Address
156 West Union St, Ashland, MA 01721
- This page, Ashland State Park, is offered by
- Department of Conservation & Recreation
- Universal Access Program
Ashland State Park
Details
Overview
Ashland State Park is one of DCR’s hidden gems, spanning 470 acres of forest. The popular 3.5-mile hiking trail around the reservoir is visited year-round. Ashland operates seasonally between Memorial Day and Labor Day and offers hiking, swimming, fishing, mountain biking, and boating. Ashland has limited picnic areas outfitted with charcoal grills and tables. In the peak of summer, Ashland State Park often fills its parking lots to capacity; plan ahead and arrive early to find a space.
Hours
10am - 6pm
Parking
Daily parking fees are charged May 24 through September 1, 8:00 am – 5:30 pm.
The parking meter is located at the Contact Station at the entrance to the park. Sorry, no cash is accepted at this facility.
Fee for MA resident: $8
Fee for non-MA resident: $30
Resident and non-resident status is determined by the vehicle’s license plate.
Parking passes must be displayed on each vehicle’s dashboard.
Parking fees are waived for the following vehicles, displaying: handicapped license plate or placard, Purple Heart license plate, Disabled Veteran license plate.
Mobile payments are accepted via the YODEL app.
DCR Annual Parking Passes are available to MA residents with vehicles registered in MA for $60. Pass must be displayed and is non-transferrable between multiple vehicles.
Lifetime DCR Senior Passes are available to MA residents aged 62+ for $10 (not sold on site). Pass must be displayed.
Get a parking pass for Massachusetts state parks
Activities
-
Hiking & walking
Enjoy the reservoir hiking trail, that loops around the entire lake. -
Ashland Reservoir
The reservoir provides opportunities for swimming, boating, and fishing.
All Activities
- Hiking
- Biking
- Mountain biking
- Boating (motorized)
- Boating (non-motorized)
- Canoeing and kayaking
- Fishing
- Cross-country skiing
- Swimming
Facilities
- Boat ramp
- Picnic areas
- Restrooms
- Grilling
Accessibility
- Accessible trail
- Beach wheelchair available
- Picnicking
- Restrooms
Restrictions
- No grilling or fires outside designated picnic areas
- No swimming outside designated swimming areas
- No flotation devices; USCG-approved life jackets always allowed
- Dogs must be on leash at all times, everywhere in the park
- Dogs are not allowed on beaches May 1 – September 15
- Off-road vehicles of any kind are prohibited within park property
- Drones are not allowed on park property without a permit
More info
On busy days, the park will temporarily close if parking reaches capacity. The park will reopen once enough parking becomes available.
