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.
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 su
Ashland State Park has 470 acres including a 157 acre reservoir. The park operates seasonally and offers hiking, biking, boating, swimming, and fishing.
The Ashuwillticook Rail Trail is an old railroad track converted into a 10-foot wide paved trail. The trail runs 12.7 miles through the towns of Cheshire, Lanesborough and Adams. Cheshire Reservoir, a
Bash Bish Falls is the highest single-drop waterfall in the state. Take a hike and enjoy a picnic on the rocks (Picnic areas - CLOSED to aid in the prevention of spreading COVID-19). Explore the neigh
This 12,000 acre forest is the perfect place to visit no matter the season. Swim, boat, or fish in Benedict Pond. In the winter, you can cross-country ski and snowmobile.
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 fi
The Blackstone River features 1000 acres of natural park, filled with trails and historical sites. The park also has biking, horseback riding, canoe access, fishing, hunting, picnic areas and more.
Located only minutes from the bustle of downtown Boston, the DCR Blue Hills Reservation stretches over 7,000 acres from Quincy to Dedham, Milton to Randolph, providing a green oasis in an urban enviro
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
Explore 13 islands of Boston Harbor, 6 of which are publicly accessible by ferry and offer lots of activities. You'll find swimming, boating, hiking and camping among the most popular. You're also wel
Breakheart includes two lakes and a large forest.
Explore the reservation through a large trail system. Climb to vistas with views of Boston, New Hampshire, and central Massachusetts. Supervised swimm
This rolling forest has over 20 miles of roads and trails for hiking, walking, and horseback riding. Fishing and hunting are also available, and snowmobiling in the winter.
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
Brook Farm features 179 acres of fields, woodland, and wetland. Explore walking trails for views of nature and wildlife.
Brook Farm is a National Historic Site for its role in social and intellectual
Enjoy a relaxing day by the water exploring the rolling Berkshire foothills. Walk or picnic along the Westfield River East Branch, go fishing, or take out a canoe or kayak.
With over 800 acres of park land, Callahan is primarily used for hiking, horseback riding and walking. Callahan offers acres of open fields and ponds, along with 7 miles of marked trails and a dog par
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.
The Canalside Rail Trail follows the former rail bed for an easy-riding 3.7 miles. Follow the trail over the Connecticut River and along scenic views. The trail is also great for walking or even a pic
Ride, walk or run through 6 Cape Cod towns as you follow the Cape Cod Rail Trail. There’s plenty to see along the 22-mile trail and state and national parks to visit as you please.
A visit to Castle Island combines history and recreation. Tour Fort Independence or take a walk around it. Continue the day sunbathing or swimming at one of the nearby beaches.
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.
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.
With trails for all experience levels, Chester-Blandford State Forest is perfect for hiking or walking. Take in the Sanderson Falls, go mountain biking, enjoy a picnic or do some hunting and fishing.
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.
The Connecticut River Greenway connects parks and other areas along the Connecticut River. Up to 8 parks are accessible from the greenway as you follow it across the state. You'll find river access wi
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.
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; dru
This park is one of the best kept secrets in the Massachusetts forest and park system. Here, an 1800-foot saltwater beach is backed by rambling hills of beach grass and shaded, grassy picnic sites. A
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-a
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 th
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.
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
Explore more than 1,000 acres of pine, maple, birch, and hemlock trees. Make your way along Fever Brook for great views of the Quabbin Reservoir. Other popular activities include fishing, hunting, and
Though one of the smallest state parks, Fort Phoenix offers plenty to see and do. In summer, the main attraction is the beach, which is universally accessible. You might also walk along the hurricane
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.
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.
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.
If you're looking to break away from the busy day-to-day, this park is the place to be. Campsites deep in the woods offer peace and quiet. Plenty of other activities include hiking, biking, and snowsh
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 tha
On a clear day, visitors to Halibut Point State Park will be able to see Mount Agamenticus, located 81 miles away in Maine, and the Isles of Shoals off the coast of New Hampshire. You can explore the
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.
Hampton Ponds State Park is located near Westfield, Mass, and is just the place for a relaxing summer day. Spend some time on the water before having lunch at one the many grill-equipped picnic areas.
Harold Parker State Forest is a located in Andover, Mass, only an hour north of Boston. With 35 miles of trails, 11 ponds, and dozens of campsites, there’s something in this Central Hardwood-Hemlock-W
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 c
The park's Visitors Center features exhibits about Holyoke's industrial history and culture. You can also visit the The Children's Museum, the restored antique Holyoke Merry-Go-Round, and the Volleyba
Hopkinton State Park includes a little bit of everything: 1,500 acres of forest crisscrossed by hiking trails, beaches, stocked fishing, first-come-first-served picnic areas, and a reservable group pi
Swim and camp at one of the most popular beaches in Massachusetts. Located at the western end of Buzzard's Bay, the 2-mile long beach is also great for bird watching.
Houghton’s Pond is located within Blue Hills Reservation. Swim, fish, or relax form the 24-acre pond and accessible beach. Follow trails for hiking, biking, or horseback riding.
1,158-acre Jug End offers some of the best scenic views of the Berkshires. In addition to having its own trails, Jug End also offers access to and parking for the Appalachian Trail.
Explore 35 miles of mixed-use trail throughout this 7,882-acre woodland. You can hike, mountain bike, and snowmobile. Keep a lookout for remains of the past, such as cellar holes from the abandoned vi
Lake Lorraine State Park was a small Massachusetts state park located in the neighborhood of Indian Orchard, on the northeast side of the city of Springfield. The park was located on the southern shor
Lake Wyola State Park, also known as the Carroll A. Holmes Recreation Area, is located in the quaint hill town of Shutesbury, just north of Amherst. This day-use area is located on the shores of Lake
Lawrence, MA was one of the nation's first planned cities, and you can learn about its history and development at Lawrence Heritage State Park. The exhibits in the Visitors Center, a restored 1840s bo
From hiking and mountain biking to rock climbing and fishing, Leominster State Forest has everything for outdoor enthusiasts. Hike a segment of the 95-mile Midstate Trail or take a dip in Crow Hill Po
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
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 fis
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.
Lynn Heritage State Park is a history-themed state park in downtown Lynn, Massachusetts, that is part of the Metropolitan Park System of Greater Boston. It opened in 1986. Exhibits in the visitors cen
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.
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
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 pl
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 p
Head out on foot or by bike on Massasoit State Park'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 al
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 perfec
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 th
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.
Mohawk Trail State Forest is one of the most scenic woodland areas in Massachusetts. It covers 6,000 acres of mountain ridges, gorges, and woods, and it is home to a variety of plant and animal life.
Find amazing views of valleys and waterfalls in this wooded forest. As you follow trails, be on the lookout for the remnants of 19th-century cellar holes and stone walls.
Moore State Park spans 400 acres and is located in the heart of Massachusetts. Between the 18th and early 20th centuries, it was home to grist and saw mills. Today, visitors come to glimpse its popula
Explore a network of multi-use trails that traverse this scenic peak. Hike or horseback ride to its 1,621-foot summit, or during winter, break out your snowmobile or skis.
At 3,491 feet, Mount Greylock is the highest point in Massachusetts. From its peak on a clear day, you can see as far as 90 miles away. No matter when you visit, there's plenty to do and see.
At 3,491 feet, Mount Greylock is the highest point in Massachusetts. From its peak on a clear day, you can see as far as 90 miles away. No matter when you visit, there's plenty to do and see.
The 3,000-acre Mount Holyoke Range State Park features a 7-mile mountain ridge line. The park also includes streams, wetlands, woods, and thickets. Visitors can explore more than 30 miles of blazed tr
Summit road open mid-May through mid-October. The summit of Mt. Sugarloaf offers amazing views of the Connecticut River Valley. The park is great for picnics, hiking, and mountain biking.
Mount Tom features wonderful views of the Pioneer Valley in west-central Massachusetts. The area is also a great place to bird watch--especially for hawks.
The re-grown red oak northern hardwood forest of Mt. Washington State Forest offers more than 30 miles of trails for hiking and mountain biking. Hike the South Taconic Trail to the 2,250 ft. elev. sum
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 Colo
Myles Standish State Forest offers plenty of year-round activities for the entire family. If you’re looking for a place to camp, swim, or explore the outdoors, this southeastern park is for you.
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
Nantasket Beach is popular summer escape from the Boston. The reservation includes a mile of the Atlantic shoreline, and during the summer, you can attend concerts or take public dance lessons.
Explore the great outdoors along this 11 mile bike trail. During the fall months, enjoy the bright colors as the leaves change. Don't want to bike? The trail is also open to walking, rollerblading and
Natural Bridge State Park is home to the only natural white marble arch in North America. According to geologists, the park's namesake natural bridge, made of 550 million year-old bedrock marble, was
The Neponset River Reservation 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 hi
1,900-acre Nickerson State Park is located in Brewster, MA on Cape Cod. There's plenty of wooded trails and ponds to explore, and Nickerson also offers more than 400 campsites.
Ride down the Norwottuck Rail Trail and enjoy the scenic views along the way. Level paths allow you to enjoy the trail no matter your abilities. The trail is also open to walking and rollerblading.
At 16,500 acres, October Mountain is the largest state forest in Massachusetts. You'll find trails for any level of hiking experience, and you can also visit nearby Tanglewood, popular music venue and
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.
This sprawling, 11,000-acre forest includes Berry Pond and 30 miles of trails. Whether hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, or exploring the mountain range to Berry Pond, you're sure to find the
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
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 restorati
Purgatory Chasm is a unique natural landmark offering exciting adventure. Follow trails to rock formations such as The Corn Crib, The Coffin and Lovers’ Leap. After exploration, settle down for an aft
Quabbin Reservoir is one of the largest unfiltered water supplies in the United States. Along with the Wachusett Reservoir and Ware River, it is the source of high quality water for the Massachusetts
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
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
Quinsigamond State Park consists of two sites. The Regatta Point area offers facilities for swimming, sailing, picnicking and fishing. The Lake Park area provides a number of recreational opportunitie
Hike or hunt at 138-acre Rehoboth State Forest. 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 characteris
Located just North of Boston, Revere Beach was the first public beach established in the United States. Visitors can walk Revere Boulevard, which runs parallel to the beach. The T's Blue Line offers s
Come and see the abundance of wildlife this park has to offer, including rare dragonflies and turtles.
You might also visit the historical Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) buildings or take a hike al
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 Bosto
Currently under repairs.
Discover the century old ship The Ernestina-Morrissey, built in 1894. The ship has sailed within 600 miles of the North Pole and is one the six remaining Essex-built schooner
Scusset Beach is located at the southwest corner of the Cape Cod Bay. Enjoy 1.5 miles of beachfront, or take a walk along the jetty to watch ships pass through the Cape Canal. The Reservation also off
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 ea
The Southern New England Trunkline Trail runs 22 miles from Douglas State Forest to Franklin State Forest. The trail is one of the longest trails in Massachusetts, running through 6 towns. You can fin
The Southwest Corridor Park 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. Recrea
The 965-acre Spencer State Forest features trails that run for miles through the woods and across rivers. Visitors can picnic at Howe Pond, cross-country ski, and snowmobile.
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.
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 at
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
Applications accepted via email only as noted below.
Adult and Youth Leagues must be applied for separately. Youth Leagues are Pre K-8th grade.
Please apply for one season per application request.
Mohawk Trail State Forest is one of the most scenic woodland areas in Massachusetts. It covers 6,000 acres of mountain ridges, gorges, and woods, and it is home to a variety of plant and animal life.
At the center of Tolland State Forest sits the 1,065-acre Otis Reservoir, which offers a variety of recreational activities. A boat launch is available for boats up to 24 feet in length. No watercraft
The Upper Charles River Reservation extends from the Watertown Dam to Riverdale Park in West Roxbury, MA. Now that native plants have been restored to the riverbanks, birds and wildlife have returned.
This 2,660-acre forest offers a mix of nature and history. Explore some of the historic structures built by the Civilian Conservation Corps, a program that provided employment during the Great Depress
The 3,000-acre Wachusett Mountain State Reservation offers plenty of natural and recreational opportunities. You can hike and bike trails in the summer and ski in the winter. Enjoy the scenic views fr
Wachusett Reservoir, along with the Quabbin Reservoir and Ware River, are the unfiltered source of high quality water for the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority water supply system. The 65 billio
The Wahconah Falls Brook flows over several smaller falls before ending in the 40-foot Wahconah Falls. The cascade is scenic any time of year, but is especially impressive during the spring runoff. Vi
Let a visit to Walden Pond bring you back in time to the mid-1800's. Experience the connection with nature that inspired Henry David Thoreau's Walden. Enjoy a day of swimming, walking around the famou
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. Cam
DCR owns approximately 23,000 acres in the Ware River watershed. Located in Central Massachusetts between the Quabbin Reservoir and the Wachusett Reservoir, the Ware River watershed is the land and wa
Operated seasonally, Watson Pond State Park is a popular destination for families. This 10-acre park offers beachfront picnic areas, a bath house, a playground, and a small pavilion. Lifeguards are on
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 event
Wells State Park was, established in 1968, is a 1400 acre public recreation area located off Route 49 in Sturbridge, Massachusetts. The park offers 12 miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, hors
Wendell State Forest is 7,566 acres of rolling forested hills, streams, ponds, trails, a baseball diamond, and a picnic area. You can visit Wendell any time of year.
Visitors to this former railroad yard in North Adams, MA will learn about the controversial and dangerous construction of the Hoosac Tunnel, which spanned 1851-1875. 200 people were killed while build
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 t
Willard Brook State Forest sits on 2,597 acres near Townsend, MA. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, including, hiking, and cross-country skiing.
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
Located deep in the rolling hills of the Berkshires, Windsor State Forest is known for its beauty. Visitors can experience the cascading waterfall at Windsor Jambs, and the Windsor Jambs Brook winds t
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 g
