land and its history.

Additional activities available include picnicking, camping, and restricted hunting.

Address: 69 Blue Hill Rd, Monterey, MA 01245, Phone: 877-422-6762

3. Blackstone River and Canal Heritage State Park

Blackstone River and Canal Heritage State Park is the location of where America’s industrial revolution was born; it is a great place for visitors to better understand the role canals played in transporting manufactured goods as well as raw materials between emerging industrial centers. Begin your visit at the River Bend Farm Visitors Center where you can get an in-depth look at local history. Afterwards, walk the park’s trails - many of them recreate the same trails that were used by Native Americans who thrived on the land. Other activities available at the park are picnicking, wildlife viewing, fishing, canoeing, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing.

Address: 287 Oak St, Uxbridge, MA 01569, Phone: 508-278-7604

4. Breakheart Reservation

Featuring two freshwater lakes, a hardwood forest, and a winding stretch of the Saugus River, Breakheart Reservation is one of the most visited public recreation spaces in the area. When exploring the area and its rocky hilltops, you’ll come across stunning panoramic views of rural New England and Boston. Start your visit by stopping by the Christopher P. Dunne Visitor Center which has a number of exhibits and displays on the forest’s history and wildlife; they also have several educational programs available throughout the year. Other things you can do is go swimming at Pearce Lake or enjoy hiking, mountain biking, and cross-country skiing on the many trails. Breakheart Reservation also has amenities such as a play area, a tot lot, Bark Place for furry friends, and fishing facilities.

Address: 177 Forest St, Saugus, MA 01906, Phone: 781-233-0834

5. Cape Cod National Seashore

Cape Cod National Seashore is an IUCN category V protected landscape and seascape that is great for exploring the outdoors when you’re in Massachusetts. It was established in 1961 by President John F. Kennedy and now encompasses over 43,000 acres of woods, beachfront, and ponds. There are several interesting aspects which you shouldn’t miss such as the Highlands Center for the Arts, which was formerly the North Truro Air Force Station, Marconi Station, which is the site of the first two-way transatlantic radio transmission, the Dune Shacks of Peaked Hill Bars Historic District, and Doane Rock. There are also many paved trails which are perfect for hiking and biking.

Address: 99 Marconi Site Road, Wellfleet, MA 02667

6. Ellisville Harbor State Park

Though it is only 97 acres, Ellisville Harbor State Park is one of the area’s most popular nature preserves and public recreation areas. There are several natural areas you’ll come across such as rolling meadows, a salt marsh, red pine forest habitats, a barrier beach, and a sphagnum bog. It’s a great place to see resident and migratory birds, harbor seals, and other marine and land wildlife, making it extremely popular with younger visitors. Some of the activities which are offered there are hiking, biking, fishing, swimming, boating, beach-combing, and cross-country skiing. It’s a wonderful spot for those who are interested in natural and wildlife photography as well.

Address: 1861 State Rd, Plymouth, MA 02360, Phone: 508-866-2580

7. Great Brook Farm State Park

Situated in Carlisle, Massachusetts, Great Brook Farm State Park is a public, day-use outdoor space that attracts visitors of all ages. One of its main features is an active dairy farm which invites people to take a tour and view their operations. The state park was established in 1967 and spans over 900 acres; within this space you’ll find so many activities and amenities which will make your visit memorable. You can partake in hiking, biking, horseback riding, or dog walking on their 20+ miles of trails. Other activities that are available there are fishing and canoeing on the gorgeous Meadow Pond.

Address: 165 North Rd, Carlisle, MA 01741, Phone: 978-369-6312

8. Halibut Point State Park

One of the best things about Halibut Point State Park is that if you are there on a clear day, you’ll be able see gorgeous views of the Isles of Shoals off the coast of New Hampshire or even Mount Agamenticus, which is 81 miles away in Maine. All you have to do is climb the 60-foot renovated World War II fire tower, and for the stunning panoramic views you’ll see, it’s completely worth it. Other things you can do include taking a guided tour of the quarry which once thrived there - there’s even live demonstrations of granite splitting - or you can spend your time hiking and discovering Halibut Point’s rich history, fishing, or cross-country skiing in the winter.

Address: Gott Avenue, Rockport, MA 01966, Phone: 978-546-2997

9. Hopkinton State Park

Hopkinton State Park is one of those public green spaces that has a little bit of everything, making it perfect for visitors of all ages. The 1,500-acre forest is covered in hiking trails and has designated areas for picnicking, swimming, and fishing. There are seasonal boat, kayak, canoe, and paddle board rentals which let you get out and about on Hopkinton Reservoir. You can swim in of the park’s many natural, spring-fed lakes, all of which have on-duty lifeguards. With additional amenities for mountain biking, horseback riding, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing, everyone who visits is sure to have an amazing time.

Address: 164 Cedar St, Hopkinton, MA 017484, Phone: 508-435-4303

10. Maudslay State Park

Maudslay State Park is the perfect place for a walk, bike ride, or picnic because it extremely calm and peaceful while being incomparably beautiful. The park is filled with towering pine forests and rolling meadows, but its most popular features are its 19th century gardens and one of the largest naturally-occurring stands of mountain laurel in the state. During the summer, you can take part in one of the many educational and exploratory programs which are offered at the park. Other activities include picnicking, wildlife viewing, hiking, biking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and cross-country skiing. Be sure to stop by the Visitor Center and take in the displays and exhibits on the park’s rich history and the flora and fauna you may come across there.

Address: 74 Curzon Mill Rd, Newburyport, MA 01950, Phone: 978-465-7223