Massachusetts is one of the smallest states in the United States. Still, it’s one of the most densely populated and diverse. That means there are many great things to do in Massachusetts, from exploring its natural beauty to enjoying its cultural and historical sites.
With so much to see and do, how do you know where to start? We’ve got your answer: start by visiting these fantastic state parks in Massachusetts.
National Parks in Massachusetts
Massachusetts abounds with national parks, from the Cape Cod National Seashore to the Breakheart Reservation and everything in between. The national parks system is a fantastic resource for all Americans.
If you’re looking for a place to visit Massachusetts that your family will enjoy. Then one of these national parks in Massachusetts will fit the bill.
Lowell National Historical Park
Lowell National Historical Park is a national historical park in Lowell, Massachusetts. Lowell National Historical Park is located on the site of the first planned industrial city in the United States and includes several historic sites listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The park has been described as an “outdoor classroom” and offers educational programs for students through grade 12. It also provides recreational opportunities for visitors of all ages.
National Recreation Area of Boston Harbor Islands
Boston Harbor Islands is a group of islands in Boston Harbor. It is managed by NPS (National Park Service) and includes 34 islands within the city limits.
The Boston Harbor Islands is open year round though some facilities may be closed during the colder months. The main attraction at this park is its beaches. In fact, Boston Harbor has one, if not many, of the best beaches in Massachusetts.
The Boston Harbor Island Visitor Center is located on Georges Island and has a great view of downtown Boston. Also, many other historic sites, such as the historic lighthouses. The visitor center also offers a seasonal ferry service to other islands with swimming beaches like Spectacle Island.
If you’re looking for more than just sunbathing, though. Then there are plenty of hiking tracks around these islands that offer incredible views from their peaks.
Boston African American National Historic Site
Boston African American National Historic Site is a historic site in the city of Boston. It is located in Beacon Hill and includes the largest area of pre Civil War African American owned historic structures, including homes, churches, and schools.
Besides being a cultural site of significance to African Americans, this park also has historical importance for all Americans because it was part of the Underground Railroad. The national historic site was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980 as one of the national parks in the US.
Minute Man National Historical Park
Minute Man National Historical Park is a United States National Historical Park located in the towns of Concord and Lincoln, Massachusetts. It commemorates the location of the first battles of the American Revolutionary War.
This national historic site includes several notable landmarks, such as The Old North Bridge, where Minutemen fought British Redcoats on April 19, 1775 (the first day of battle).
Cape Cod National Seashore
The Cape Cod National Seashore is one of the national parks in the United States, located in Cape Cod, Massachusetts. It has over 50 miles of trails and beaches for hiking and mountain biking.
There are also many historical sites within its boundaries, including three lighthouses and the Pilgrim Monument. Visitors can explore the park on foot or mountain biking along its many trails, taking them through forests, marshes, beaches, and tidal pools.
Several hiking loops cover different parts of the park’s landscape, including a national historical site like an abandoned fort from the civil war.
National Scenic Appalachian Trail
If you’re a fan of the outdoors and enjoy hiking, you may want to visit the national parks in Massachusetts. The state is home to the National Scenic Appalachian Trail. This 2,190-mile footpath crosses 14 states, including Massachusetts and New Hampshire.
The Appalachian Trail is often considered one of the best hiking trails in America due to its various terrains and scenery. It passes through breathtaking scenery and ample camping sites along its route.
Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site
Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site is a national historic site along the Saugus river. The iron works were established in 1646 and continued to produce iron until 1883. It is the oldest industrial site in North America.
This national historic site includes several preserved buildings, including one of the first blast furnaces ever built in North America (1645). A reconstructed water-powered hammer from 1738 and other 19th-century equipment such as puddling furnaces and rolling mills can also be found here.
John F. Kennedy National Historic Site
The John F. Kennedy National Historic Site, located in New Bedford, is managed by the National Park Service. The site was established in 1964 to commemorate the memory and legacy of President John F. Kennedy.
The NPS provides various services at this national historic site, including guided tours, lectures, presentations, and visitor center exhibits. Additionally, there is an outdoor exhibit area where you can see restored cars from the period when JFK lived here.
New Bedford Whaling National Historic Site
The New Bedford Whaling National Historic Site is a national historic site in New Bedford. It preserves the location of the world’s first successful commercial whale oil refinery, established by George Howland in 1744. The NPS manages this national historic site as part of its program to preserve historic sites related to coastal exploration and trade in the early United States.
Massachusetts State Forest
A state woodland is a forest owned and managed by the government for harvesting purposes to maintain its natural resources. These forests are generally smaller than national forests.
Their primary goal is to provide wood products (such as timber) rather than recreation. Here is the Massachusetts state forest that you can visit throughout the year:
Myles Standish State Forest
Myles Standish State Forest is a popular outdoor destination for the Boston area during warmer months. The Department of Conservation and Recreation currently manages Myles Standish State Forest, which is open year round.
There are hiking, cycling, horseback riding, cross country skiing, camping sites, and even a national historic site on the property. The Myles Standish State Forest was once owned by General Myles Standish, who died in 1656. He was an important figure in early American history as he helped settle Plymouth Colony with Governor John Bradford. He’s remembered today as one of the founders of America.
Savoy Mountain State Forest
The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) manages Savoy Mountain State Forest. The forest covers an area of 2,000 acres and protects a portion of Savoy Mountain.
The forest offers many activities, including hiking trails, picnicking areas, fishing ponds, swimming pools, and cross country skiing. In addition, visitors can explore scenic waterfalls on the property, like Putnam Falls or Cascade Falls.
Mohawk Trail State Forest
Mohawk Trail State Forest in Massachusetts is named after the Mohawk Trail, a hiking trail that runs through the woods. The Mohawk State Forest is part of the Green Mountain National Forest, created by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1908. The Mohawk Trail area has been protected from development and logging since its establishment in 1931.
Mount Washington State Forest
The Mount Washington State Forest is home to Alander Mountain, which rises above the Hudson River valley at 3,482 feet. You can hike the South Taconic Trail to the summit of Alander Mountain, where you’ll be rewarded with a sweeping view across Massachusetts and New York.
Mount Washington State Forest also offers plenty of options for mountain biking, cross country skiing, and horseback riding trails. Another must-see attraction in this park is its blooming mountain laurel and azaleas. They provide a burst of color in late May through early June, making Mount Washington State Forest one of New England’s most beautiful state parks in Massachusetts.
Beartown State Forest
Beartown State Forest is a 1,144-acre forest located in the town of Monterey, Massachusetts. It is a popular destination for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and cross country skiing.
In Beartown State Forest, you can enjoy the trails with off road vehicles. The courses range from easy to complex and include some steep hills but are mostly flat or gently rolling. The most extended loop is just over 6 miles long, while most are around 4 miles long.
State Parks in Massachusetts
Massachusetts has a vast array of state parks that are home to some of the most beautiful landscapes, wildlife, and history in the entire country. If you’re looking for an escape from your daily routine, look no further than Massachusetts State Parks.
Halibut Point State Park
Located in Rockport, Halibut Point State Park is a beautiful place to go bird-watching and hiking. The park contains over 900 acres of land, with natural features like a salt marsh, dunes, and rocky shores.
One of the most popular activities at Halibut Point State Park is kayaking and canoeing on Wellfleet Harbor. Suppose you’re looking for a more leisurely activity. In that case, you can rent a bicycle or walk along the trails throughout the park.
Ellisville Harbor State Park
If you want to escape the noise of your bad neighbors, head out to Ellisville Harbor State Park. Located in Sandwich, this state park is both scenic and serene. With a boat ramp and swimming beach, you can escape into nature while enjoying rest and recreation. You’ll also find picnic areas, a playground, and a campground if you want to stay longer than just one day.
Purgatory Chasm State Reservation
This state park in Sutton is managed by the NPS. It’s located in the Southeastern part of the state and is a popular tourist destination.
While it’s not as well-known as other state parks in Massachusetts, Purgatory Chasm offers plenty for those who want outdoor adventure. Purgatory Chasm is split into two sections: Upper and Lower.
The upper section offers hiking trails on either side of its namesake chasm, plus some rock climbing opportunities. It also features several picnic tables if you want to bring food. The lower part offers additional hiking trails through some dense woods that are perfect for escaping crowds.
Nickerson State Park
Nickerson State Park is a state park in the towns of Kingston, Plympton, and Duxbury, Massachusetts. The park is located on the shores of Plymouth Bay and features several pine forests and coves.
Activities at Nickerson State Park include hiking, swimming, fishing, and picnicking. There are three playgrounds throughout the park for children to enjoy and an open-air theater for summer season entertainment.
South Cape Beach State Park
South Cape Beach State Park is located on the cape south of Provincetown and is part of the Massachusetts state park system. The park features the barrier beach, a lighthouse, an old farmhouse with livestock and crops, hiking trails through marshland and woods, and a campground with five camping sites.
It’s worth making the trip to this beautiful corner of the state. If you have time while there to explore the region further, take a drive up to Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary in Eastham. This natural area provides opportunities for wildlife viewing and birding too.
Natural Bridge State Park
Nestled in the Berkshires and situated in the city of North Adams, Natural Bridge State Park is one of the most popular destinations for residents and visitors alike. The park was named for a natural sandstone arch over a small stream.
There are walking trails, a picnic area, fishing spots, and even an area where you can go cross country skiing. The rocks at this park were formed more than 380 million years ago during the Devonian Period, when this area was covered by shallow seas.
FAQS
What is the Role of the National Park Service?
The National Park Service was created to protect the national heritage of the US and to provide for the enjoyment of that heritage by present and future generations. The NPS manages a system of parks that preserve natural scenery, cultural resources, and wildlife in a natural setting. In addition to their preservation role, national parks are intended for recreation such as camping or hiking.
What are the Best Hiking Trails in Massachusetts?
There are many hiking trails in Massachusetts, and they’re all beautiful. The best ones are those you enjoy hiking and can do with your friends and family. For example, the Appalachian Trail might suit you if you like to wander through forests and mountains. If you prefer to walk along beaches or wetlands, then the Cape Cod National Seashore might be more your speed.
Is it Possible to hunt in MA State Forests?
Hunting is allowed in most MA state forests and state parks. However, some Massachusetts state parks have hunting and fishing regulations that may differ from other sections of the same park or nearby state parks. You should contact the individual park to confirm if it is open for hunting, what seasons are available, and whether any special regulations apply.
Conclusion
The Massachusetts state parks are an excellent way to escape city noise and stress. They offer beautiful scenery and a chance to reconnect with nature. Whether you prefer the mountains or the ocean, there is something for everyone in this state park system. Be sure to visit at least one of these parks in Massachusetts.
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In her 25-year career, Steph Wilkinson has been involved in the acquisition, marketing and sales of over $3 Billion dollars of residential real estate. A number of years ago, Steph transitioned into Brokerage Leadership for National real estate brands and tech start-ups. She has served as a Business Strategist for real estate agents and brokerages alike and is also a real estate coach and trainer. In her new role with the Iconic Team, Steph will be responsible for the growth of the team and will be working with all of our agents to increase their productivity and bottom line.
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