Thank you for joining us for another week in our special series, A Walk In the Park, State Park Spotlight. In this series, we visit a different state each week to learn about its local state parks. This week we will be visiting the lovely state parks of Massachusetts. You may not be familiar with these parks even if you live here or maybe you’re looking for someplace new to journey to. We invite you to join us in learning about the state parks in each of the 50 states. Now, let’s visit the state parks of Massachusetts.
PURGATORY CHASM STATE PARK
Purgatory Rd.
Sutton, Massachusetts 01590
Phone: 508-234-3733
Purgatory Chasm is different from what you think of when you hear the words “state park”. You see, this park is all about rock climbing! It’s a natural landmark and it run between granite walls as tall as 70 feet. You will see lots of people having picnics and climbing the rocks when you visit this amazing park.
You can hike on trails that lead to different rock formations that have names like The Corn Crib, The Coffin, The Pulpit, Lovers’ Leap and Fat Man’s Misery. There are really cool caves and hidden chambers to explore during your visit as well.
If you aren’t feeling adventurous there’s still lots to do at Purgatory Chasm. There are grills and shaded picnic tables for your comfort, and an awesome playground for the kids. They will love the merry go round, climbing structure with slides, bridges and a fun log rolling simulator.
This is the perfect place for a fun day trip with the family. Everyone will find something that they love and have a great time doing!
CLARKSBURG STATE PARK
1199 Middle Road
Clarksburg, Massachusetts 01247
Phone: 413-664-8345
Reservations: 413-664-8345
If you haven’t visited Clarksburg State Park, you are truly missing out. It’s an amazing place, surrounded by the beauty of nature. There are gorgeous views of the Berkshire Hills and Green Mountains. The park features Mauserts Pond that is used for swimming and fishing and there is an area for picnics. The trail around the pond is home to plants and animals and there are also 50 campsites close to the lake.
Clarksburg State Park offers 368 acres of abundant hardwood forest and the campground features wooded campsites.
There are comfort stations on site for showering and using the bathroom but this is a place where you can really enjoy all of the beauty that comes with nature. If you are visiting Massachusetts in the fall months, make sure to spend a day at Clarksburg State Park because it’s one of the best places to see the fall foliage.
Trust me, you will not regret it and you will want to return year after year.
DEMAREST LLOYD MEMORIAL STATE PARK
Barney’s Joy Road
Dartmouth, Massachusetts 02714
Phone: 508-636-3298
For those in the know, Demarest Lloyd Memorial State Park is the best kept secret in Massachusetts. If you have a family with kids, this is an especially great place to spend some time. It’s the kind of place that families come to year after year and it becomes a family tradition. I promise after one day at this state park, you will always want to return. It’s a peaceful and fun break from the stress of everyday life and it’s a place that the whole family will quickly come to love.
There is an 1800 foot saltwater beach that sits against a backdrop of beach grass, rolling hills and shaded picnic sites. The scenery is beautiful and you will enjoy it as you play by the water and embrace the warm rays of the sun. The water is warm for most of the summer because the surf of Buzzards Bay is calm and shallow.
This is also a great place to go birdwatching with hawks, herons and other birds in the area. If you love fishing, this will also be your favorite place to be. Demarest Lloyd Memorial State Park is truly a wonderful place for a family getaway.
All photographs belong to http://www.mass.gov/. You can visit their website for more information on planning your visit and stay at a Massachusetts State Park.
Have you had the opportunity to visit any of the state parks of Massachusetts? Which of these state parks have you been to or would love to visit? Please share with me on social media and share this post.
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Additional Walk in the Park Posts are scheduled to be published this Fall!
