South of Boston/Plymouth boasts state and local parks with fun activities all year

Massachusetts > South of Boston > Outdoor Activities > State and Local Parks

See Plymouth

4 North Street Plymouth, MA, 02360 Phone: 508-747-0100 Toll-Free: 800-872-1620

Plymouth features plenty of parks for hiking, biking, swimming – and sightseeing

Both the town and county of Plymouth are rich in park land, starting with the most famous stretch: the Pilgrim Memorial State Park on the shore of Plymouth Harbor. The park is home to Plymouth Rock, the Mayflower II, and the Pilgrim Trail, which winds through the very pretty Brewster Gardens to a grist mill and Morton Park. There’s great hiking, and educational talks and tours are offered April through November. Farther out, the Myles Standish State Forest is ideal for camping, swimming, horseback riding, canoeing, kayaking, fishing and boating and has 13 miles of hiking trails deep into the pine and oak forest. Ellisville Harbor State Park features a salt marsh, open meadow and barrier beach, and in the fall and winter you can view harbor seals. Please call 1.800.USA.1620, or visit our website to learn more about these activities and others to prepare for your trip to Plymouth.

Ellisville Harbor State Park

1861 State Road - MA Route 3A Plymouth, MA, 02360 Phone: 508-866-2580

At Ellisville Harbor State Park, you'll encounter wildlife, the 18th-century Harlow family farmstead, salt marsh, meadows, and a red pine forest. This scenic site is a natural gem on the South Shore coastline. Picnic on the shore and watch the fishing boats go by, or go take a hike and discover the wide variety of natural wonders that await you in this serene spot. Watch for seals in fall and winter!

Horseneck Beach State Reservation

MA Route 88 South to John Reed Road Westport, MA, 02790 Phone: 508-636-8816

Horseneck Beach State Reservation is a popular spot for campers and sunbathers. Its main feature is an ocean beach for sailing, swimming, or just soaking up the sun. There is ample campground and amenities like showers, restrooms, and dumpsters. Birdwatchers flock to the beach and salt marsh to catch glimpses of unique New England bird species. Swimming is permitted only at designated beaches. Pets are not allowed at swimming areas.
Season: mid-May - mid-October

Myles Standish State Forest

194 Cranberry Road Carver, MA, 02330 Phone: 508-866-2526

This 14,651-acre forest in Plymouth and Carver offers visitors plenty of opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors. Coastal plain "kettle" ponds are carefully preserved ecological gems. There are two Wildlife Management areas, which allow hunting in season, so be aware and wear bright orange in these areas when necessary. There are five camping sites. The College Pond day-use area is a prime spot for a picnic, a dip in the cool waters, fishing, or paddling. There are also 13 miles of hiking trails which take you through the deep woods. - Trail Map (PDF)

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Freetown-Fall River State Forest

110 Slab Bridge Road Assonet, MA, 02702 Phone: 508-644-5522

On your journey through this large, wooded area, you'll come upon brooks and streams, the rocky silhouette of the legendary Chief Massasoit at Profile Rock, a cranberry bog, and a watershed area. The day use area is near the entrance to the forest and contains a wading pool, picnic sites, open fields, and restrooms. Be aware of hunters, dog sleds, horses, mountain bikers, and snowmobiles in season. - Trail Map (PDF)

Wompatuck State Park

204 Union Street Hingham, MA, 02043 Phone: 617-895-8245

Popular for for camping, fishing, hiking. Some campsites have electricity.

A half-hour drive from Boston, this park has wooded campsites, half of them with electricity. The park is popular with trailer campers; electric hookups, a dumping station, and potable water are all available. Camping and rest rooms are wheelchair accessible. Cyclists will find 12 miles of paved bicycle trails, and many miles of wooded bridle paths and hiking trails. Fishing is allowed in the Cohasset Reservoir. A boat ramp is provided for car-top boats, but no boat trailers. There are no swimming facilities at this park.Cross-country skiing is allowed. - Trail Map (PDF) - Recommended Spring '22 Hikes (PDF)
Season: Camping Season is mid-May through mid-October. Campsite fee is $17/night for Mass. residents and $54/night for out-of-state.

Scusset Beach State Reservation

20 Scusset Beach Road Sagamore Beach, MA, 02562 Phone: 508-888-0859

Scusset Beach State Reservation is on Cape Cod Bay at the east end of the Cape Cod Canal. Best for swimming and camping, particularly trailer camping. The camping area has 98 sites, and it is used heavily by trailer campers. Visitors to this reservation love to watch the variety of boats and ships passing through the canal. For salt water fishermen, there is fish pier, a breakwater, and two miles of frontage along the canal. A picnic area and bicycling along the canal are also available. - Campsite Reservations

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