Spend Three Days In Three State Parks On This Weekend Road Trip In Massachusetts
By Melissa Mahoney|Published April 22, 2022
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Melissa Mahoney
Author
I'm an east coast girl living in a west coast world. I grew up in New England before moving to SoCal for several years. I then lived in NYC or a year before moving to AZ in 2009. I worked in the entertainment industry for many years of my adult life and have a deep love for photography, writing, and traveling around the U.S. as well as to far-flung locations around the world. Travel is my life and writing about it is a dream!
There’s no state quite like the Bay State and all the enchanting scenery it has to offer. But have you ever explored the state parks here? The Massachusetts state parks system offers a variety of recreational opportunities within nearly 30 state parks. We thought it would be fun to put together a state parks road trip in Massachusetts where you can discover three parks that are completely different from each other. That way, you can get a taste of the diversity of landscapes offered here.
This three-day road trip clocks in at over 200 miles and nearly 4.5 hours of driving time. Are you ready to hit the road?
Over the course of three days, take this road trip that starts at Halibut Point State Park on Day 1. You'll then travel to Skinner State Park on Day 2 before ending the trip at Bash Bish Falls State Park on Day 3. Use our interactive Google Map as your guide.
Our first park is Halibut State Park in Rockport on Cape Ann. When you first arrive, stop by the Visitor Center where you can learn about the natural and cultural history of the park. You will also find a World War II-era fire-control tower that you can climb for panoramic views of the surrounding area. On a clear day, you can see New Hampshire's Isle of Shoals as well as Maine's Mount Agamenticus.
The once-active Babson Farm Quarry ceased operations in the early 1900s. This former granite quarry, now filled with water, is a picturesque part of Halibut Point State Park.
Spend the day exploring this 67-acre park's trails, tide pools, and rocky coastal ledges. You may even want to take a picnic and just enjoy the peace and beauty you'll find here.
Skinner State Park is 843 acres and offers numerous hiking trails, some of which lead to the summit of Mount Holyoke. You'll love exploring this park and taking in the views of both the mountains and Connecticut River Valley.
In the park, you will find a Visitor Center, picnic areas, and a scenic overlook. Plenty of recreational activities are available throughout the year as well.
While the summit of Mount Holyoke is reachable via a hiking trail, it is also drivable along the 3.3-mile Skinner Park Road at certain times of the year. The auto road opens up at the beginning of May from 9 a.m. until 8 p.m. daily. You will also have the opportunity to visit the Summit House, a historical landmark, which is open for the season in late May.
Found along the Massachusetts/New York state line in the Berkshires is Bash Bish Falls State Park. Here you will find plenty of trails through its 424 acres of forest. It's a popular state park for hiking and viewing the scenery.
The main reason people come to this state park is to view Massachusetts' tallest waterfall. Bash Bish Falls is an 80-foot, single-drop waterfall that cascades down into a pristine pool of water below. Take a picnic and spend as much time as possible at this stunning waterfall!
