Growing up a few towns away led me to enjoy many visits here over the past 30 years. But last weekend was my first visit in around 5 years. It was good to see some small upgrades around the land, starting with a revamp of the parking area and more identifiable main signage to lead you into the park. The Trustees of Reservations segment of the land is now also more clearly delineated, though there is no additional admission charge or anything like that. The trails themselves maintain a timeless and spirited quality that encourages exploration and staying in the moment. The views are certainly something to behold, which I appreciate more now as an adult and needing to make the effort if/when I want to return to these surroundings. read more

Halibut Point State Park - Parks Near Me - Rockport, Massachusetts

Many many hiking trails going 1) around a central quarry now inactive and 2) leading to the ocean, both up to vista views, and down to the very rocky, beautiful shore line. We hiked a LOT there. The trails are not for beginners--there are steep inclines and declines. We did several miles while taking photos and pacing ourselves. Everything here is breathtaking and beautiful. You are at the extreme end of the Rockport Peninsula. It doesn't get any better than this, unless you go to Acadia in Maine. A first rate park hiking destination and park. A plus! read more

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My friend and I decided to check out this state park based off Yelp reviews raving about it and we wanted to take a scenic walk in MA! The reviews did not disappoint. It was so great here!! We enjoyed a nice drive up north to this state park and had a great time walking around together. There was really helpful map that guided you around the different paths and there was signage along the trail as well. The loop is not too big nor too small. It just so happened that when we went, it started to torrential downpour out of nowhere (just our luck!) so we didn't complete the full loop. We will certainly be back to experience it fully! read more

Soon after arriving in the area, my host, who knows I love a good hike, took me here to this AMAZINGLY beautiful park. Our time was limited because we were planning to meet up with some more friends up in NH, but what we did see was BEAUTIFUL, relatively accessible, and such a WONDERFUL contrast to what I'm used to seeing here in Ohiooooooooo!! There is a short-ish hike through the woods, on a wide, easy, gravel path, which will lead you to the quarry. Just about anyone in reasonably good shape can do the hike up to the quarry, but things get trickier (and MUCH more scenic!!) past this point. You'll go through some brush, wonder if you're still on track, but it will ALL be worth it x 1000 when you "hit the rocks" (no, hopefully not literally!!) and get the most AMAZING ocean view I've seen in a LOOOOONG while!! Step carefully across those rocks if you're an old-ish FART like me, or sprint your way through them if you're like the group of kiddos who appeared to be immune to twisted ankles and other hazards. But DON'T pass on this "gauntlet," because the wonderful views and the fresh sea breeze are MORE than worth the slipped disc (or seven!!) ;-) Take TONS of pictures, breathe in that fresh New England sea breeze, take in the natural beauty and history of this great "walk in the park," and ENJOY!!! read more

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A beautiful and well maintained park. There's a parking lot with an admission fee, but it's a worthwhile price to pay for the amenities. There's restrooms that are odorless though set up for compost, and a filtered water fountain for water refills. There's even stargazing events here with telescopes set up by professional guides. The greenery seems landscaped, yet wild enough that deer can be seen munching on leaves from the gravel paths. There's a number path to take visitors along the quarry and ocean views. There's picnic tables too! Great location to enjoy the outdoors for the whole family. read more

Halibut Point State Park - Visitor's center at sunset - Parks Near Me - Rockport, Massachusetts

Really lovely visit! When I went it was free parking but not sure if it's because I came during off season. Easy to follow trails, and they are gravel so it's pretty accessible to walk on. There are some dirt trails if you stray from the self-guided tour as well. There are also rocks that are numbered so you can follow the self guided tour via map I think. We kind of just explored without a map but the numbers were still helpful for that. I saw there's a QR code to a map on the entrance sign. Pretty views of both the quarry and the ocean. Fun adventure if you want to step away from the downtown. There's also a visitors center with restrooms but the sign said it's only open weekends. Not sure if it will be open daily come summertime. read more

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An absolutely beautiful place for a stroll and to take in some fantastic ocean views. Particularly pretty at sunset. Site of one of the earliest radar installations during WW II. read more

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Gorgeous park and ocean views, well maintained trails, very clean bathrooms. Excellent picnic areas as well.

Amazing views of the quarry/ocean and plenty to do in the area. We got to the entrance at around 10:30 on a weekend morning and there were still plenty of spots. It's $5 for MA residents for the whole day, $20 for non-MA residents. Some Porta Potties in the parking lot. The quarry's a stunning spot to get your bearings, maybe rest in the shade, and take in how clear the water is. A lot of signs posted to not jump into or swim in the quarry, which, I mean, duh. How would you even pull yourself out? Then you get to the stretch of ocean-facing coastline with sweeping views and a rock scramble. A lot of fun and a lot to explore for both kids and adults. It's not really a beach (don't expect sand) and the sun/heat get too powerful after a while but I'd love to come back here sometime in the fall when it's cooler. The spot reminded me of a stretch of Acadia/Bar Harbor. There's a spot on the overlook for catching glimpses of New Hampshire and Maine. If you want to tack on an extra hike to the loop around the quarry, make sure to download a map of the surrounding trails in advance. We saw a few trails snaking off the main path. If you just want to do the loop, I'd budget 1-2 hours to take in everything. We also saw plenty of families who brought picnics - you can definitely make a day out the place. After you're done, it's about an hour's trek on foot into the main street portion of Rockport for some ice cream and seafood. read more

Our day trip from Beverly up the Coast today ended at Halibut Point and we were so happy with our stay. Before the skies opened up with a mega deluge. Although after the fact, it was wicked funny. A beautiful day to start out walking along some trails, views of the Quarry with some sort of duck family lounging on slightly submerged stones enjoying the day out as well. The Ranger helping people to pay for their tickets, I didn't catch his name, was super friendly and helpful with answers. Wonderful trails along with birds swooping, rose hips growing and lovely tidal pools to explore when the tide were out. A crazy big crab that we kept trying to catch, but continued to be allusive There are toilets but I didn't use so I can't comment. Parking was plentiful and a very decent price, $5 for Ma residents. The grounds are huge We would def go back another day and explore the Castle and more trails read more

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Just a very peaceful area to take a walk.on a sunny day. Nice nature walk for little kids too.

Unique views, manageable hike there. For my 13 yr old son and I, was a great stop on our day trip.

Gorgeous and accessible park. You can park for free if you're a trustee or I believe $5 for MA plates. There is a bathroom in the visitors center. The visitors center was unfortunately closed when stopped by. There is a short path all around the quarry which is cool. This path is all nicely manicured gravel path which makes it a really nice and even walk. In addition there are a number of offshoots onto the rocks overlooking the ocean at various points on the trail. It was beautiful to experience and very easy to navigate and get around. Would recommend for all abilities. read more

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Great views, nice walking paths and perfect flat rocks for sunning on in the summer. This is a great place to get a sense of the scale of the old Cape Ann granite quarry industry. read more

The day my daughter and I came here to walk it was pretty quiet, only a few cars in the lot. On the weekends it has been very crowded, with cars waiting in line down the street to get in. This park is very well maintained. Paths are dirt with some rocks and roots, but wide and easy to walk. There are many side paths and nooks to sit and meditate or just take a breath. The views are amazing with the ocean and the quarry's , you can get right down to the ocean in a few places, I used to bring my kids for picnics in one spot that has flat rocks perfect for sunning on calm days. Some areas are dangerous to climb around on and are pretty well marked, just use common sense. read more

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Gorgeous views! You can loop around the quarry or choose to walk down to the ocean and walk on the rocks. Pups are allowed on leash. Parking is tricky right as it's under construction. It opened at 130pm when we went. It's a great and easy walk for kids and families. read more

Halibut Point State Park - Parks Near Me - Rockport, Massachusetts

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Super scenic spot! Walk the trail around the granite quarry for great views of both the water-filled quarry and the ocean. Halibut Point Reservation, which is managed by The Trustees, is just next to the state park, so you can walk some other trails over there as well (although some of them were quite overgrown). It's really nice to walk down by the ocean and onto the rocks for views of the sea. Parking is free for Trustees members, so get on over here! read more

A great stop when there aren't a lot of people here, like during the work week. That's when I came here to visit and had a nice time with the dogs. I only made to the quarry view as one of the dogs has issues walking. But I made it to the picnic tables to view the scenery. Parking lot has limited parking, maybe 100 cars. Kiosk to pay $5 per vehicle. One outhouse which gets locked up around 3pm. Haven't been to the beach yet but hoping to soon. read more

Such a pretty spot with nice trails and gorgeous views!! Our mid November stop was perfect! No crowds at all!

New to this area and found this park on Google maps. I had no idea but found this place very pretty. If it is sunny, it will be gorgeous view. It is a rocky beach, so not like laying down or playing, but nice walk on rocks. Dogs are allowed. There is a parking not far from official parking for free. read more

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What can I say about Halibut Point State Park that hasn't been mentioned before? Nothing. This park is absolutely beautiful. If you're visiting Rockport, you have to check out this place. The view from the lookout point is magnificant. Strolling down to the rocks by the water was an awesome experience. Definietly check this place if you're in the area. It's a small park so you don't need to do a whole lot of walking either. read more

Halibut Point State Park - By the rocks - Parks Near Me - Rockport, Massachusetts

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Beautiful views, especially by the searocks (view of the Atlantic Ocean). But there are a LOT of rocks that aren't always flat so be cautious. The rocks are big enough to lay down and enjoy the view, the wind and the air. Some of the green paths from the searocks are a little overgrown so be weary about scratches or bites. Lots of owners with their dogs and some people fishing. Parking is $5 for MA licensed vehicles (NOT driver's license) and $10 for out of state. Get the ticket at the kiosk in the middle of the parking lot so you don't get fined! read more

So much fun but be prepared to walk! Each view or number keeps you wanting more and eggs you on to the next. Before going, i had set a goal for myself that I would stop with the ocean overlook as I know my limits. I was glad I did as I later discovered that I pulled a knee muscle with the walking I did that day. It is a gorgeous area- the quarry, the visitor center, the lighthouse and the ocean views are all just delightful. I don't know who enjoyed it more, my dog or me! The visitor's center was closed as it was "off season" but since there were Porta Potties in the parking lot, if necessary, we were covered. read more

Halibut Point State Park - The quarry - Parks Near Me - Rockport, Massachusetts

Extraordinary views of water & land. Your furry friend can enjoy it with you. You are in the zone!

What a beautiful place to hike , the quarry was gorgeous.. So happy we decided to check it out . read more

Halibut Point State Park - Parks Near Me - Rockport, Massachusetts

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Great park with several nice trails that lead to a beautiful quarry and nice rocky ocean outlets.

A whole lot of rocks Cape Ann is a rocky place, it probably wouldn't even exist anymore if not for all granite holding the land together and resisting the power of the wind and ocean. Halibut Point State Park use to be a huge granite quarry that was closed back in the 1920s but sign of the old quarries are obvious. Huge holes in the ground that were carved out and massive chunks of granite are still just lying around everywhere. The park is open all year long and is a very cool place to feel and see the ocean and lots and lots of rocks. Parking is free in the off season and only two bucks during the summer. Hard to beat that deal. Some easy and pleasant trials for hiking, as long as you don't get stupid and get to close to the edges of the quarries. This can get really bad really quickly in the ice and snow. Several great places to get views of the angry ocean but this is not a beach for swimming. Just too many rocks and some really nasty rip currents out there. Even when kayaking, Halibut Point is somewhere to be really, really careful. People that underestimate the ocean out here usually end up in serous trouble. A absolutely wonderful park any time of the year. You get great views of the ocean, learn about old quarries and history and of course get to see lots and lots of really big and cool rocks. read more

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Beautiful views and an easy hike. We spent about 4 hours at the park with our 3 and 4.5 year olds. Most of the park was really just a walk rather than a hike. We all had fun exploring around the rocks and tide pools. We were even lucky enough to see a baby Harbor Seal climb up on to shore for a little rest. After the park we stopped at the Lobster Pool for an inexpensive but tasty meal. Bring a picnic, blanket or chairs, and sunscreen. If I were to rate this park as someone without kids I would give it 5 stars. People with kids - this is not a swimming beach and some of the rocky shoreline was hard to maneuver with small children. When the tide came in, they did take a quick dip in the chilly water but we had to hold on to them tightly (slippery rocks and waves). However, it was still well worth our 1.5 hour drive. I will definitely be going back without the kids to truly enjoy the peacefulness and beauty of the park. read more

Halibut Point State Park - Baby Harbor Seal taking a rest. - Parks Near Me - Rockport, Massachusetts

One of the best state parks! Highly recommend visiting. Not a long hike but very scenic.

Three and a half stars. Observation tower was closed, and the weather and foliage were somewhat sub-optimal during our visit. Sufficient parking in the lot, low difficulty with light gravel at intervals, no especially steep grades on the scenic loop around the quarry. Evidence of drilling for abandoned blasting plans, which is neat. Nice, windy overlooks along the ocean, sparse wildlife primarily in the lake. The optional rocky scramble along the shoreline can be treacherous after rain, and not all the stone slabs are fixed in the ground; exercise caution and common sense where applicable. read more

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The park has a wonderful view of the open open with a beautiful quarry . It's a nice walk around . They have done a lot of work and it's looking good. read more

I love the Halibut Point State Park. Thanks to Yelp and the 5 Star reviews. The reviews are spot on! Pros: - Gorgeous (especially near the Quarry and Lookout Point) - Easy Hike - Some Rocks to Climb on for the adventurous ones - Clean Bathrooms - Only $2 for parking Conclusion: A place to go to quiet the mind of a New Yorker.. calm, cool, collected! BRING YOUR CAMERAS!! ENJOY!! read more

Nice to find a park at the northern tip of MA. Walk on the trails to the ocean. Go out to the rocks. Notice the lobster trap buoys in the water. Read about the granite quarry there. Tho the visitor center's restrooms were being renovated, the composting porta-potty was clean. $5-6 fee at the parking kiosk. read more

Halibut Point State Park - Granite quarry closed in1929. Part of Halibut State Park. - Parks Near Me - Rockport, Massachusetts

Halibut Point is a beautiful, easily walkable state park. I've been here in all 4 seasons and each one is unique. I'm not too much of a fan in the summer just because it can get kind of crowded but there's still always a spot along the ocean or bay where it's quiet. The park is the old Babson Farm granite quarry. There is a tower that was installed in the 1940's to guide the artillery stationed on the coast that's now turned into a visitor's center and bathrooms. There are trails that run through the park but the main attraction is rocky shoreline where you can sit and enjoy the view, search the tidal pools or just lay back on the rocks and take a nap. read more

Unique state park with a huge abandoned granite quarry located right at the end of Cape Ann. Walk around the quarry right down to the Atlantic Ocean. The history of the granite industry. Also the majestic views from high ground looking over the ocean. $5 bucks. Easy walking trails, pet friendly. A gem of the North Shore! read more

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Just copy/paste what everyone else has said. It is amazing. You are really in two different parts of nature, less than 20 feet away from each other... The rock climbing by the water is great... The mini stonehedge statues are so cool. I had to yell at my husband (and his inner little boy) to not touch... but you want to touch them just to see how they are made. The rock man statue near the other side of the main building is cool too. I went at sun set. What a blessing. Got some of the best pictures ever. Takes maybe an hour to walk. Bring $2 to pay for parking! Worth the drive read more

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This park was listed as one of the top things to do in Rockport so we decided to come one afternoon to check it out. It has some decent views and makes for a nice nature walk around the quarry. However, it also has random closures, rude employees, and expensive parking. I doubt this is the norm, but be aware that when they decide that the park is too full, they close it down for two full hours. It doesn't matter if every single person in the park leaves.. it's still closed for two hours. There were two employees blocking the entrance and you aren't able to drive or walk in. With this hitch in our plans, we found something else to do until the park was supposed to re-open and then came back. A few minutes past the reopening time, they still weren't letting the line of cars through. One of the female employees started screaming at everyone to keep driving. We inquired why we weren't allowed in yet and she said there were only two people working and they had to remove the cones. There were literally three cones and a sign that they had to take down.. it takes all about one minute so it was sort of ridiculous. Once we were allowed in, we pull into the parking lot which is COMPLETELY empty. So absurd that they closed down for so long! Also take note that parking is 10 bucks if you don't have Massachusetts plates, unlike what I read online which was 5-6 dollars. There is a small amount of parking less than a half mile down the road which is free if you're lucky to snag a spot. The quarry is pretty to walk around and there are some nice rocks to lay on near the ocean and relax. However, this is definitely not a place to hike by any means and it's certainly not worth 10 dollars in my opinion. I wouldn't come back. read more

Halibut Point State Park - Parks Near Me - Rockport, Massachusetts

Very nice, clean little park! A short path from the parking lot takes you past a quarry to the ocean. You can walk along the rocks and stop to check out the tide pools. The park also offers a beautiful view when the sun is setting. Highly recommended! read more

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If you want to take a friend, or a date, to a place that Nature has blessed, Halibut Point State Park is one of the places to go. After an easy park, you walk in for about 4-5 minutes and come to a huge granite quarry full of fresh water and surrounded by gorgeous trees. You can stop and sit here for a little while or you can continue on to "the lookout." "The Lookout" is a high point, way above the water and from where you can view miles and miles of ocean extending as far to the left and right as the eye can see. It's like viewing limitless ocean on 3 sides. It's truly a gorgeous sight to behold. If you like, you can then double back a little and follow another trail that leads down to a bunch of flat rocks much closer to the water. There you can unroll a blanket and maybe break out a picnic basket with fruit, cheese and wine. There's only a few things you need to take into consideration for the greatest comfort: 1. It's a little breezy. It's so wide open that it's just to be expected. Not gale force winds! But anything light, like napkins should be weighted down; 2. If you go between 11a-2p, make sure to bring hats and plenty of sunscreen. Again, it's wide open, expect the sun to do it's thing; 3. Bring a small bug spray. The wind is usually enough to keep little winged things at bay, but if there's a lull, it might be nice to have a little something handy. But, its not bad and it shouldn't deter you from going. 4. Rockport Center is a wonderful place to walk around. There are touristy shops, art galleries, saltwater taffy/candy stores and, possibly, even a pony ride in the center of town. Consider stopping into town that day, as well; it'll be a nice balance. oh yeah... and you can't come to Rockport and not get some New England Clam CHOWDAH. Get some CHOWDAH...! read more

Beautiful. I'd classify it as more walking-through-nature paths that were fairly easy, though quite gravelly, but have some decent hills. You can get pretty close to the ocean, and see up the coastline. There's great views from Halibut Point. I highly recommend a visit, though perhaps not right after inclement weather. read more