Central Mass. Parks to Visit This Spring

Monday, May 14, 2012

Ashley Klann, GoLocalWorcester Contributor

If you're looking for a great park to enjoy the nice weather, do some fishing, or finally start riding that bike you got for Christmas, GoLocalWorcester will give you five places you've got to visit!

Wachusett Reservoir

If you feel like taking a drive and getting out of the hustle and bustle, Wachusett Reservoir, the state’s second-largest body of water, is located conveniently close.

The area is almost 7 square miles and with its 65 billion gallon capacity is used as one of Boston’s sources of water. Because of this, not all areas are open to the public, but there are tons of trails and scenic spots to check out to make your visit worthwhile.

To assure pure water, there are a number of regulations prohibiting boats, ice fishing, wading, swimming, overnight camping, animals, and bikes. So, this isn’t the place to walk your dog or do some off-road training. However, a network of fire roads provides easy access for hikers and cross-country skiers to the reservoirs beautiful scenes.

The reservoir contains various native and introduced species of fish. Because of the area’s seclusion, prohibited activities, and fresh water, state records have been set at Wachusett Reservoir for brown trout, land-locked salmon, smallmouth bass, and white perch. Having eaten fish caught in the waters there, I can attest to it making a wonderful fishing spot. Once you catch your meal, just cook it up right in the parking lot.

The area is also location to the Old Stone Church, built in 1891. It now stands as an abandoned reminder of the flooded town that once stood.

Broad Meadow Brook

A self-proclaimed “sanctuary in the city,” Broad Meadow Brook is the largest urban wildlife sanctuary in New England and is comprised of plots of land owned by the city, New England Power Company, and the Massachusetts Audubon Society. It was established in 1990, when funds were raised for the Audubon Society to purchase additional property to link them together.

The 172-acre area includes many diverse types of terrain and wildlife. You’ll find a frog pond teeming with life, grassy meadows, dense forests, wetlands, and creeks. In spring, migrating birds are also common.

Broad Meadow Brook’s four miles of hiking trails take you through these areas that are filled with great sites and fresh air. If you’re hiking in the right season, you’ll also come across raspberry and blueberry bushes.

Broad Meadow Brook is a beautiful sanctuary year-round, and changes dramatically with the seasons. If you need a break from the week-to-week life, give this diverse, expansive area a visit. The center is open from Tuesday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m, Sunday, 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. Trails are open every day, dawn to dusk.

Rail Trail

The Rail Trail in Holden.

Throughout central Massachusetts you’ll find a series of paved walkways through woods and over streams that will make outdoor excursions enjoyable even for those hesitant to get in touch with their natural side. Grab your gym shoes and strap your bike to the car. The Rail Trail is prefect for walking or biking.

As the website MassCentralRailTrail.org explains, “Once a 104-mile railroad line from Northampton to Boston, now the corridor is being restored as a rail trail – a path for bicyclists, walkers, runners, baby strollers and young cyclists with training wheels, wheel chair users, cross country skiers, equestrians and nature enthusiasts.”

While a stretch of the area is paved, you’ll find no shortage of hiking trails off the beaten path if you’re feeling adventurous. There are also great mountain-biking areas around Maple Spring Pond, up the area’s steep inclines.

The Central Mass. Rail Trail is a great example of repurposing land for the community and is a scenic escape no matter the time of year. Take advantage of this system of roads this winter to experience the beauty of the snow… before you get sick of it and all the major inconveniences that come with it. And enjoy it now for an easy-going outdoor escape.

Rutland State Park

For a nice getaway to exercise and refresh, look no further than Rutland State Park. Here, you’ll be able to go for a quick hike and then a refreshing dip in the water. Rutland State Park offers the best of two words with miles of scenic trails and a nice place to swim.

The swimming area at Whitehall Pond is fresh water and roped off to keep children safe. Don’t freak out if fish nibble at your toes! The beach area and surrounding landscape of the 300 acre area make for a lovely spot for a picnic. Visitors can also canoe or fish on the placid water.

Quabbin Park

The Rail Trail in the fall.

Quabbin Park, located off Route 9 in Belchertown, is a scenic, quiet area perfect for biking and hiking. The paved main path circles through the wooded surrounding landscape, towards the Winsor Dam and Goodnough Dike that sit beside the calm waters. Picturesque cement walls and grassy plains adorn the park, and the view from the top of the dam is perfect for summer sunsets.

Quabbin Park is open every day of the year, from dawn until dusk.