The Commonwealth of Massachusetts boasts a lot of splendor and natural beauty within its State parks. Hopkinton State Park, in Hopkinton, Massachusetts, is one of the many picturesque parks to visit during your stay in The Bay State.
The Hopkinton State Park, and spectacular Hopkinton Reservoir, offers 1450 acres of scenic beauty, encompassed within both towns of Ashland and Hopkinton. Since the Park is managed by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation, you can rest assured that the grounds are protected and preserved, making it a wonderful place to observe and study the plants and animals in their natural habitats.
Recreational activities abound all throughout the year, with swimming, fishing, picnic and cookout areas, and canoeing, sailing, kayaking, and paddle boating in the summer. For the winter months, the Park is a fun place for snowmobiling and cross-country skiing. Mountain biking, horseback riding, and the expansive hiking trails can be enjoyed all year long.
Visitors also have access to a wonderful group use areas, located in the Split Rock picnic site. Split Rock can accommodate anywhere between 50 to 175 people, and includes a pavilion, a playing field, public restrooms, picnic tables, and a large grill. Reservations for these picnic areas are accepted from opening day each calendar year, until the sites are fully booked for each of the dates available.
There are also an abundance of marked trails spanning over 10 miles, as well as an open field space for playing Frisbee, volleyball, baseball, or horseshoes, or just hanging out with family and friends and enjoying the beauty that surrounds you. Two life-guarded swimming beaches, separate from the Hopkinton Reservoir, provide safety and comfort while enjoying a cool dip in crystal clear water. Stocked fishing areas allow even the most novice of fishermen to cast a line and try your hand at catching “the big one” for lunch or dinner.
For the dog-lovers, this park is a small slice of heaven. Dogs are permitted to visit the park, but must be kept on leashes during the day, and while on the main trails. If so inclined, your pooch pal can also take a dive off of the boat dock into the water!
The Park also has the Pirate Adventure Camps for kids, available during the summer months. Children ages 8 to 15 can take half-day or full-day courses in boating and kayaking.
The Hopkinton National Park is a wonderful, family-friendly place, chock full of fun, exciting things to do and see. Your outdoor adventure awaits!
Hopkinton National Park
268 Cedar Street, Route 85
(For those who wish to write, the mailing address is: 75 Cedar Street)
Hopkinton, Massachusetts 01748-1279
508-435-4303
The Hopkinton National Park official website: http://www.mass.info/hopkinton.ma/parks/hopkinton_state_park.htm
Directions:
From Route I-495 (North or South), drive to exit 21A, or Main Street in Hopkinton. Drive down Main Street until you come to the third traffic light, which is located in the center of downtown Hopkinton. Take your first left, and continue to travel North on Route 85 for approximately two miles, until you reach the Hopkinton State Park entrance. The entrance to the Park itself is on the right; the Field Office is on the left.