Visiting the same green spaces over and over can quickly feel repetitive. Renew your wonder for nature by heading somewhere a little off the beaten path. Numerous state parks ring Boston and they’re an affordable and fun option for a day trip. Even if you’ve already checked out popular spots like Blue Hills or Middlesex Fells reservations, some of these 11 lesser-known state parks to visit in Massachusetts will hopefully be new to you:

1. Sandy Point State Park (Ipswich)
Sandy Point State Reservation, Parker River Wildlife, Refuge Rd, Ipswich, MA 01938, USA
Wikimedia Commons/Botteville
Situated at the southern end of Plum Island, this 77-acre park is a great destination for swimming or just an afternoon spent unwinding at the beach. Nesting birds are also fans of this spot, which can only be accessed by traveling along Plum Island Drive, through the Parker River Wildlife Refuge.
2. Belle Isle Marsh (East Boston)
Belle Isle Marsh Reservation, 1399 Bennington St, Boston, MA 02128, USA
Flickr/Bill Ilott
Boston was once surrounded by salt marshes, but Belle Isle is the last one left in the city. This tranquil spot offers birds, butterflies, and soothing views. Belle Isle Marsh is located at 1284 Bennington Street in East Boston.
3. Lowell Heritage State Park (Lowell)
Lowell Heritage State Park, 160 Pawtucket Blvd, Lowell, MA 01854, USA
Wikimedia Commons/John Phelan
Not to be confused with the Lowell National Historical Park, this often-overlooked area includes a two-mile stretch of waterfront. Stroll or bike beside the water or take a boat out onto it for a day of outdoor fun. This state park is located at 160 Pawtucket Boulevard in Lowell.
4. Pearl Hill State Park (Townsend)
Pearl Hill State Park, 105 New Fitchburg Rd, Townsend, MA 01474, USA
Wikimedia Commons/John Phelan
If you’re seeking a new summer swimming hole, check out the pond at Pearl Hill for a refreshing dip. This 1,000-acre park is linked to Willard Brook State Forest via a four-mile-long hiking trail for even more recreational opportunities. If you want to extend your visit, there’s a campsite right here at Pearl Hill State Park. Head to 105 New Fitchburg Road in West Townsend.
5. Ellisville Harbor State Park (Plymouth)
Ellisville Harbor State Park, Plymouth, MA 02360, USA
Flickr/lastonein
A surprising variety of landscapes are united in Ellisville Harbor State Park, where you’ll find a bog, salt marsh, forested land, and a barrier beach. Enjoy a shady hike through the forest, complete with views out to the ocean, or get closer to the water and see if you can spy harbor seals. Ellisville Harbor State Park is located at 1861 State Road in Plymouth.
6. Borderland State Park (North Easton)
Borderland State Park, 259 Massapoag Ave, North Easton, MA 02356, USA
Wikimedia Commons/Dancorona21
Borderland State Park has it all: a fireproof mansion, paths winding through the forest, and trails looping around ponds. Popular activities here include fishing, horse riding, and walking. The Ames Estate has been converted into a one-of-a-kind state park that is well worth exploring. Borderland State Park is located at 259 Massapoag Avenue in North Easton.
7. Quincy Quarries Reservation (Quincy)
Quincy Quarries Reservation, Ricciuti Dr, Quincy, MA 02169, USA
Flickr/Logan Ingalls
Even if you haven’t been to these quarries, Quincy granite is something you’re probably familiar with because it was used to create the Bunker Hill Monument. Whether you’re a rock climber or an admirer of street art in a unique setting, you should visit this park. Quincy Quarries Reservation is convenient to the city at 77 Ricciuti Drive in Quincy.
8. Demarest Lloyd State Park (Dartmouth)
Demarest Lloyd State Park, 115 Barneys Joy Rd, Dartmouth, MA 02748, USA
Tripadvisor/Kandace D
Looking for a family-friendly beach that’s off the beaten path? Then head directly to this one on Buzzard’s Bay. Splash around in the warm, shallow water, stroll across the beach while taking in the views, savor a picnic, or indulge in a little birding. The park is definitely one of the most beautiful state parks to visit in Massachusetts. Demarest Lloyd State Park is located at 115 Barneys Joy Road in Dartmouth.
9. Nashua River Rail Trail (Ayer)
Nashua River Rail Trail, Ayer, MA, USA
Flickr/Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism
About 12 miles in length, this paved path echoes the route of the Nashua River. It was once part of the Boston and Maine Railroad and has now been converted into a mixed-use trail for cyclists, walkers, and rollerbladers. It starts at Route 2A in Ayer and extends just over the New Hampshire border.
10. Rumney Marsh Reservation (Saugus)
Rumney Marsh Reservation, Saugus, MA 01906, USA
Wikimedia Commons/Magicpiano
Recreational activities at this 600-acre salt marsh include fishing, boating, hiking, and birding. You’ll find Rumney Marsh Reservation off Route 107 in Saugus.
11. Whitehall State Park (Hopkinton)
Whitehall State Park, 300 Wood St, Hopkinton, MA 01748, USA
Tripadvisor/robert-not-home
This park centers around the Whitehall Reservoir, making it appealing for kayaking, boating, and fishing enthusiasts. Other permitted activities include hiking and horseback riding and - in winter - ice fishing and cross-country skiing. Head to 300 Wood Street in Hopkinton to explore this park.

It’s easy to combine a visit to Whitehall with a trip to nearby Hopkinton State Park.

What’s your favorite state park near Boston? Show us your pics, and let us know about your experiences in the comments below!

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More to Explore

State Parks to visit near Boston

Lysa Allman-Baldwin | June 29, 2022

Is there an itinerary for a road trip to the least-visited state parks In Massachusetts?

You’re in luck because we have a great one for you! Seven of the best state parks are on this itinerary and there is so much to see and do at each that you might want to make an entire week’s vacation out of it. At one end, there’s Ames Nowell State Park in Abington, and at the other, Moore State Par in Paxton. In between, you’ll meander through some of the most beautiful landscapes in Massachusetts to get to each one, including Great Brook Farm State Park with over 20 miles of trails winding through the 1,000-acre expanse, and Maudslay State Park, home to one of the state’s largest naturally occurring stands of mountain laurel. We trust that this is enough to pique your interest! 

Where can I find hiking trails with waterfalls near Boston?

Yes! There are numerous hiking trails with waterfalls near Boston. One that is right in the heart of a city is The Falls at Waltham Dam (they are also sometimes collectively referred to as the Moody Street Dam). You can either drive there (about 12 miles from downtown Boston) or better yet, leave the car at home and take the train, exiting at the Waltham Commuter Rail Station. If you want to make a bigger day trip out of a visit, there’s also another great waterfall hiking trail in the town of Ashby. This waterfall is in a truly beautiful setting — inside the spectacular Willard Brook State Forest — and the hike is not too strenuous, making it great for people of just about any physical ability level.

Where can I go ziplining near Boston?

Boy, are you in for a treat! The best place to zipline is at the Berkshire East Mountain Resort. There are three different zipline canopy tour courses here for beginners, intermediate, and thrill-seekers (the crazy ones!). No matter which you choose, you’re outfitted with all of the necessary safety gear, guided by experts all along the zips, and sure to have a great time. The scenery around you is simply stunning and you’ll get to enjoy it from a bird’s eye view.

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