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.
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.

Haunted Happenings
October 3, 2008Through October 31. Salem comes alive at this time of year with a month long celebration of Halloween.
Topsfield Fair
October 3, 2007Through October 13. Oldest continuously operating county fair in America.
Mass Poetry Festival
October 10, 2008Through October 12. A diverse group will come together to present the first-ever Massachusetts Poetry Festival in Lowell.National Cranberry Festival
October 11, 2007Through October 13. Take a guided tour of cranberry bogs by train or helicopter.

