Interpretive Programs
Most interpretive programs are seasonal and several parks have educational and community programs throughout the year. Inclement weather may cancel. Call the park for a list of coming events and programs, or visit DCR Park Interpretive Programs and Events.
StoryWalk® / Fun in Nature
StoryWalk® Adventures
DCR Parks open books for you to read. Enjoy a nature-themed picture book while you hike! Or Walk along the trail and read the story, step-by-step and page-by-page! StoryWalk® Survey
Fun in Nature
Investigate! Fun in Nature downloadable activities to enhance your experience at any DCR park! Activities include seek and find scavenger hunts to awaken all of your senses, a conversation starter set to encourage talks along the trail and creating your own story cube to inspire story- telling!
Additional Resources
DCR Trip Tip Self-Guided Family Adventures
Winter is a wonderful time to experience your state park system! DCR is offering a variety of family-friendly self -guided opportunities to help you make the most of your vacation and throughout the winter.
Check out DCR Trip-Tip self-guided family adventures featuring over 20 DCR locations!
Also, see below for Fun in Nature downloadable activities to enhance your experience at any DCR park! Fun and engaging activities include seek and find scavenger hunts to awaken all of your senses, a conversation starter set to encourage talks along the trail and creating your own story cube to inspire story- telling!
The DCR Trip-Tip provides families with information and fun ideas to explore the great outdoors at DCR Massachusetts State Parks and Watersheds. With a little preparation and a sense of adventure, people of all ages can safely enjoy our beautiful outdoor spaces during the coldest months. Whether at one park, two parks or a multi-day adventure, Trip-Tip family adventures offer a variety of opportunities and activities to explore wildlife, woodlands, mountainsides, and the shore! See below and choose one near you!
Self-guided Opportunities - Boston Area
Self-Guided Opportunities - Central MA
Blackstone River and Canal Heritage State Park
- Towpath Walking Tour - A self-guided walk along the historic Blackstone Canal
- Blackstone Walking Tour - The crossroads of the Blackstone Valley
- Millville Walking Tour - Discover what makes history in Millville!
- Suggested Hikes & Walks
- Habitat Hike - Welcome to the Laurel Loop Trail! As you explore the trail, this guide invites you to take a closer look at habitats along the way.
- Suggested Hikes & Rides
J. Harry Rich
- Water Power Walk- A self-guided tour through the park
Mount Watatic State Reservation
- Quabbin Park Visitor Center Loop Trail Brochure
- Quabbin Park Middle Gate to Observation Tower Trail Brochure
- Suggested Hikes & Rides
Self-Guided Opportunities - Northeast MA
- Ashland Reservoir Loop Trail - The trail makes a loop around the reservoir, crossing the dam on fairly flat wooded paths.
- Stories in Stone - There are five stops along this self-guided route. Each station has stone artifacts which correspond to an episode in the history of Breakheart Reservation. The map and written directions will help you find each location.
- Suggested Hikes & Rides
- Babson Farm Quarry Trail - Hike from the entrance to the self-guided Babson Farm Quarry loop trail.
- Halibut Point State Park Self-Guided Walking Tour
Middlesex Fells State Reservation
Salisbury Beach State Reservation
- Nature Trail Introductory Walk -Although less than a mile, the self-guided nature trail offers opportunities to explore the barrier beach and salt marsh environments. Trail extends from near the dump station and parallels “Z” St., ending near the boat ramp.
Self-Guided Opportunities - Southeast MA
Blue Hills Reservation Houghtons Pond Recreation Area
Freetown-Fall River State Forest
Self-Guided Opportunities - Western MA
- Benedict Pond Loop Trail: a delightful discovery of life around the pond and surrounding woodland.
- Suggested Hikes & Rides
Chester-Blandford State Forest
- Suggested Hikes & Rides
- H. Newman Marsh Trail - Two-mile hike, uphill climb and scenic views.
- Suggested Hikes & Rides
- Mausert's Pond Self-Guided Interpretive Trail - Easy three-mile loop around the pond and through northern hardwood forest.
Connecticut River Greenway State Park
Fountain Pond State Park
- Suggested Hikes & Rides
- On a Roll: The Story of Paper in Turners Falls - Under a mile tour of industrial sites in the downtown and along the canal.
Greylock Glen
Mount Greylock State Reservation
Mount Holyoke Range State Park
- Recommended Hikes and Rides
- Through the Eyes of Robert Frost Self-guided Hike -
Four mile hike to experience the poet's vision and appreciation of the natural world.
Mount Sugarloaf State Reservation
- Suggested Hikes & Rides
- Eyrie House Ruins Tour - Take in the valley view at the curious ruins of an 1800s mountain-top hotel.
- Chasm and Quarry Tour
A short, easy walk exploring this park's fascinating geologic and industrial story.
Sandisfield State Fores (York Lake)
- Suggested Hikes & Rides
- York Lake Loop Trail - Discover what was once a mostly cleared and prosperous farming landscape, now forest.
- Suggested Hikes & Rides
- Busby Trail to Spruce Hill - Travel through northern hardwood forest to a great panoramic view.
- Haskins Trail to Bog Pond - An easy trail through forest with views of a curious mountain pond.
- Suggested Hikes & Rides
- Gilmore Trail - Discover clues to former 1800s agricultural landscape now lake and forest.
Accessible Trails
There are many different types of accessible trails in Massachusetts state parks. Any rail trail offers you a paved, level experience for access to natural areas and exercise. Several parks also offer accessibly-designed hiking trails in scenic, natural settings. These accessible trails are either paved or made from stone dust and are usually under a mile long.
Visit the DCR Universal Access Program Accessible Trails for more information