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Massachusetts, the heart of New England in the northeastern U.S., might be more associated with history and colonial times than nature, but that doesn’t mean the Bay State doesn’t have beautiful parks. State parks provide free or low-cost natural beauty primed for recreation and public enjoyment, from swimming and boating to hiking. Here’s our guide to the eight best state parks in Massachusetts.

Mount Greylock State Reservation

Near North Adams, Massachusetts, Mount Greylock is the highest peak in the Bay State. Featuring hiking trails for the brave and a scenic drive to the summit for the comfortable, this state park also features the summit’s iconic Veterans War Memorial Tower, as well as campsites and ample opportunity to encounter wildlife, especially birds. Once you’re done hiking the scenic trails, visit North Adams and Mass MoCA to take in one of the best contemporary art collections in the U.S., or cool off with a beer at Bright Ideas Brewing or the Berkshire Cider Project, both just a few minutes drive away.

Walden Pond State Reservation

Do your best Thoreau impression at Walden Pond State Reservation in Concord, just outside of the Boston metropolitan area. Walden Pond is, in fact, a pond sporting crystal clear, swimmable waters as well as a replica of Thoreau’s cabin. Patrons can swim, fish, and bask in the sun on the pond’s shores, hike some wooded trails in the area, or enjoy a picnic. Is the appetite for history not started yet? Check out Louisa May Alcott’s house nearby as well as Minute Man National Historical Park to learn about key events in the United States’ long history.

Nickerson State Park

On the hook of Cape Cod in Brewster, Nickerson State Park offers the best of water sports, with many kettle ponds and wooded trails for guests to explore. This 1900-acre preserve has ample campsites, bike paths, and several ponds ideal for fishing, paddling, and even a swim! Nearby are the beaches of Cape Cod, specifically Crosby Landing Beach and Breakwater Beach on the bay side of the Cape. Many enjoy camping at the park and exploring Cape Cod’s many beaches.

Mohawk Trail State Forest

Mohawk Trail State Forest, in Charlemont, northwestern Massachusetts, is a scenic forest with a rich indigenous history. With 6,000 acres of scenic trails, forests, and mountain ridges, it sports 53 campsites and a few cabins for rental, as well as a river for fishing and many trails of various difficulty for hikers of all skill levels. Many of the trails are actually ancient footpaths used by the Mohican and Mohawk peoples on whose land the park lies. These trails went so far as to connect the peoples of the Connecticut and Hudson rivers and discuss matters of diplomacy and trade.

Halibut Point State Park

On the rocky north coast in Rockport, Mass is Halibut Point, State Park. An old granite quarry site, this park sits on the Atlantic coast and sports dramatic ocean vistas as well as tide pools ripe for exploring. Look at coastal life in the pools and keep an eye out for many bird species, as Halibut Point is a mecca for birdwatching. Nearby is the Windhover Performing Arts Center, and the hungry can enjoy some fresh-caught seafood at the Lobster Pot nearby.

Blue Hills Reservation

Just outside the Boston area in Milton, Blue Hills Reservation is a massive greenspace that gives urbanites an easy escape from cards and buildings. It features a variety of landscapes including the Skyline Trail, a hiking trail with scenic views, Houghton’s Pond, which offers a beach and swimming opportunity, as well as Great Blue Hill, which features a stone tower at its summit. A year-round park, summertime guests can enjoy swimming and hiking, while winter enthusiasts will enjoy skiing and more.

Myles Standish State Forest

Have you ever wanted to see a cranberry bog? You can do just that at Myles Standish State Forest, which also features ponds for swimming and paddling, campsites, and even 35 miles of equestrian trails. Located in Southeastern Massachusetts, near Carver and Plymouth, Myles Standish is a large park nestled primarily in a forest. Daytime swimmers should head to College Pond, which has a beach; hikers can look forward to 13 miles of trails of various difficulties! And about those cranberry bogs: Rocky Pond Cranberry Bogs is a commercial cranberry farm within the borders of Myles Standish, and sure to be a sweet (and tart) time.

Bash Bish Falls State Park

Not to be confused with the more famous, northern Mount Washington, Bash Bish Falls State Park in Mount Washington, Massachusetts, is home to the highest single-drop waterfall in the state. Its rocky gorges, scenic trails, and stunning views of the New York-Massachusetts border make this a must for anyone who loves hiking. The falls themselves plunge about 60 feet into a stunning, emerald-colored pool (no swimming allowed, though!). The park is also connected to New York’s Taconic State Park, which features more hiking trails as well as historic ironworks.

Discover the Natural Wonders of Massachusetts

As you can see, Massachusetts is home to many examples of stunning natural beauty, from the rugged seascapes of Halibut Point to the spectacular high peak of Mount Greylock. As the cost of living continues to rise, camping in these beautiful parks can provide rest, relaxation, and countless happy memories of natural beauty at little to no cost. Just be sure to wear proper footwear and obey all trail rules. Happy hiking!