Whitehall State Park

Whitehall State Park is an 837-acre nature preserve centered on a 592-acre reservoir, with numerous trails that wind through forests and along shorelines. The site includes a boat launch facility and is available for water recreation with enforced speed limits for boats.

The park was established in 1947 after the reservoir stopped functioning as a water source for the Boston metropolitan area. This shift from a supply utility to a public recreation space marked a turning point for the land.

Local people come to fish on the ice during winter months, keeping alive a traditional outdoor activity that has been part of the community for many years. This practice shows how the park fits into the seasonal patterns of the region.

The park offers a boat ramp for water access, with motorboat speeds capped at 12 miles per hour (19 kilometers per hour). Dogs must be leashed in non-water areas, and visitors should prepare for changing weather conditions throughout the seasons.

A continuous loop trail of approximately 6 miles circles the entire reservoir, guiding hikers through different forest types and ecological zones as the terrain shifts. This circuit walk reveals the diverse ecosystems that have developed around the water body.

Location: Massachusetts

Inception: 1947

Website: https://mass.gov/locations/whitehall-state-park

GPS coordinates: 42.22917,-71.58278

Latest update: December 12, 2025 09:06