Recreational Sites - MA

There are many sites in Massachusetts where you can get out and enjoy the wonderful natural resources of the Blackstone River Valley. Here is a partial listing:

Daniels Farm
Daniels Farm is one of the finest remaining farms in the Blackstone Valley. This 112 acre farm dates back to the mid-1700s and remained active through the mid-20th Century. The farm is now a preserved greenspace. Restricted hours.

Mendon Street
Blackstone, RI 01504
www.danielsfarmstead.org

Blackstone Gorge
The Blackstone Gorge is one of the most spectacular segments of the river. As the river drops down through a series of small rapids, the cliffs on either side climb until they stand almost 100 feet above the water. A great spot for hiking, picnicking or just enjoying nature. Park is open from sunrise to sunset.

County Road
Blackstone, MA
[phone]
mass.gov/dcr/parks/central/blst.htm

Blackstone River and Canal Heritage State Park
Blackstone River and Canal Heritage State Park celebrates the role of the Blackstone Canal as a transportation link from Providence to Worcester. The park covers over 1000 acres along the Blackstone River and Canal, offering a number of recreational activities including hiking, biking, canoeing and fishing. A number of historical canal artifacts, including several miles of water canal and remnants of a lock are open for viewing. Park is open year round, sunrise to sunset.

287 Oak Street
Uxbridge, MA 01569
[phone]
mass.gov/dcr/parks/central/blst.htm

West Hill Dam and Park
West Hill Dam and Park is a 557-acre park operated by the Army Corps of Engineers. Park facilities include five miles of trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding and a swimming area at Harrington Pool, formed by the West River. Ranger programs are also offered. Open Memorial Day to Labor Day.

518 East Hartford Avenue
Uxbridge, MA 01569
[phone]
www.nae.usace.army.mil/recreati/whd/whdhome.htm

 

Park Service Ranger leads tour to Goat Hill Lock

Douglas State Forest
This popular 4,640-acre forest offers many recreational opportunities. Visitors can enjoy swimming, boating and fishing at Wallum Lake and hiking, horseback riding, cross-country skiing on miles of woodland trails. Douglas State Forest also includes a rare example of Atlantic White Cedar swampland that can be explored. Open Sunrise to Sunset.

Wallum Lake Road
Douglas, MA 01516
[phone]
mass.gov/dcr/parks/central/doug.htm

Purgatory Chasm
A unique natural landmark, Purgatory Chasm runs for a quarter of a mile between granite walls rising as high as 70 feet. Popular with picnickers and rock-climbers alike, the Chasm is believed to have its origin in the sudden release of dammed-up glacial meltwater near the end of the last Ice Age, approximately 14,000 years ago. Trails lead to a variety of rock formations, with such romantic names as The Corn Crib, The Coffin, The Pulpit, Lovers' Leap and Fat Man's Misery. Open from sunrise to sunset.

Purgatory Road
Sutton, MA 01590
[phone]
mass.gov/dcr/parks/central/purg.htm

Lookout Rock
Lookout Rock, part of the Blackstone River and Canal Heritage State Park, provides one of the most spectacular views in the Blackstone Valley. Standing atop the rock you have a view of the Blackstone River snaking its way through Northbridge and Uxbridge and through the Rice City Pond. Open from dawn to dusk.

Quaker Street
Northbridge, MA
mass.gov/dcr/parks/central/blst.htm

 

Visitor Center at Broad Meadow Brook Wildlife Sanctuary

Broad Meadow Brook Wildlife Sanctuary and Conservation Center
Broad Meadow Brook is the largest urban wildlife sanctuary in New England, including 272 acres for hiking and education programs. Along with a trail network, the sanctuary also offers a number of educational programs encouraging preservation and conservation of the natural world. Hours of operation - Conservation Center: Tuesday through Saturday, 9 - 4 Sunday, 12:30 - 4 Trails: Open every day, dawn to dusk. Fee charged.

414 Massasoit Road
Worcester, MA 01604
[phone]
www.massaudubon.org

The Parklands
The Draper family hired Warren Henry Manning, designer of Boston’s park system, to design a park around their millpond. Enjoy a stroll though this carefully planned woodland of over 1,000 acres – almost 1/3 of the entire town.

Dutcher Street
Hopedale, MA

Upton State Forest
This 2,600-acre forest offers multiple trail uses including hiking, bicycling, cross-country skiing and horseback riding. Hunting is permitted in season. Park is open from sunrise to sunset.

Westboro Road
Upton, MA 01568
[phone]
mass.gov/dcr/parks/northeast/uptn.htm