We here in Massachusetts are lucky to have so much gorgeous green space and protected natural landscape. Sometimes it seems like there’s an undiscovered oasis around every corner.
Here are some state parks to visit in Massachusetts that fly under the radar, but are full of natural beauty.
- Drummer Boy Park, Brewster
TripAdvisor / Management This is a hidden little park by the ocean that features a picturesque windmill, plenty of grass and fresh sea breezes. The windmill was built in 1795 and moved to the park. There are frequently events here in the warmer months such as arts and crafts fairs and outdoor concerts. While you’re in town, check out this charming and historic general store. (86 Drummer Boy Road, Brewster) Drummer Boy Park, 773 Main St, Brewster, MA 02631, USA
- Long Hill Reservation, Beverly
TripAdvisor / Lori T This is a beautiful North Shore property for lovers of gardens and flowers. It’s absolutely one of the best parks in Massachusetts. There are cherry trees to admire, plenty of Japanese peonies, a Chinese pagoda, a lovely rose arbor and a bunch of tulips. Explore the 2 miles of trails through the landscaped greenery and learn about the plants via helpful signs along the way. There are lots of other wonderful things to see in town, Beverly happens to be one of the best summer day trips in Massachusetts.(572 Essex Street, Beverly) Long Hill, 572 Essex St, Beverly, MA 01915, USA
- Doyle Conservation Center, Leominster
TripAdvisor / sn0wst0rm This is a great little park with beautiful landscaping and dog-friendly trails. Keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife like frogs, deer and ducks. Don’t miss the postcard-pretty footpath over the water. There’s lots more to know! Read our in-depth article on Doyle Conservation Center. (325 Lindell Avenue, Leominster) Doyle Conservation Area, 464 Abbott Ave, Leominster, MA 01453, USA
- Moore State Park, Paxton
TripAdvisor / DIY-Traveler-SA Stop by and enjoy winding dirt trails, lounge trails and beautiful waterfalls. The park is also loaded with rhododendrons, which are beyond beautiful when they are in season. Dog friendly too! Learn Moore (see what we did there) about Moore State Park by reading this article. Moore State Park, 1 Sawmill Rd, Paxton, MA 01612, USA
- Rock House Reservation, West Brookfield
TripAdvisor / carm123 The highlight of this natural reservation is definitely the cool “rock houses” or caves that you can enter and explore. There are also a bunch of easy trails that are great for small dogs or young kids. This is a great park for when you’re feeling a touch adventurous. You don’t want to miss out on these incredible rock formations. This spot also has some of the most pleasant hiking trails in Massachusetts.
- Ellisville Harbor State Park, Plymouth
TripAdvisor / zilziltibs Looking for a seaside escape that isn’t overrun by tourists? This is a quiet and beautiful coastal park with a pebbly shoreline and great sunset views over the water. If hiking is more your thing, there are plenty of trails between the beach and the parking lot. Yes, there’s parking. (Route 3A) It’s a whole new side of Plymouth, the site of the original Thanksgiving. Ellisville Harbor State Park, 1861 State Rd, Plymouth, MA 02360, USA
- Norris Reservation, Norwell
TripAdvisor / Karl S. This South Shore park is tucked away from the coastline, so you’re likely to have the place to yourself on beach days. This park along the North River offers 2 miles of trails, a scenic pond and boat house, beautiful wetlands and even a view of historic shipyards. After your visit stop by this amazing nearby ice cream bar. (Dover Street, Norwell)
- Callahan State Park, Framingham
TripAdvisor / Len Berkowitz Beautiful woodland trails, scenic farmland and lovely grassy fields are the highlights of this charming park just outside the city. It’s dog friendly, and there’s a small pond that your pups can swim in. Nearby you can also visit this stunning oasis in the woods.(Millwood Street, Framingham) Callahan State Park, 1048 Edmands Rd, Framingham, MA 01701, USA
- Wells State Park, Sturbridge
TripAdvisor / napple01 This is a shady campsite and park with plenty of shady trees and a great lakeside locale. There are plenty of trails if you feel like a stroll, or you can just take a dip in the water to cool off. You’ll also want to visit this charming and historic town during the holidays. If you’re looking for things to do outside in Massachusetts, this tops the list.
- Robinson State Park, Feeding Hills
TripAdvisor / D8717NOpaulp Robinson State Park has a great trail system and is popular with hikers and mountain bikers. There are picnic spots and grills galore, so you can dine while enjoying the break taking woodland scenery. This is also a good spot for cross-country skiing in the wintertime. Robinson also made our list of 15 under-appreciate parks in MA. (462 N Street, Feeding Hills) Robinson State Park, 428 North St, Feeding Hills, MA 01030, USA
- Stanley Park, Westfield
TripAdvisor / davidwu001 This picturesque state park is filled with enchanting views. There are tennis courts, playgrounds, soccer fields, basketball courts, ponds and hiking trails. Don’t forget to stop by the wildlife sanctuary, Japanese rock garden and the flower gardens. It’s a popular place for wedding photography, so don’t be surprised if you come across a shoot. There are many other beautiful parks in Westfield as well. Stanley Park, 400 Western Ave, Westfield, MA 01085, USA
- Amethyst Brook Conservation Area, Amherst
TripAdvisor / Brianna Holcomb Named after the lovely Amethyst Brook that runs through the park, this is a great spot to relax and get lost in nature. The trails aren’t weedy or hard to navigate, and the thick pine trees provide a shady canopy on hot days. Don’t forget to check out this hidden restaurant gem while you’re there. (Amherst Road, Amherst)
- Wahcaonah Falls State Park, Windsor
TripAdvisor / Todd McAnaugh The obvious draw here is the dramatic cascade known as Wahconah Falls. Hiking to the waterfall is a short jaunt from the parking area, and there are plenty of picnic spots if you’d like to follow up your adventure with a celebratory snack. Another trail in Windsor also made our list of most beautiful hiking spots. Wahconah Falls State Park, North St, Dalton, MA 01226, USA
- Lake Wyola State Park, Shutesbury
TripAdvisor / Management This state park is a great place to swim during the warmer months and grill up some hot dogs with friends. The park also has walking trails that provide a great escape into the beauty of the surrounding landscape. (94 Lakeview Road, Shutesbury) Lake Wyola State Park, 94 Lakeview Rd, Shutesbury, MA 01072, USA
- Energy Park, Greenfield
TripAdvisor / Management With lots of lush grass and a charming gazebo, this park is the perfect place to spread your picnic blanket or take in some of the live music that frequently pops up here in the summer. There are stone benches and tables at your disposal, and the park is remarkably clean. While visiting you may walk by this famous screaming bridge. (50 Miles Street, Greenfield)
Now you’re privy to some of the best state parks in Massachusetts, and because they’re lesser known than other state hot spots, you may have these parks all to yourself. For more Massachusetts natural beauty, take a look at these 11 places you absolutely must visit in Massachusetts this spring.
TripAdvisor / Management
This is a hidden little park by the ocean that features a picturesque windmill, plenty of grass and fresh sea breezes. The windmill was built in 1795 and moved to the park. There are frequently events here in the warmer months such as arts and crafts fairs and outdoor concerts. While you’re in town, check out this charming and historic general store. (86 Drummer Boy Road, Brewster)
Drummer Boy Park, 773 Main St, Brewster, MA 02631, USA
TripAdvisor / Lori T
This is a beautiful North Shore property for lovers of gardens and flowers. It’s absolutely one of the best parks in Massachusetts. There are cherry trees to admire, plenty of Japanese peonies, a Chinese pagoda, a lovely rose arbor and a bunch of tulips. Explore the 2 miles of trails through the landscaped greenery and learn about the plants via helpful signs along the way. There are lots of other wonderful things to see in town, Beverly happens to be one of the best summer day trips in Massachusetts.(572 Essex Street, Beverly)
Long Hill, 572 Essex St, Beverly, MA 01915, USA
TripAdvisor / sn0wst0rm
This is a great little park with beautiful landscaping and dog-friendly trails. Keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife like frogs, deer and ducks. Don’t miss the postcard-pretty footpath over the water. There’s lots more to know! Read our in-depth article on Doyle Conservation Center. (325 Lindell Avenue, Leominster)
Doyle Conservation Area, 464 Abbott Ave, Leominster, MA 01453, USA
TripAdvisor / DIY-Traveler-SA
Stop by and enjoy winding dirt trails, lounge trails and beautiful waterfalls. The park is also loaded with rhododendrons, which are beyond beautiful when they are in season. Dog friendly too! Learn Moore (see what we did there) about Moore State Park by reading this article.
Moore State Park, 1 Sawmill Rd, Paxton, MA 01612, USA
TripAdvisor / carm123
The highlight of this natural reservation is definitely the cool “rock houses” or caves that you can enter and explore. There are also a bunch of easy trails that are great for small dogs or young kids. This is a great park for when you’re feeling a touch adventurous. You don’t want to miss out on these incredible rock formations. This spot also has some of the most pleasant hiking trails in Massachusetts.
TripAdvisor / zilziltibs
Looking for a seaside escape that isn’t overrun by tourists? This is a quiet and beautiful coastal park with a pebbly shoreline and great sunset views over the water. If hiking is more your thing, there are plenty of trails between the beach and the parking lot. Yes, there’s parking. (Route 3A) It’s a whole new side of Plymouth, the site of the original Thanksgiving.
Ellisville Harbor State Park, 1861 State Rd, Plymouth, MA 02360, USA
TripAdvisor / Karl S.
This South Shore park is tucked away from the coastline, so you’re likely to have the place to yourself on beach days. This park along the North River offers 2 miles of trails, a scenic pond and boat house, beautiful wetlands and even a view of historic shipyards. After your visit stop by this amazing nearby ice cream bar. (Dover Street, Norwell)
TripAdvisor / Len Berkowitz
Beautiful woodland trails, scenic farmland and lovely grassy fields are the highlights of this charming park just outside the city. It’s dog friendly, and there’s a small pond that your pups can swim in. Nearby you can also visit this stunning oasis in the woods.(Millwood Street, Framingham)
Callahan State Park, 1048 Edmands Rd, Framingham, MA 01701, USA
TripAdvisor / napple01
This is a shady campsite and park with plenty of shady trees and a great lakeside locale. There are plenty of trails if you feel like a stroll, or you can just take a dip in the water to cool off. You’ll also want to visit this charming and historic town during the holidays. If you’re looking for things to do outside in Massachusetts, this tops the list.
TripAdvisor / D8717NOpaulp
Robinson State Park has a great trail system and is popular with hikers and mountain bikers. There are picnic spots and grills galore, so you can dine while enjoying the break taking woodland scenery. This is also a good spot for cross-country skiing in the wintertime. Robinson also made our list of 15 under-appreciate parks in MA. (462 N Street, Feeding Hills)
Robinson State Park, 428 North St, Feeding Hills, MA 01030, USA
TripAdvisor / davidwu001
This picturesque state park is filled with enchanting views. There are tennis courts, playgrounds, soccer fields, basketball courts, ponds and hiking trails. Don’t forget to stop by the wildlife sanctuary, Japanese rock garden and the flower gardens. It’s a popular place for wedding photography, so don’t be surprised if you come across a shoot. There are many other beautiful parks in Westfield as well.
Stanley Park, 400 Western Ave, Westfield, MA 01085, USA
TripAdvisor / Brianna Holcomb
Named after the lovely Amethyst Brook that runs through the park, this is a great spot to relax and get lost in nature. The trails aren’t weedy or hard to navigate, and the thick pine trees provide a shady canopy on hot days. Don’t forget to check out this hidden restaurant gem while you’re there. (Amherst Road, Amherst)
TripAdvisor / Todd McAnaugh
The obvious draw here is the dramatic cascade known as Wahconah Falls. Hiking to the waterfall is a short jaunt from the parking area, and there are plenty of picnic spots if you’d like to follow up your adventure with a celebratory snack. Another trail in Windsor also made our list of most beautiful hiking spots.
Wahconah Falls State Park, North St, Dalton, MA 01226, USA
This state park is a great place to swim during the warmer months and grill up some hot dogs with friends. The park also has walking trails that provide a great escape into the beauty of the surrounding landscape. (94 Lakeview Road, Shutesbury)
Lake Wyola State Park, 94 Lakeview Rd, Shutesbury, MA 01072, USA
With lots of lush grass and a charming gazebo, this park is the perfect place to spread your picnic blanket or take in some of the live music that frequently pops up here in the summer. There are stone benches and tables at your disposal, and the park is remarkably clean. While visiting you may walk by this famous screaming bridge. (50 Miles Street, Greenfield)
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The OIYS Visitor Center
State Parks to Visit In Massachusetts May 06, 2022 Celina Colby What are the benefits of visiting a state park? At these beautiful state parks to visit in Massachusetts you can experience the stunning natural landscape the state has to offer. These parks contain gardens, hiking trails, waterfalls, camping, picnicking, lakes and ponds for boating and more. State parks are typically accessibly priced, sometimes even free, and offer you and your loved ones the opportunity to explore nature in a safe and preserved environment. Plus your admission cost is going towards preserving your state’s natural wildlife.
The OIYS Visitor Center
State Parks to Visit In Massachusetts
May 06, 2022
Celina Colby
What are the benefits of visiting a state park? At these beautiful state parks to visit in Massachusetts you can experience the stunning natural landscape the state has to offer. These parks contain gardens, hiking trails, waterfalls, camping, picnicking, lakes and ponds for boating and more. State parks are typically accessibly priced, sometimes even free, and offer you and your loved ones the opportunity to explore nature in a safe and preserved environment. Plus your admission cost is going towards preserving your state’s natural wildlife.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
At these beautiful state parks to visit in Massachusetts you can experience the stunning natural landscape the state has to offer. These parks contain gardens, hiking trails, waterfalls, camping, picnicking, lakes and ponds for boating and more. State parks are typically accessibly priced, sometimes even free, and offer you and your loved ones the opportunity to explore nature in a safe and preserved environment. Plus your admission cost is going towards preserving your state’s natural wildlife.
