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State Parks & Forests

The state parks and forests of Massachusetts are some of the most treasured areas of the state, and rightfully so. You can reconnect with nature, experience magnificent natural settings, hike, bike, climb, swim, fish and even paddle.

Massachusetts’ park system is actually one of the largest state park systems in the country with 450,000 acres of forests, parks, greenways and historical sites coupled with beautiful landscapes, seashores, lakes and ponds.

Myles Standish State Forest has 35 miles of equestrian trails. Harold Parker State Forest features 3,000 acres of dense forest to hike, bike and explore. There are freshwater ponds at Cape Cod's Nickerson State Park. Magnificent views at the peak of Mount Greylock Reservation. Scenic walking trails at Maudslay State Park.

Our state parks are impossibly gorgeous natural habitats, where you'll find a world of outdoor fun, all 12 months.

Each park has a unique appeal.

Yet the true beauty of our beloved state parks is that each one is completely different from the next, with its own sites, activities and even personalities. There's the 35 miles of equestrian trails south of Boston at Myles Standish State Forest. There are the historic trails and forts in the Boston Harbor Islands National Park Area. There's the 3,000 acres of dense forest to hike, bike and explore in Greater Merrimack Valley at Harold Parker State Forest. There are the freshwater ponds at Cape Cod's Nickerson State Park.

Like most places in Massachusetts, expect to be surprised when you visit any number of our state parks and forests.

Quick Hits

See the dramatic 80-foot waterfall at Bash Bish Falls State Park in Western Massachusetts...At Halibut Point State Park and Halibut Point State Reservation, located north of Boston, you'll enjoy hiking and beautiful views that extend to New Hampshire and Maine...To the south is Horseneck Beach State Reservation, which spans nearly 600 acres of barrier beach and salt marsh.