I really really love the lake it is so cool i go. Sking and I am very excited to get back there to…read morego swing sking and tubing their

I've been boating on this lake for 13 years, and yes--I can pronounce its full name, one of the…read morelongest place names in the world: Chargoggagoggmanchauggagaugchaubunagungamaugg. It's quite a mouthful! Purportedly the largest natural lake in Massachusetts, it's only about three miles long and one mile wide, which perhaps says more about Massachusetts lakes than it does this one. Still, it's a terrific local destination. The lake has a couple of marinas, three waterfront restaurants accessible by boat, a town beach with restrooms and a snack bar, and the popular Indian Ranch entertainment venue, which also includes an RV campground and the newer and quite good Samuel Slater's Restaurant. The lake offers something for almost everyone: fishing, swimming, boating, tubing, water skiing (there's even a water ski club), kayaking, and enough open water for all of those activities to coexist somewhat comfortably. Weekdays are wonderfully peaceful, making it easy to find a quiet cove or enjoy a leisurely cruise. Summer weekends, however, are another story. When the weather is hot, the lake becomes a very busy place. There are at least three eagle nests on the lake and one gas station. Unfortunately the gas station is currently closed. Dock space is in high demand, with waiting lists at the marinas. Development around the shoreline has steadily increased over the years. While a few natural stretches remain, nearly every buildable lot has been developed, and many of the original seasonal cottages have been replaced by sprawling year-round waterfront homes. I'm very fortunate to have this lake just a few minutes from home--and even more fortunate that I can usually enjoy it during the week, when the crowds are at work.

We've hiked here many times and enjoy the lake trail which encircles most of the lake. There used…read moreto be a bridge allowing easy access across one end of the lake, but that is gone, and it's a long hike to make it all the way around. There also a dam at one end, and beautiful views of the lake. The lake is 200 acres, and the park includes 24 campsites, a boat launch, picnic tables and shelters, an 18-hole disc golf course, miles of trails, boating, hunting, and fishing. The lake purportedly offers largemouth and smallmouth bass, pickerel, perch, carp, and sunfish. The trails are now nicely marked, thanks to an Eagle Scout project by Giovanni Couture, Troop 66 in May 2022. The project also added benches with views of the lake. The footing can be a little challenging with rocks, roots, downed trees, etc. In the fall, the fallen leaves can make it even trickier, and quite slippery when wet. This is a very pleasant park to visit, hike, or fish. There has always been ample parking when we visited, and I think swimming is prohibited.

I've been here a few times, it's not a huge park at approximately 400 acres, but it is big enough,…read moreand absolutely beautiful at certain times in the spring with an abundance of azaleas and rhododendrons producing a plethora of spectacular blossoms. There are two popular running and hiking trails, Eames Pond via old Bringham Road (1.8 miles) and Davis Hill Field/Laurel Hill Loop (1.7 miles). We hiked most of these two on this visit. There are many other trails for hiking, walking and exploring including the Black Hill Road Trail, Azalea Path and Judy's Secret Garden Loop Trail. Many of these feature beautiful azaleas, rhododendrons and other flora to be admired in the Spring. Eames Pond offers nice views, from the bridge and some of the trails. There is also a lovely cascading stream, small waterfall, sawmill and other historic buildings. There are some picnic tables scattered about, I could argue Moore needs more of these! That said, Moore needs a lot more parking. The lot is small, and many people park alongside the road, making it difficult for two cars to pass. Overall, this is a very pleasant park to visit, and you can take dogs on a leash. Note that there is no swimming here.

The trails at Moore State Park are pretty nice to look at, and they make for some decent nature…read morewalking as well. Tip: Unfortunately, the trails are poorly marked and contain no signage with any kind of background information. Despite the down sides, we read about this park in a magazine, and enjoyed our first visit enough to come back some day.

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!

I enjoyed hiking through this area last weekend. The trails are well marked and overall very easy…read moreto hike, more like a walk through the woods most times. It is nicely shaded so not too hot on the trails. I did end up at the complete opposite end of where we left our car, adding another few miles to the trek though. There are 3 park ok here areas, two are very close to each other and the other is on the opposite end. We went in a Friday and there were very few people on the trails.

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.

My wife and I found this gem while exploring around the area in the very mild winter that we had in…read more2015. We've been back to this area a few times but still only in the off-season. We can park close enough to the boat launch and then explore the woods and the area, or just sit by the lake and watch the fishermen. (I haven't gone fishing in years but I wish I had had such a great place to fish then.) I imagine that during the summer it can get a bit crowded but it won't lose the charm of the wooded acreage and trails. The place is well-maintained and definitely worth a return trip.

It's a beautiful lake. I feel there should NOT be little dogs allowed. Their owners let them run…read moreall over the place. There are many people smoking their weed pens. There needs to be some authority there. The best times to bring our Granddaughter here is early and late in the summer months. July and August are not months to bring her. Hence my rating.

Great walking trails, that are well maintained and clean. Good locational posts along the way. I…read morelived the meadows and the variety of plants and trees. The wildflowers are beautiful and still in bloom even though autumn is in a couple of weeks.

Norcross Wildlife Sanctuary is education based, with scientific backing. With lectures like…read moreforestry 5 years after the tornado... 85 people showed! They host so many great events and even have school trips to learn about nature. With an outstanding staff of naturalists, great museum / facility, and a gorgeous property of trails, Norcross is tops!