Massachusetts State & National Parks + Forests

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State Parks

Alewife Brook Reservation – a 129-acre urban wild located in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The park is home to a variety of habitats, including woodlands, wetlands, and meadows, which support a diverse range of flora and fauna. Visitors can explore the park’s network of trails, which includes a 2.5-mile paved path that’s popular with cyclists, joggers, and walkers. The reservation also features a large pond, which is popular for fishing and canoeing, and a visitor center that provides educational programming and exhibits on the park’s history and ecology.
Ames Nowell State Park – a 700-acre park located in Abington and Easton, Massachusetts. The park features a 30-acre lake, which is popular for swimming, boating, and fishing. The park’s wooded trails are ideal for hiking and mountain biking, and the park also features a playground, picnic areas, and a campground. In the winter, visitors can enjoy cross-country skiing and snowshoeing on the park’s trails.
Ashland State Park – a 470-acre park located in Ashland, Massachusetts. The park features a 157-acre reservoir, which is popular for fishing, boating, and swimming. The park’s wooded trails are ideal for hiking and mountain biking, and the park also features a picnic area, a playground, and a boat ramp.
Bash Bish Falls State Park – a 400-acre park located in Mount Washington, Massachusetts. The park is home to Bash Bish Falls, which is the highest single-drop waterfall in the state. Visitors can hike the park’s trails to reach the falls and enjoy swimming in the falls’ pool. The park also features picnic areas and a campground.
Beaver Brook Reservation – a 59-acre park located in Belmont and Waltham, Massachusetts. The park features a network of trails that wind through wooded hillsides and along the banks of Beaver Brook. Visitors can enjoy hiking, birdwatching, and fishing in the park’s ponds and streams. The park also features a playground, picnic areas, and a small waterfall.
Belle Isle Marsh Reservation – a 241-acre park located in East Boston, Massachusetts. The park is home to the largest salt marsh in the Boston area and is an important habitat for migratory birds and other wildlife. Visitors can explore the park’s trails and boardwalks, which provide access to the marsh and its wildlife. The park also features a visitor center with exhibits on the park’s ecology and history.
Blackstone River and Canal Heritage State Park – a 1,000-acre park located in Worcester County, Massachusetts. The park is home to the Blackstone River and the Blackstone Canal, which were important transportation routes during the Industrial Revolution. Visitors can explore the park’s historic sites, including mills and factories, and learn about the history of the area. The park also features a variety of recreational opportunities, including hiking, biking, and canoeing.
Blue Hills Reservation – a 7,000-acre state park located in Milton and Canton, Massachusetts. The park features over 125 miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and cross-country skiing, as well as numerous picnic areas, a nature center, and a ski area with downhill skiing and snowboarding. The park’s highest peak, Great Blue Hill, offers panoramic views of the Boston skyline and surrounding countryside.
Borderland State Park – a 1,843-acre park located in Easton, Massachusetts. The park is home to a historic mansion, gardens, and several ponds, as well as a network of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. The park’s ponds are popular for fishing and boating, and the park also features a picnic area, playground, and campground.
Boston Harbor Islands State Park – a collection of 34 islands located in Boston Harbor. The park covers 1,600 acres and is accessible by ferry from several locations in Boston and the surrounding area. The islands offer a variety of recreational opportunities, including hiking, camping, fishing, and wildlife viewing. Visitors can also explore historic sites, lighthouses, and beaches on the islands.
Bradley Palmer State Park – a 721-acre park located in Topsfield and Hamilton, Massachusetts. The park features several miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding, as well as numerous picnic areas, a playground, and a wading pool. The park is also home to a historic mansion and gardens.
Breakheart Reservation – a 640-acre park located in Saugus and Wakefield, Massachusetts. The park features two lakes, hiking trails, a swimming beach, and picnic areas. The park is also popular for mountain biking and cross-country skiing.
Bristol Blake State Reservation – a 1,600-acre park located in Norfolk, Massachusetts. The park features several miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding, as well as numerous ponds for fishing and boating. The park is also home to a campground and a picnic area.
Brook Farm Historic Site – a 179-acre park located in West Roxbury, Massachusetts. The park is home to the ruins of Brook Farm, a utopian community founded in the 19th century. Visitors can explore the park’s trails and learn about the history of Brook Farm at the visitor center. The park is also popular for birdwatching and nature photography.
C. M. Gardner State Park – a 100-acre park located in Huntington, Massachusetts. The park features a 53-acre lake for fishing and swimming, as well as a campground, picnic area, and boat ramp. The park is also popular for hiking, mountain biking, and cross-country skiing.
Callahan State Park – a 820-acre park located in Framingham, Massachusetts. The park features several miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding, as well as a pond for fishing and boating. The park is also home to a picnic area and a playground.
Camp Nihan Environmental Education Camp – a 65-acre park located in Saugus, Massachusetts. The park is home to a year-round environmental education program for school groups and offers outdoor recreational activities such as hiking, camping, and fishing.
Castle Island – a 22-acre park located in South Boston, Massachusetts. The park is home to Fort Independence, a historic fortification dating back to the Revolutionary War era. Visitors can explore the fort, walk along the beach, and enjoy the views of Boston Harbor.
Charles River Reservation – a 17-mile park located along the Charles River in eastern Massachusetts. The park features several sections, including the Upper Charles River Reservation, the Middle Charles River Reservation, and the Lower Charles River Reservation. The park offers opportunities for boating, fishing, biking, and running, as well as numerous picnic areas and playgrounds.
Chestnut Hill Reservation – a 131-acre park located in Newton, Massachusetts. The park features several miles of trails for hiking and running, as well as a pond for fishing and boating. The park is also home to a picnic area and a playground.
Chicopee Memorial State Park – a 575-acre park located in Chicopee, Massachusetts. The park features a large pond for swimming and fishing, as well as several picnic areas and a playground. The park is also home to several sports fields, including a softball field and a soccer field.
Clarksburg State Park – a 368-acre park located in Clarksburg, Massachusetts. The park features several miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and cross-country skiing, as well as a pond for fishing and swimming. The park is also popular for hunting and camping.
Cochituate State Park – a 625-acre park located in Natick, Wayland, and Framingham, Massachusetts. The park features three large ponds for fishing and boating, as well as several picnic areas and a playground. The park is also home to a beach for swimming.
Connecticut River Greenway State Park – a 6.7-mile linear park located along the Connecticut River in Massachusetts. The park features several miles of trails for hiking, biking, and birdwatching, as well as numerous opportunities for fishing and boating.
Constitution Beach – a public beach located in East Boston, Massachusetts. The beach features a large swimming area, as well as several picnic areas and a playground. The beach is also home to a bathhouse and several volleyball courts.
Cutler Park Reservation – a 700-acre park located in Needham and Dedham, Massachusetts. The park features several miles of trails for hiking, as well as several ponds for fishing and boating. The park is also popular for birdwatching and wildlife viewing.
Demarest Lloyd State Park – a 180-acre park located in Dartmouth, Massachusetts. The park features a large beach for swimming and sunbathing, as well as several picnic areas and a playground. The park is also home to several trails for hiking and nature observation.
Dighton Rock State Park – a 85-acre park located in Berkley, Massachusetts. The park features a large rock covered in petroglyphs, which are believed to have been made by Native Americans. The park is also home to several picnic areas and a playground.
Dorchester Shores Reservation – a 50-acre park located in Dorchester, Massachusetts. The park features a large beach for swimming and sunbathing, as well as several picnic areas and a playground. The park is also popular for fishing and boating.
Dunn State Park – a 132-acre park located in Gardner, Massachusetts. The park features several miles of trails for hiking, as well as several ponds for fishing and boating. The park is also home to a campground and a picnic area.
Ellisville Harbor State Park – a 140-acre park located in Plymouth, Massachusetts. The park features a large beach for swimming and sunbathing, as well as several miles of trails for hiking and nature observation. The park is also popular for fishing and birdwatching.
Elm Bank Reservation – a 182-acre park located in Wellesley, Massachusetts. The park features several miles of trails for hiking and nature observation, as well as several gardens and a historic mansion. The park is also home to several picnic areas and a playground.
Fall River Heritage State Park – a 219-acre park located in Fall River, Massachusetts. The park features several historic sites and museums, as well as several picnic areas and a playground. The park is also home to several trails for hiking and nature observation.
Fort Phoenix State Reservation – a 12-acre park located in Fairhaven, Massachusetts. The park features a historic fort, as well as a beach for swimming and sunbathing. The park is also popular for fishing and boating.
Fort Revere Park – a 6-acre park located in Hull, Massachusetts. The park features a historic fort, as well as several picnic areas and a playground. The park is also popular for fishing and birdwatching.
Francis D. Martini Memorial Shell Park and Moynihan Recreation Area – a 7-acre park located in Foxborough, Massachusetts. The park features several sports fields, as well as a bandshell for concerts and events.
Gardner Heritage State Park – a 25-acre park located in Gardner, Massachusetts. The park features several historic buildings, as well as several picnic areas and a playground. The park is also home to several trails for hiking and nature observation.
Great Brook Farm State Park – a 1,000-acre park located in Carlisle, Massachusetts. The park features several miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding, as well as several ponds for fishing and boating. The park is also home to a working farm and several picnic areas.
Greycourt State Park – a 34-acre park located in Methuen, Massachusetts. The park features several historic buildings, as well as several picnic areas and a playground. The park is also home to several trails for hiking and nature observation.
Halibut Point State Park – a 56-acre park located in Rockport, Massachusetts. The park features several trails for hiking and nature observation, as well as a historic quarry and a beach for swimming and sunbathing.
Hammond Pond Reservation – a 180-acre park located in Newton, Massachusetts. The park features several trails for hiking and nature observation, as well as a pond for fishing and boating. The park is also home to several picnic areas and a playground.
Hampton Ponds State Park – a 400-acre park located in Westfield, Massachusetts. The park features several ponds for fishing and boating, as well as several picnic areas and a playground.
Hemlock Gorge Reservation – a 23-acre park located in Newton, Massachusetts. The park features several trails for hiking and nature observation, as well as several historic sites and a waterfall. The park is also home to several picnic areas and a playground.
Holyoke Heritage State Park – a 3.2-acre park located in Holyoke, Massachusetts. The park features several historic buildings and exhibits that highlight the history of the city’s paper industry. The park is also home to several picnic areas and a playground.
Hopkinton State Park – a 1,500-acre park located in Hopkinton, Massachusetts. The park features several ponds for fishing and boating, as well as several miles of trails for hiking and mountain biking. The park is also home to a beach for swimming and sunbathing, as well as several picnic areas and a campground.
Horseneck Beach State Reservation – a 600-acre park located in Westport, Massachusetts. The park features several miles of beach for swimming and sunbathing, as well as several trails for hiking and nature observation. The park is also popular for fishing and camping.
J.A. Skinner State Park – a small park located in Hadley, Massachusetts. The park features several hiking trails, a picnic area, and a historic pavilion. Visitors can also enjoy stunning views of the surrounding landscape, including the Connecticut River Valley and the Mount Holyoke Range.
Jug End State Reservation and Wildlife Management Area – a 1,158-acre park located in Egremont, Massachusetts. The park features several miles of trails for hiking and nature observation, as well as several ponds for fishing and boating. The park is also popular for hunting and camping.
Lake Dennison Recreation Area – a 1,753-acre park located in Winchendon, Massachusetts. The park features several ponds for fishing and boating, as well as several miles of trails for hiking and mountain biking. The park is also home to several picnic areas and a campground.
Lake Lorraine State Park – a 130-acre park located in Springfield, Massachusetts. The park features a 50-acre lake for fishing and boating, as well as several miles of trails for hiking and nature observation. The park is also home to several picnic areas and a playground.
Lake Wyola State Park – a 382-acre park located in Shutesbury, Massachusetts. The park features a 128-acre lake for fishing and boating, as well as several miles of trails for hiking and nature observation. The park is also home to several picnic areas and a campground.
Lawrence Heritage State Park – a 23-acre park located in Lawrence, Massachusetts. The park features several historic buildings and exhibits that highlight the history of the city’s textile industry. The park is also home to several picnic areas and a playground.
Lowell Heritage State Park – a 4.5-acre park located in Lowell, Massachusetts. The park features several historic buildings and exhibits that highlight the history of the city’s textile industry. The park is also home to several picnic areas and a playground.
Lynn Heritage State Park – a 2.8-acre park located in Lynn, Massachusetts. The park features several historic buildings and exhibits that highlight the history of the city’s shoe industry. The park is also home to several picnic areas and a playground.
Lynn Shore Reservation – a 24-acre park located in Lynn, Massachusetts. The park features several miles of beach for swimming and sunbathing, as well as several miles of trails for hiking and nature observation.
Massasoit State Park – a 1,207-acre park located in Taunton, Massachusetts. The park features a large freshwater lake that is popular for swimming, boating, and fishing. There are also picnic areas, hiking trails, and a campground. The park is named after Massasoit, the Wampanoag leader who helped the Pilgrims when they arrived in Plymouth in 1620.
Maudslay State Park – a 481-acre park located in Newburyport, Massachusetts. The park features rolling meadows, woodlands, and gardens that were once part of a historic estate. Visitors can explore the park’s many trails on foot, bike, or horseback, or take a guided tour of the estate’s gardens. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, foxes, and hawks.
Middlesex Fells Reservation – a 2,575-acre park located just outside of Boston, Massachusetts. The park features rocky hills, wooded areas, and a number of ponds and streams. Visitors can explore the park’s many trails on foot, bike, or horseback, and there are also opportunities for fishing, boating, and rock climbing. The park is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including coyotes, beavers, and bald eagles.
Moore State Park – a 737-acre park located in Paxton, Massachusetts. The park features rolling hills, woodlands, and a number of historic structures, including a restored sawmill and a gristmill. Visitors can explore the park’s many hiking trails, take a guided tour of the mills, or enjoy a picnic in one of the park’s many picnic areas. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, foxes, and hawks.
Mount Everett State Reservation – a 1,356-acre park located in western Massachusetts. The park features rugged mountain terrain, dense forests, and several streams and waterfalls. Visitors can explore the park’s many hiking trails, go camping in one of the park’s two campgrounds, or enjoy a picnic in one of the park’s many picnic areas. The park is also home to a number of historic sites, including an old charcoal kiln and a former ski area.
Mount Greylock State Reservation – a 12,500-acre park located in western Massachusetts. The park features the highest peak in Massachusetts, Mount Greylock, which offers stunning views of the surrounding area. Visitors can explore the park’s many hiking trails, go camping in one of the park’s four campgrounds, or enjoy a picnic in one of the park’s many picnic areas. The park is also home to a number of historic sites, including the Veterans War Memorial Tower.
Mount Holyoke Range State Park – a 3,000-acre park located in western Massachusetts. The park features a range of mountains, including Mount Holyoke and Skinner Mountain, which offer stunning views of the surrounding area. Visitors can explore the park’s many hiking trails, go camping in one of the park’s two campgrounds, or enjoy a picnic in one of the park’s many picnic areas. The park is also home to a number of historic sites, including the Summit House, which was built in the 19th century as a hotel.
Mount Sugarloaf State Reservation – a 650-acre park located in South Deerfield, Massachusetts. The park features a 52-foot tall granite outcropping, Mount Sugarloaf, which offers stunning views of the Connecticut River Valley. Visitors can hike to the summit of Mount Sugarloaf, enjoy a picnic in one of the park’s many picnic areas, or take a scenic drive along the park’s access road. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including black bears, bobcats, and coyotes.
Mount Tom State Reservation – a 2,082-acre park located in western Massachusetts. The park features a 1,200-foot mountain, Mount Tom, which offers stunning views of the Connecticut River Valley. Visitors can explore the park’s many hiking trails, go camping in one of the park’s two campgrounds, or enjoy a picnic in one of the park’s many picnic areas. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including black bears, bobcats, and eagles.
Myles Standish Monument State Reservation – a 1,281-acre park located in Plymouth, Massachusetts. The park features a monument to Captain Myles Standish, who played a significant role in the early history of the Plymouth Colony. Visitors can explore the park’s many hiking trails, go camping in one of the park’s two campgrounds, or enjoy a picnic in one of the park’s many picnic areas. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, foxes, and turkeys.
Mystic River Reservation – a 200-acre park located in eastern Massachusetts. The park features a scenic river, several hiking trails, and a variety of recreational facilities, including a boat launch and a playground. Visitors can also explore the park’s many historic sites, including the Old Shipyard, which dates back to the 17th century.
Nahant Beach Reservation – a 67-acre park located on a peninsula north of Boston, Massachusetts. The park features a sandy beach, a bathhouse, and a variety of recreational facilities, including volleyball courts and a playground. Visitors can also explore the park’s many hiking trails, which offer stunning views of the surrounding coastline.
Nantasket Beach Reservation – a 26-acre park located in Hull, Massachusetts. The park features a sandy beach, a bathhouse, and a variety of recreational facilities, including a boardwalk and a playground. Visitors can also explore the park’s many hiking trails, which offer stunning views of the surrounding coastline.
Nasketucket Bay State Reservation – a 200-acre park located in southeastern Massachusetts. The park features several ponds and wetlands, as well as a variety of recreational facilities, including a boat launch and a picnic area. Visitors can also explore the park’s many hiking trails, which offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Natural Bridge State Park – a 48-acre park located in northwestern Massachusetts. The park features a unique natural bridge formation, which is made of white marble and spans a small stream. Visitors can explore the park’s many hiking trails, go swimming in the park’s swimming hole, or enjoy a picnic in one of the park’s many picnic areas.
Neponset River Reservation – a 1,000-acre park located in eastern Massachusetts. The park features a scenic river, several hiking trails, and a variety of recreational facilities, including a boat launch and a playground. Visitors can also explore the park’s many historic sites, including the remains of several old mills.
Nickerson State Park – a 1,900-acre park located in Cape Cod, Massachusetts. The park features several freshwater ponds, a variety of hiking and biking trails, and two campgrounds. Visitors can also enjoy fishing, boating, and swimming in the park’s many ponds.
Pearl Hill State Park – a 1,000-acre park located in north-central Massachusetts. The park features a scenic pond, several hiking trails, and a variety of recreational facilities, including a campground and picnic areas. Visitors can also enjoy fishing, boating, and swimming in the park’s pond.
Pilgrim Memorial State Park – a small park located in Plymouth, Massachusetts. The park features a monument to the Pilgrims who landed at Plymouth Rock in 1620. Visitors can also explore the park’s many historic sites, including the Mayflower II, a replica of the ship that brought the Pilgrims to America.
Pope John Paul II Park Reservation – a 66-acre park located in Dorchester, Massachusetts. The park features a variety of recreational facilities, including sports fields, a playground, and a boat launch. Visitors can also explore the park’s many hiking trails, which offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Purgatory Chasm State Reservation – a 1,000-acre park located in central Massachusetts. The park features a unique chasm formation, which is made of granite and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can explore the park’s many hiking trails, go camping in one of the park’s several campgrounds, or enjoy a picnic in one of the park’s many picnic areas. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including black bears, bobcats, and eagles.
Quabbin Reservoir – a massive 39-square mile park located in central Massachusetts. The park features a beautiful reservoir, several hiking trails, and a variety of recreational facilities, including campgrounds, picnic areas, and boat launches. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including black bears, moose, and bald eagles.
Quincy Quarries Reservation – a 22-acre park located in Quincy, Massachusetts. The park features a variety of hiking trails, rock climbing routes, and picnic areas. Visitors can also explore the park’s historic quarry sites, which were once the site of a large granite quarrying operation.
Quincy Shores Reservation – a 17-acre park located in Quincy, Massachusetts. The park features a beautiful beach, several hiking trails, and a variety of recreational facilities, including picnic areas, sports fields, and a playground. Visitors can also enjoy fishing, boating, and swimming in the park’s many ponds.
Quinsigamond State Park – a 600-acre park located in Worcester, Massachusetts. The park features a large lake, several hiking trails, and a variety of recreational facilities, including campgrounds, picnic areas, and boat launches. Visitors can also enjoy fishing, boating, and swimming in the park’s lake.
Revere Beach Reservation – a 3-mile long park located in Revere, Massachusetts. The park features a beautiful beach, several hiking trails, and a variety of recreational facilities, including picnic areas, sports fields, and a playground. Visitors can also enjoy fishing, boating, and swimming in the park’s many ponds.
Robinson State Park – a 1,025-acre park located in western Massachusetts. The park features dense forests, several streams and ponds, and a variety of recreational facilities, including campgrounds and picnic areas. Visitors can also explore the park’s many hiking trails, which offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Roxbury Heritage State Park – a small park located in Boston, Massachusetts. The park features several historic buildings and sites, including the Dillaway-Thomas House and the Shirley-Eustis House. Visitors can also explore the park’s many exhibits and displays, which offer a fascinating glimpse into Boston’s rich history.
Rumney Marsh Reservation – a 600-acre park located in Saugus and Revere, Massachusetts. The park features a variety of habitats, including salt marshes, mud flats, and upland areas. Visitors can explore the park’s many hiking trails, which offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape, and spot a variety of wildlife, including migratory birds and a variety of fish and shellfish.
Rutland State Park – a 2,000-acre park located in central Massachusetts. The park features a beautiful lake, several hiking trails, and a variety of recreational facilities, including campgrounds, picnic areas, and boat launches. Visitors can also enjoy fishing, boating, and swimming in the park’s lake.
Salisbury Beach State Reservation – a popular park located in Salisbury, Massachusetts. The park features a beautiful beach, several hiking trails, and a variety of recreational facilities, including campgrounds, picnic areas, and sports fields. Visitors can also enjoy fishing, boating, and swimming in the park’s many ponds.
Sandy Point State Reservation – a small park located in Ipswich, Massachusetts. The park features a beautiful beach, several hiking trails, and a variety of recreational facilities, including picnic areas and sports fields. Visitors can also enjoy fishing, boating, and swimming in the park’s many ponds.
Scusset Beach State Reservation – a popular park located in Sandwich, Massachusetts. The park features a beautiful beach, several hiking trails, and a variety of recreational facilities, including campgrounds, picnic areas, and sports fields. Visitors can also enjoy fishing, boating, and swimming in the park’s many ponds.
South Cape Beach State Park – a popular park located in Mashpee, Massachusetts. The park features a beautiful beach, several hiking trails, and a variety of recreational facilities, including picnic areas and sports fields. Visitors can also enjoy fishing, boating, and swimming in the park’s many ponds.
Southwest Corridor Park – a linear park located in Boston, Massachusetts. The park features several hiking and biking trails, as well as a variety of recreational facilities, including sports fields and playgrounds. Visitors can also enjoy stunning views of the surrounding cityscape, including several historic landmarks and monuments.
Squantum Point Park – a small park located in Quincy, Massachusetts. The park features a beautiful beach, several hiking trails, and a variety of recreational facilities, including picnic areas and sports fields. Visitors can also enjoy fishing, boating, and swimming in the park’s many ponds.
Stony Brook Reservation – a 475-acre park located in the Boston suburbs. The park features dense forests, several streams and ponds, and a variety of recreational facilities, including hiking trails, picnic areas, and sports fields. Visitors can also enjoy fishing, boating, and swimming in the park’s many ponds.
Streeter Point Recreation Area – a small park located in Sturbridge, Massachusetts. The park features several hiking trails, a picnic area, and a boat launch. Visitors can also enjoy stunning views of the Quinebaug River and the surrounding landscape.
Sudbury Reservoir – a 2,400-acre park located in eastern Massachusetts. The park features several hiking and biking trails, as well as a variety of recreational facilities, including picnic areas and sports fields. Visitors can also enjoy fishing, boating, and swimming in the park’s many ponds.
Upper Charles River Reservation – a linear park located in eastern Massachusetts. The park features several hiking and biking trails, as well as a variety of recreational facilities, including sports fields and playgrounds. Visitors can also enjoy stunning views of the Charles River and the surrounding landscape.
Wachusett Mountain State Reservation – a 3,000-acre park located in central Massachusetts. The park features several hiking trails, a picnic area, and a historic tower. Visitors can also enjoy stunning views of the surrounding landscape, including Mount Monadnock and the Boston skyline.
Wachusett Reservoir – a 4,000-acre park located in central Massachusetts. The park features several hiking and biking trails, as well as a variety of recreational facilities, including picnic areas and sports fields. Visitors can also enjoy fishing, boating, and swimming in the park’s many ponds.
Wahconah Falls State Park – a 104-acre park located in western Massachusetts. The park features a stunning waterfall, several hiking trails, and a variety of recreational facilities, including picnic areas and sports fields. Visitors can also enjoy fishing and swimming in the park’s many ponds.
Walden Pond State Reservation – a 335-acre park located in eastern Massachusetts. The park is famous for its association with the writer Henry David Thoreau, who lived in a cabin on the shores of the pond for two years. The park features several hiking trails, a beach, and a replica of Thoreau’s cabin.
Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve – a 2,700-acre park located on Cape Cod. The park features several hiking trails, as well as a variety of educational programs and exhibits related to the area’s unique estuarine ecosystem.
Ware River Management Area – a 25,000-acre park located in central Massachusetts. The park features dense forests, several streams and ponds, and a variety of recreational facilities, including hiking trails and picnic areas. Visitors can also enjoy fishing and hunting in the park’s many ponds and streams.
Watson Pond State Park – a 10-acre park located in Taunton, Massachusetts. The park features a small pond, several hiking trails, and a variety of recreational facilities, including picnic areas and sports fields.
Webb Memorial State Park – a 85-acre park located in Weymouth, Massachusetts. The park features several hiking trails, a beach, and a variety of recreational facilities, including picnic areas and sports fields. Visitors can also enjoy fishing and swimming in the park’s many ponds and streams.
Wells State Park – a 1,400-acre park located in central Massachusetts. The park features dense forests, several streams and ponds, and a variety of recreational facilities, including hiking trails, picnic areas, and campgrounds. Visitors can also enjoy fishing and swimming in the park’s many ponds and streams.
Western Gateway Heritage State Park – a small park located in North Adams, Massachusetts. The park features several hiking trails, a variety of educational programs and exhibits related to the area’s industrial history, and a replica of a 19th-century locomotive.
Weymouth Back River Reservation – a 62-acre park located in Weymouth, Massachusetts. The park features several hiking trails, as well as a variety of recreational facilities, including picnic areas and sports fields. Visitors can also enjoy fishing and boating in the park’s Back River.
Whitehall State Park – a 269-acre park located in Hopkinton, Massachusetts. The park features several hiking trails, a beach, and a variety of recreational facilities, including picnic areas and sports fields. Visitors can also enjoy fishing and swimming in the park’s Whitehall Reservoir.
Wilson Mountain Reservation – a 121-acre park located in Dedham, Massachusetts. The park features several hiking trails, as well as a variety of recreational facilities, including picnic areas and sports fields.
Winthrop Shore Reservation – a small park located in Winthrop, Massachusetts. The park features several hiking trails, as well as a beach and a variety of recreational facilities, including picnic areas and sports fields.
Wompatuck State Park – a 3,526-acre park located in southeastern Massachusetts. The park features dense forests, several streams and ponds, and a variety of recreational facilities, including hiking trails, picnic areas, and campgrounds. Visitors can also enjoy fishing and swimming in the park’s many ponds and streams. The park is also home to several historic military structures, including a former Nike missile site.

National Parks

State & National Forests

National Natural Landmarks

Acushnet Cedar Swamp: One of the state’s largest, wildest and most impenetrable swamps, and an outstanding example of the diversity of conditions and species in the glaciated section of the oak-chestnut forest. 41.692222°N 70.959722°W
Bartholomew’s Cobble: Contains over 800 plant species, including North America’s greatest diversity of ferns. 42.057222°N 73.350833°W
Cold River Virgin Forest: Probably the only virgin hemlock-northern hardwood forest in New England, with the hemlocks and sugar maples exceeding 400 years in age. 42.646667°N 72.946389°W
Fannie Stebbins Refuge: The area contains the only sizeable example of Connecticut River flood plain under preservation, exhibiting many successional stages including upland and flood plain forest, swamp, marsh, ponds, and meadows. 42.039468°N 72.602584°W
Gay Head Cliffs: An unusual cross section of Raritan and Magothy sediments of Cretaceous age and fossil-bearing sands of Miocene and either Pliocene or Pleistocene ages that rise as much as 150 feet (46 m) above sea level, resting on the continental shelf and detached from the mainland. The center of Wampanoag native culture. 41.334444°N 70.795833°W
Hawley Bog: Unspoiled cold northern boreal sphagnum-heath bog occupying an old shallow glacial lake basin which demonstrates bog succession from the central open water pond to the surrounding spruce-fir forest. 42.575807°N 72.890564°W
Mt. Greylock Old Growth Spruce: This site contains three separate stands of undisturbed old growth red spruce on the northwest slopes of Mount Greylock, the highest mountain in Massachusetts. These stands have been undisturbed for at least 150-180 years, and may be virgin. No other old growth red spruce stands are known in southern New England, while only a few comparable or better sites occur in northern New England. 42.637455°N 73.166216°W
Muskeget Island: The only known locality where the Muskeget beach vole is found, and southernmost station where the gray seal breeds. The area supports an enormous nesting population of herring gulls and black-backed gulls. 41.335278°N 70.304167°W
North and South Rivers: Classic examples of drowned river-mouth estuaries, supporting at least 45 species of fish and many species of birds. The site contains salt marsh, brackish marsh, and freshwater marsh areas. 42.1604°N 70.7141°W
Poutwater Pond: An undisturbed sphagnum-heath bog in southern New England, illustrating ecological succession from open water in a glacial depression to upland forest. 42.424722°N 71.83825°W
Reedy Meadow: The largest freshwater cattail marsh in Massachusetts. The area preserves the habitat requirements of many bird species and serves as a breeding ground for the king rail and least bittern, rare species in the region.