DCR Tip-Trip Itinerary Descriptions
Central Massachusetts
Be a History Detective at Quabbin Reservoir!
Follow clues hidden in the landscape that reveal what life was like in the four towns that were removed to build the water supply source for 3 million people in Massachusetts! Explore three unique areas in the Quabbin Reservation: Quabbin Park, Quabbin Park Cemetery, and Dana Common (Gate 40)!
See history come to life as you walk the trails at these three parks. Explore Blackstone River and Canal Heritage State Park, Upton State Forest, and Moore State Park, in Central Massachusetts. Discover evidence of early mill villages, America’s industrial revolution and find out who built our nation’s early forests and recreation areas.
This DCR Trip-Tip self guided adventure features easy walks located within 15 minutes driving time of one another in the Wachusett Watershed area for great views of water features.
Southeastern Massachusetts
Discover diverse woodlands and their wildlife! Enjoy a Pond Walk Tree Hunt at Borderland State Park, a Pond Loop Walk, Wildlife Spotting at Bristol Blake State Reservation and History and Hike to High Rock at F. Gilbert Hills State Forest.
See the shore this winter! This self-guided “Trip-Tip” features three DCR parks that are located close to one another in the Plymouth area: Scusset Beach State Reservation, Ellisville Harbor State Park, and Pilgrim Memorial State Park. Activities include a Ship Watching Picnic at the canal at Sagamore Hill, a Beach Scavenger Hunt & Seal Watching and a Monuments and Memorial Tour at Pilgrim Memorial State Park.
Winter Woods and Water Exploration
Investigate the Winter Woods and Waters of Blue Hills Reservation this winter! Activities include a walk along the edge of Marigold Marsh to look for signs of animal activity at Houghton’s Pond Recreation Area, a peaceful parade around Ponkapoag Pond and a St. Moritz Winter Wonderland Walk.
Visit the coastal waterways of Cape Cod this season. This adventure features a Winter Estate Tour at Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve in Falmouth Quashnet River Trail Adventure at Quashnet River in Falmouth Beach Exploration at South Cape Beach State Park in Mashpee. Three destinations just 15 minutes apart!
Western Massachusetts
Wander through winter with this series of park adventures in the Connecticut River Valley. From mountain vistas to valley snow and rushing rivers, your travels include Wendell State Forest, The Canalside Rail Trail featuring the Great Falls Discovery Center, and Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) State Reservation.
Exploring in and around Mount Greylock State Reservation
Northeastern, Massachusetts
Explore the woods and find the homes of nature’s engineers! Journey to Bradley Palmer State Park in Topsfield and Harold Parker State Forest in North Andover, two forested parks that are about ½ hour apart.
Investigate history and nature on the shore this winter! Enjoy a scenic ocean drive to Halibut Point State Park, Revere Beach Reservation, and Belle Isle Marsh Reservation. Bring your binoculars, spotting scope, camera and sketch pad!
Share Your Adventure
Visitors are also encouraged to tweet, post, and tag photos on social media using @MassDCR and #DCRTripTip.
Tell us about your experience!
Fun in Nature Activity Series
Nature is all around us! Bring along this scavenger hunt and seek and find all of nature’s hidden treasures!
Being out in nature awakens all our senses! Bring along the Senses Scavenger Hunt to add a fun twist to your park visit or neighborhood walk! You’ll be on the look out for a variety of objects that you can see, touch, smell, listen and taste (with your eyes)!
What can you see at the seashore? Bring your observation skills and sense of adventure. Make discoveries.
Explore the Outdoors Scavenger Hunt
Bring your observation skills and sense of adventure. What can you find?
Get your family thinking about a range of fun park and nature topics with these engaging and entertaining conversation questions. Cut out each card and pack them for your park trip. Share them on your travels or along the trail. Encourage creativity, curiosity, and conversation!
Color each image and cut out the squares. Make a cube and take turns rolling them to inspire your story. Fun for kids of all ages!