What an enjoyable time we had strolling around the park on a gorgeous autumn day…read more We found our way to the hiking trail which was predominantly flat and low impact, just beware of the occasional tree root. We walked over a wooden bridge and followed the gray trail through the woods next to the Westfield River. The park wasn't too crowded, and we marveled at just how beautiful and peaceful and quiet the woods were. We also saw a gorgeous meadow with half a dozen pedestal grills, just perfect for picnics and family gatherings. We also saw a small strip of sand that was actually a beach!! Somewhere along the hike, we got our lower legs and sneakers covered in prickly stickers, so be careful where you walk. Those suckers were hard to dislodge!!

Not a fan. I went around 2 pm and spent 3 hours here. The dirt paths are short. I did a few loops…read more The road and pathway was closed just past the pond. Also didn't help I didn't have cell service in the park. So trying to find a decent trail to walk was impossible. Maybe better if the road was open past the pond. ‍ I won't be back here. I'd rather go back to the Ashley reservoir.

This was our first time up in the area. We spent the day at the "beach " area here. The views were…read moreabsolutely spectacular. In addition, the water was super clean and clear. As other reviewers wrote, the area is very no frills. My 2 complaints were 1) the bath House was not open so we used the port-a-johns. They looked like they had not been cleaned out in months. All 4 were vile. 2) there were no signs about rules of the lake. Our children were using tubes and a plastic kayak. After 3 hours of using them by the beach, we were then reprimanded for using these items in the swimming/ ropes off area. Just wish that there was a sign that informed us as to what was and not allowed. Overall, had a wonderful day.

Campground is nice, especially for tents. Not much for RVs although there are a few sites that…read moreaccommodate... only one or two for waterfront and always booked. People that work here are super friendly. Kayaking in the reservoir was awesome!!! Beautiful coves and back bays. We even saw 2 eagles and a beaver swam right in front of us!! Down side... dump station and fresh water refill were closed. We had to travel 25 minutes and pay $10 to dump! Also Warning!!!!!.....TAKE EVERYTHING WITH YOU OR LOCK IT ALL UP IF YOU LEAVE FOR THE DAY. We spent a day sightseeing and came back to all of our wood, our tablecloth, tablecloth clips..all gone. We almost left our camp chairs and table behind but luckily decided to pack them and take with us for the day. So this is a family friendly campground and during the week we had no problem but obviously some low-life thieves came for Saturday night. Put a damper on our last day of vacation. Usually people who camp are cool but you always get a couple of jerks. Just beware. So updating my review. We found the thieves. They're so stupid they had our stuff out in the open. Anyway confronted them (they said they thought we had left... Really? So you take our stuff before 7 PM and then you don't say anything when we return ....and you're right across the street ??wow!!) . Hopefully they won't steal next time! they're back at this campground

Who in their right mind pays a fee to use public land. Parking is one thing, but to seriously…read morecharge people to use a boat launch is beyond disappointing and I will not spend any money to do so. Your swimming/beach area isn't even open (and hasn't been in several years), so what are you doing with this money? You offer absolutely nothing and a boat launch should be free. Honestly pathetic.

This review is for the fishing aspect of Lake McDonough. The water in this lake is extremely clear…read moreand there are steep drop-offs, so naturally, the fishing can be very difficult. Also, the place seems to have a lot of bass in the 1# to 1.5# range. They can be fun to catch, but it would be nice to get some larger ones once in a while. Never caught a trout here, or seen one follow my lure, for that matter. On the positive side, the launch is great, your boat will come off easy. $6 to launch and another $6 to park. Lake is never crowded with boat traffic, no water skiers or jet skiers, which is also good. Very scenic too, just wish the fishing was better, because I only live 4 miles from here. FYI, alcohol is not allowed, they will search your cooler. Gate opens at 8am on weekends, 10am on weekdays (which I find a tad late being a fisherman, but it is what it is).

Excellent coaching staff for aspiring crew kids! Great combination of athlete conditioning,…read moreequipment maintenance, strategy and time on the river! Solid team environment - participation standards for all athletes to be responsible & accountable! PVRC also offers a variety of adult river activity options too!

I just returned from the Drum Boat races on Riverfront. Upon going to the race we were surprised…read moreat how few "spectators" there were, When we got the finish line we knew why. The only good spot to see the finish was on this little platform. If the overgrown trees and shrubs were taken care of a lot more folks could have seen what was happing. The City of Springfirld wants more activities on the riverfront but, it ain't going to happen in the present state of affairs

It was very peaceful place to walk as well as very friendly people the little mini beach with the…read moresand is very cool

The playground fits into the park perfectly...a tree house and more…read more... Provided by Premier Park & Play from Newton, MA

"Down by the ocean it was so dismal" (Redondo Beach - Patti…read moreSmith) There's nothing dismal about the Dismal Brook Wildlife Preserve. It's 210 acres of land with two trails winding through it for 3.5 miles. We hiked some of the well-marked Green Trail today and wandered through a wide flat and very easy to navigate trail covered with leaves. We did cross into wetlands twice, but each time the trail prevented us from getting our feet wet with a footbridge and stones to elevate us over the water line. We caught a few glimpses of Creamer Pond but didn't get too close to it. I wonder if the Yellow Trail would have done that? The property also has an old building known as Glazier Cabin and an old colonial burial ground that goes back to 1795. We didn't see any of those because we got there late and it was rainy and getting pretty chilly, so we made a U Turn and decided to return soon and try the Yellow Trail. The trailhead is located at 253 Loomis Street. You'll see a small parking lot there, but we also saw half a dozen cars parked along Loomis Street.

It is a magical place with amenities that make it even more so. The historic Glazier Cabin…read moreoverlooks Creamer Pond, raised viewing platforms overlook vibrant marshes often full of interesting species of birds, and newly installed bridges and well manicured paths allow visitors to roam about without worrying about getting lost. From the cabin, visitors to the preserve can sit in comfortable rocking chairs and look out through the trees to the pond. Parents with children can entertain them with a library of books that can be read aloud in that peaceful place. At dawn and dusk there are beavers working in the pond, too. Before you come, I recommend that you download the free Avenza app on your iPhone and then download the digital app of the preserve. When you're on the property, even though there is not good Wi-Fi coverage, you can see exactly where you are at all times. A little blue dot that changes its location as you walk from place to place exactly locates you. For more information on that, check out the Granby Land Trust's webpage at www.granbylandtrust.org.

Skinner State Park really surprised me. The drive up was beautiful and the view at the top over the…read morePioneer Valley made me stop and just take it in. I also liked reading about the old Mt. Holyoke Summit House and the incline railway that used to bring people up the mountain. I'm a sucker for places with a bit of history mixed in with the views And of course I loved seeing it with our friends we met on a cruise 24 years ago!

Iconic set of rolling wooded hills over looking the Connecticut River and surrounding lowlands…read more Skinner State Park is approximately 3,000 acres once privately owned now overseen by the Mass DCR. There are an intertwining network of trails from the base, along the ridge, and through the wooded parkland. Bring a GPS and trail maps are available at the gates and in the Summit House. This was my first time hiking here. A life long buddy & hiking pal encouraged me to join him. He was excited to try out his new hip on some varying terrain. He drove in from Vermont, me from CT. Both of us aging (gracefully) we each used an adjustable pair hiking sticks, which did come in handy both ascending and descending the hills. We found the trails were all very well maintained and well traveled. There's a system of trail markers and blazes to follow. Keep in mind bikes and horse are allowed, so hikers, keep your eye open and give way to wheels & hooves. The Summit House does have access too by vehicle, but (!) parking is very limited up top and DRC Rangers control traffic flow. We parked very close to Hockanum Road (Rte 47) and hiked up. Views at the Summit House stunning 360 degrees. If the House is open (seasonally) take time to tour the former residence and Lodge. View from the House decks are even better. My foot recently repaired foot & my buddies new hip passed the test!

I love love love this particular hike. I would characterize the trails as intermediate with rocky…read moreareas that require you to pay close attention to what you are doing. The trails are clearly marked but I recommend you take a photo of the smaller trail maps posted throughout the mountain for reference. Because the area is so large with many loop- arounds, having a map photo will prove very helpful. There area several areas near the top with beautiful scenic overlooks you just won't want to miss. This is a dandy hike!

This is a beautiful mountain not far from the Connecticut border. We've been here a few times since…read morediscovering it and really enjoy it. It's a gradual incline at first but still gives you a good workout and is steeper then it looks! Down the road there is another little preserve area with a lake that is perfect for an easy run without too much hill. Very beautiful area and perfect for a late summer and/or fall hike!