There are over 150 state parks near Boston, and they are easy to visit and free of charge. Managed by the DCR, these are wonderful protected lands in unique locations like mountains, lakes, and beaches. They are maintained with special care just for the enjoyment of the public.
State parks offer wonderful activities for the whole family, such as swimming, fishing, picnicking, camping, boating, biking, skiing, snowmobiling, horseback riding, hunting, and much more. Naturally, not all of these activities are available in all parks, as each location has its own opportunities. Facilities are usually excellent and can include boat ramps, grills, picnic areas, rest rooms, and camping areas. Some parks even rent facilities for events such as weddings.
Grilling is great fun, and most state parks allow it. Many sites offer stationary charcoal grills that are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Most parks allow visitors to bring their own gas grills but generally prohibit portable charcoal grills. For general safety, grills should not be left unattended, and used charcoal should be disposed of safely. Note that open fires are prohibited in many parks, and please keep a lookout for temporary fire restrictions.
Every park has different restrictions, and it is important to check in advance. Many parks allow dogs, but some don’t. Most parks only allow non-motorised boats, and some don't allow off-road vehicles or snowmobiles. Some parks prohibit alcohol. Each park is unique, so please check before you go.
Handicapped accessibility in state parks is generally excellent, but it depends on the location. Many parks offer accessible hiking, camping, water access, ice skating, skiing, and fishing.
Reservations are generally not necessary, except for camping.
Wrentham State Forest Covering over 1,000 acres, is a minimally developed area. the gravel parking area on taunton street leads to miles of weaving trails and dirt roads. trails are open for hiking, mountain biking, and cross-country skiing. additionally there is a designated loop trail for off-roading. motorized use at this forest is restricted to motorcycles only. the park also offers access to the warner trail, a 30-mile hiking trail that travels through norfolk county down to rhode island. |
Winthrop Shore Reservation Winthrop (25 minutes from Boston) Only 20 minutes from the city center, Winthrop Beach is a popular destination beach goers and fishermen alike. |
Horseneck Beach State Reservation Westport, Cape Cod (2 hours from Boston) Swim and camp at one of the most popular beaches in Massachusetts. Stretches for 2 miles along the the Western end of Buzzard's Bay. |
Leo J. Martin Ski Track The operating season commences in mid december and ends in mid-late march (weather permitting). the ski track is open through reservation only for the 2021-2022 season. |
Leo J. Martin Memorial Golf Course This 18-hole golf course is one of two state-operated courses. reserve a tee time and enjoy a relaxing day on the green. |
Brook Farm Historic Site Brook farm features 179 acres of fields, woodland, and wetland. explore walking trails for views of nature and wildlife. |
Wellfleet Hollow State Campground Quiet and quaint, this campground offers an excellent opportunity for tent camping and exploring lower cape cod. the location is great for day trips to ocean beaches, area nature trails and the cape cod rail trail. |
Elm Bank Reservation There is plenty to see as you walk through this park. take a hike through the woodlands and find a variety of wildlife. stroll through the gardens for a glimpse of amazing landscaping. |
Willowdale State Forest Explore 40 miles of trails at willowdale. if you're looking for something water-based, check out hood pond west of route 1. |
Bradley Palmer State Park This former estate features 721-acres of pine needled paths and sunny rolling meadows for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. |
Watson Pond State Park Taunton (1.3 hours from Boston) Tranquil recreational area centered around Watson Pond, a picturesque body of water that offers a variety of outdoor activities. |
Middlesex Fells Reservation At middlesex fells, you can hike, bike, fish, or let your dog run free in the off-leash area. boat rentals only. rent a canoe or kayak to explore spot pond. |
Sudbury Reservoir The sudbury and foss reservoirs are the emergency water supply for the dcr/ massachusetts water resources authority water supply system. the main sources of water are the quabbin reservoir, wachusett reservoir, and ware river. the 8 billion gallon reservoirs covers 1,500 acres. recreational activities are regulated and limited to protect 3 million people’s drinking water. |
Rumney Marsh Reservation Rumney marsh is a 600-acre salt marsh located within the saugus and pines river inlet. visitors can bird watch, fish, and boat. |
Breakheart Reservation Saugus (30 minutes from Boston) Scenic state park spanning over 640 acres with two freshwater lakes, Pearce Lake and Silver Lake. |
Camp Nihan Education Center Camp nihan is the perfect place for your next group camping experience. there's plenty of opportunities to learn about the local habitat. explore a variety of nature and wildlife across 65 acres. |
Shawme-Crowell State Forest This 700-acre pitch pine and scrub oak forest is located on the western end of cape cod, and offers more than 15 miles of trails for hiking and horseback riding. camping is a favorite activity from early summer to the fall. |
Salisbury Beach State Reservation Salisbury (1.25 hours from Boston) Salisbury beach is a popular beach at the entrance of the Merrimack river. Known also for its expansive amusement park nearby. |
Scusset Beach State Reservation Sagamore Cape Cod (40 minutes from Boston) Beach located at the southwest corner of the cape cod bay. Stretches for 1.5 miles on the Cape Cod canal. You can take a walk along the jetty to watch ships pass through the cape canal. |
Melnea A. Cass Recreational Complex This facility offers a large indoor arena for year-round fun. built as a flexible space, many different uses are available from sports to events. visit the connected outdoor pool to cool off during the summer. |
Halibut Point State Park On a clear day, visitors to will be able to see mount agamenticus, located 40 miles away in maine, and the isles of shoals off the coast of new hampshire. you can explore the park's trails and tide pools, picnic on the rocky ledges, and learn about the park's world-war ii history and the cape ann granite industry history. |
Revere Beach Reservation Revere (30 minutes from Boston) Popular and historic beach that stretches for 3 miles along the Atlantic Ocean, providing ample space for beachgoers as well as many entertainment and dining areas..Revere Beach hosts various events throughout the year, including the Revere Beach Sand Sculpting Festival. |
Rehoboth State Forest Hike or hunt at 138-acre . the forest features a gentle 1-mile loop trail, which includes a spur trail leading to an atlantic white cedar swamp, a natural feature once characteristic of eastern massachusetts. |
Squantum Point Park This former naval airfield is now a beautiful waterfront park. squantum point offers great views of the boston skyline across the harbor and is a popular spot for birdwatching. |
Quincy Shores Reservation The 2.3-mile beach at quincy shore reservation is popular for its jogging & biking trail. additionally, caddy park on the beach's southern end has more than 15 acres of fields and marsh, as well as a play area, lookout tower, and picnic tables. to the north is moswetuset hummock, a national historic site, which was in the 1600's a summer campsite for the massachusett tribe. it's now a mix of woodland trails and marshland. |
Quincy Quarries Reservation is where america's large scale granite quarrying industry was born. the area is also famous for being the source of stone used for the bunker hill monument. the quarry now inactive and fill is a popular area for rock climbing and picnicking. |
Pilgrim Memorial State Park This waterfront park, home to historic plymouth rock and the mayflower ii museum, draws more than 1 million visitors each year. you'll also find fantastic views of plymouth harbor and monuments. |
National Monument to the Forefathers Completed in 1889, this site is home to an impressive 81 foot, granite monument that memorializes a victorian era interpretation of the pursuits that motivated the pilgrims to leave england and start their own colony. |
Ellisville Harbor State Park Ellisville harbor offers a unique coastal experience on the south shore. explore the rolling meadows and red pine forest. you can see fishing boats and even harbor seals from the shoreline, even in the winter months. |
Webb Memorial State Park is a peninsula that extends half a mile into hingham bay. visitors are treated to scenic views of boston's harbor and skyline, and groups can rent a pavilion for special events from may - october. available activities include fishing, picnicking, and walking. |
Borderland State Park features a historic mansion open for tours. this park also features trails for hiking, biking, or horseback riding, fishing and boating in the pond, and facilities for tennis and disc golf. |
Harold Parker State Forest Andover (1 hour from Boston) Large state park covering over 3,000 acres and 11 ponds. Berry Pond is a designated swimming area within the forest, complete with a sandy beach |
Bristol Blake State Reservation Ponds, marshes, and fields cover 140 acres of this former sawmill complex. trails and boardwalks allow you to get close to nature and offer amazing views of wildlife, with snowshoeing available in the winter. |
Hammond Pond Reservation Hammond pond is located in newton, mass, just west of boston that features dozens of trails to hike and interesting rock formations to climb. you can also fish. |
Hemlock Gorge Reservation This small wild area along the banks of the charles river in newton, mass, just west of boston, spans 23 acres. echo bridge is a major attraction and offers amazing views of the river. make sure you check out the platform under the bridge and test the echo it's named for. |
Maudslay State Park features 19th century gardens and plantings, rolling meadows, towering pines, and one of the largest naturally-occurring stands of mountain laurel in massachusetts. it's the perfect place for a walk, bike ride or picnic. educational programs are offered during the summer. |
Cutler Park Reservation This 600-acre park protects the largest freshwater marsh on the middle charles river. this park is a great spot for birdwatchers, and it also features eskers, or riverbeds formed inside a glacier; drumlins, long hills formed by glaciers; and kendrick pond. |
Cochituate State Park Natick (54 minutes from Boston) Popular recreational area with over 800 acres,centered around Lake Cochituate.
The lake has a designated swimming area with a sandy beach.
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Lynn Shore & Nahant Beach Reservation Nahant (25 minutes from Boston) The reservation is open year-round, but summer is the time to visit and escape the heat. enjoy swimming in the ocean, launch your boat, or sunbathe on the beach. |
Houghton's Pond Recreation Area Milton (30 minutes from Boston) Popular reservation in the Blue Hills area in Milton. The pond has a designated swimming area with a sandy beach, making it a great spot for families and swimmers. |
Blue Hills Reservation Located only minutes from the bustle of downtown boston, the dcr stretches over 7,000 acres from quincy to dedham, milton to randolph, providing a green oasis in an urban environment. rising above the horizon, great blue hill reaches a height of 635 feet, the highest of the 22 hills in the blue hills chain. from the rocky summit visitors can see over the entire metropolitan area. with its scenic views, varied terrain and 125 miles of trails, the offers year-round enjoyment for the outdoor enthusiast. |
Mystic River State Reservation Open year round, dawn to dusk. the banks of the mystic river are almost entirely publicly owned, from the amelia earhart dam at the mouth of the mystic lakes, making it one of the commonwealth's best protected streams. the river has been much altered since the 1800's when its shores were largely salt marsh. |
Mystic Lakes State Park Enjoy a day by the water at mystic lakes. if you're looking for swimming or sunbathing, check out shannon beach. looking for other fun on the water? the lakes are perfect for rowing or sailing. |
Nasketucket Bay State Reservation offers 209 acres of wooded trails, open fields, and rocky shoreline. |
South Cape Beach State Park Mashpee (1.4 hours from Boston) Scenic and popular beach with 2.5 miles of beautiful, sandy beach with calm, warm waters, ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and beach combing.
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Lowell-Dracut-Tyngsboro State Forest The forest spreads across 3 towns and features over 1,000 acres to explore. hike, bike, or ski though 6 miles of trails. you'll also find plenty of ponds, swamps, and wetlands great for boating or fishing. |
Lowell Heritage State Park features exhibits, created in partnership with the national park service, that will teach you about the historic network of canals and mills constructed in the 19th century to power lowell's then-bustling textile industry. also, the 2-mile waterfront stretch is great for summer concerts and boating. |
Lawrence Heritage State Park Lawrence, ma was one of the nation's first planned cities, and you can learn about its history and development at . the exhibits in the visitors center, a restored 1840s boarding house, tell the stories of lawrence's mill workers, including their role in the 1912 bread and roses strike. you can also learn about the immigrant populations who settled in lawrence, and test your skills by planning your own industrial city. visitors can also walk the esplanade alongside the merrimac river. |
Roxbury Heritage State Park Roxbury heritage is home to the c1750 dillaway-thomas house, one of the oldest structures in roxbury. this building served as the headquarters of the continental army in 1775 during the siege of boston. the house is now a museum with exhibits of roxbury's past and present history. landscaped grounds also provide visitors with an excellent view of boston's skyline. |
Sandy Point State Reservation Located at the southern tip of plum island, sandy point stretches 77 acres. it features a beautiful coastal beach great for swimming and sunbathing. |
Stony Brook Reservation This small forest in the middle of boston offers activities to the whole family. explore the trails on foot or bike, or head to turtle pond for some fishing. in the park's southern end, you'll find athletic fields and a pool and spray deck. |
Nantasket Beach Reservation Hull (1.2 hours from Boston) Popular summer escape with 2.5 miles of broad beachknown for its clean and fine sand.
The beach is flanked by a scenic boardwalk that runs parallel to the shore, ideal for walking, jogging, or enjoying the ocean views. |
Fort Revere Park is a destination for history buffs and picnic lovers. check out the remains of forts dating back to the american revolution. you'll also find picnic tables and grills. |
Whitehall State Park 's main feature is the whitehall reservoir, where visitors can boat (boat ramp available) and fish. the reservoir is a popular icefishing spot, too. hikers will find trails along the reservoir's edges. |
Hopkinton State Park Hopkinton (1 hour from Boston) Large and popular recreational area with over 1,500 acres offering a variety of outdoor activities, There are designated swimming areas with sandy beaches at Hopkinton Reservoir. |
Stodder's Neck & Abigail Adams Park Stodder's neck is a peninsula at the mouth of the back river. the park provides harborside walking trails and a hilltop view. |
Wompatuck State Park spans 3,526 acres of forest, streams and ponds. offering an over 250 site campground, 12 miles of non-motorized roads and 40 miles of forest trails, the park is a great place to get into nature. |
Georgetown-Rowley State Forest Explore over 1,000 acres of forest for year-round activities. hike and bike during the warmer months. after the snow falls, hit the trails for skiing and snowmobiling. |
Franklin State Forest Covering over 843 acres, is a minimally developed piece of land. the forest offers miles of weaving trails and fire roads. trails are open for hiking, mountain biking, and cross-country skiing. additionally there is a designated loop for off-roading. access to the southern new england trunkline trail is available through the forest. |
F. Gilbert Hills State Forest F. gilbert hills is a 1000-acre state forest that offers 23 miles of trails through pine and oak. you can hike, mountain bike, and horseback ride, among other activities. the park is also part of the 30-mile warner trail that stretches from sharon, mass to diamond hill state park in rhode island. there are also 8 miles of motor biking trails.
the ohv trail is accessed on high rock road, which is off of route 1 north immediately before motorcycles of manchester. approximate address is 100 high rock road. |
Fall River Heritage State Park Take a walk along the taunton river or enjoy a picnic in the large meadow. you can also see world war ii battleships at battleship cove. |
Fort Phoenix State Reservation Fairhaven Cape Cod(1.5 hours from Boston) Picturesque small beach with views of Buzzards Bay and a historic fort nearby to explore. |
Manuel F. Correllus State Forest This over 5,300 acre forest sits in the center of martha's vineyard. you'll find miles of trails, a paved shared-use path, and a disc golf course. at the center of the park, there's a statue honoring the last habitat for the heath hen, a type of grouse that when extinct in 1932. |
Massasoit State Park Head out on foot or by bike on 's trails. this is an especially nice park to visit in the fall, when you can see the contrast of scarlet cranberry bogs and pine trees. there are also plenty of ponds in which to fish. |
Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve Waquoit bay has 2,700 acres of open waters, barrier beaches, marshlands, and uplands. the reserve is representative of typical shallow bay environment. enjoy discovering the bay, by land or water. |
Belle Isle Marsh Reservation Boston's last remaining salt marsh offers unique views of plants and wildlife as you follow paths to the observation tower. |
Myles Standish Monument State Reservation High atop captain's hill, 200 feet above sea level, stands the myles standish monument, a 116-foot granite shaft crowned by a 14-foot statue of captain myles standish, military leader of plymouth colony. when the tower is open, visitors can climb 125 steps to a small viewing area at the top. the monument offers a panoramic view of the south shore-church spires, several 19th-century lighthouses, duxbury beach, plymouth harbor, and the blue hills. |
Wilson Mountain Reservation is 207 acres of wild and varied terrain. large tangled thickets of rhododendrons grow on a hillside. wilson mountain is the highest point in dedham at 295 feet. while not a true mountain, it does provide hilltop views of the surrounding area. |
Demarest Lloyd State Park Dartmouth (1.25 hours from Boston) An 1800-foot saltwater beach backed by rambling hills of beach grass and shaded, grassy picnic sites. The beach is ideal for families with children. the buzzards bay surf is calm and shallow, meaning warm water temperatures through most of the summer. |
Mary O'Malley State Park This park overlooks the mystic river in chelsea, ma ,and it offers great views of the boston skyline and the tobin bridge. there's a playground for children, and the open field is a fine place for a picnic. |
Myles Standish State Forest Carver (1.1 hours from Boston) One of the largest state forests in Massachusetts, covering over 12,000 acres. Offers a wide range of recreational activities and natural beauty, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. |
Great Brook Farm State Park This 1000-acre park features more than 20 miles of trails. you can see notable native american sites and 17th-century cellar holes leftover from english settlers. there's also an active dairy farm that offers free tours on weekends. |
Ponkapoag Golf Course is a 36-hole facility. it features a putting green, driving range, snack bar, pro shop, and power carts. lessons are also available for beginners. during the winter the course is open to cross-country skiing. |
Farnham-Connolly State Park Paved trails, numerous plants and wetland wildlife provide opportunities to connect with nature. located at the former canton airport, this six-acre park is ideal for passive recreation. |
Alewife Brook Reservation This sprawling urban forest is filled with wetlands and a variety of birds. walk along limited trails to see a rare side of nature without leaving the city. |
Chestnut Hill Reservation Enjoy a walk, jog, or bike ride on the 1.5 mile paved trail around the chestnut hill reservoir. visit the riley rink and pool for summer and winter recreation. |
Cape Cod Rail Trail Ride, walk or run through 6 cape cod towns as you follow the . there’s plenty to see along the 25-mile trail and state and national parks to visit as you please. |
Nickerson State Park Brewster (1.1 hours from Boston) A picturesque and popular state park with over 1,900 acres, featuring a mix of forests, ponds, and rolling terrain, making it a great spot for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. |
Southwest Corridor Park The is a 4.1 mile, linear park stretching from the back bay to forest hills. the park links south end, back bay, roxbury and jamaica plain with a street-level, greenway. recreational facilities include: 11 playgrounds, 2 spray pools, 7 basketball courts, 5 tennis courts, 2 street hockey rinks, 2 amphitheaters, and 6 miles of trails. |
Pope John Paul II Park Reservation Once a landfill, pope john paul ii park now offers picnicking, trails, athletic fields, and more. this is also a good place to look for birds and wildlife, which have also benefited from the restoration. |
Neponset River Reservation The extends from milton, ma to the boston harbor. the neponset is a natural inlet, and you'll find marshlands and freshwater wetlands all along its length. in addition to hiking and boating, you can also find playgrounds and spray decks throughout the reservation. |
Lower Neponset River Trail This rail trail spans 5 miles from dorchester, ma into milton, ma. enjoy the views of the neponset river as you walk or ride along the trail. nearby parks also offer plenty of fun for the family. |
Francis D. Martini Memorial Shell Park and Moynihan Recreation Area There's plenty of grass on which to sit and relax during concert or performance at the martini memorial shell head. across the street at the moynihan recreation area, you'll find athletic fields, a playground, and a spray deck. |
Constitution Beach Park Boston (20 minutes) Constitution beach is one of Boston's hidden waterfront gems. Take a swim or head over to the athletic fields. you can see planes flying from logan airport and ships sailing through boston harbor. |
Charles River Reservation This 20-mile reservation stretches along the charles river and offers plenty of activities, from picnics and playgrounds to sports fields, boating, and bike paths. |
Castle Island South Boston (20 minutes from Boston) Popular beach with sandy shores and calm waters, making it ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking. Home to Fort Independence, a historic fort dating back to the 17th century, which adds an educational aspect to the visit. |
Boston Harbor Islands Boston Harbor Explore 13 islands of Boston harbor, 3 of which are publicly accessible by ferry. There are many beaches and other historic sites p0n the islands. Access by public ferry from Rowe's Wharf, Long wharf or EDIC Wharf in South Boston |
Dighton Rock State Park offers the perfect setting for a picnic. you'll find soft, grassy areas covered by shade trees by the taunton river. you can also fish or canoe, or take a walk through the 85-acre park. interested in local history? visit the museum (by appointment only) to learn about the mysterious carvings in dighton rock. |
Beaver Brook Reservation is 59 acres of open fields and woodlands. the ponds and waterfall make the park's north section a delightful place for a walk or picnic. the south section features athletic fields, a spray deck, and more. |
Freetown-Fall River State Forest This 5000-acre forest includes 25 miles of trails for hiking, horse-back riding, or off-roading (dirt bikes only). it's also home to a wampanoag reservation. |
Ashland State Park Ashland (45 minutes from Boston) Charming recreational area known for its scenic landscapes and variety of outdoor activities. Centered around the Ashland Reservoir, the park provides a peaceful escape and opportunities for adventure. |
Ames Nowell State Park Ames nowell is open year-round for daytime recreation. cleveland pond is popular with boaters and fisherman. if you're looking to stay dry, there are several miles of trails along the pond edge and surrounding woods. |
