This is a terrifically cool roadside attraction. It's an easy little pull off with a short trail…read moredown to where you can see the dinosaur footprints. There is some nice artwork and murals, plus signage about the tracks. Otherwise, it's just a matter of patiently walking around and perusing for the tracks. We took the tip of bringing some water with us to help make the prints really stand out, and that worked well. Fun stop!

Who knew that nestled between US route 5 and the Connecticut River in Holyoke, 190 million years…read moreago, there wandered groups of dinosaurs along what was once a lake bed. It's really cool to literally walk in the same footprints of these Jurassic creatures. The tracks include Eubrontes, a bipedal ornisthiscian which apparently was an ancestor of the iconic T-Rex. The site is not very large but it is easily accessible and it not only offers the aforesaid dino footprints but also nice views of the CT River. Well worth a stop!

Big Beautiful park in Massachusetts. We visited the small zoo located in this park . It was…read morebeautiful. So many different animals to see. We enjoyed every moment of it. I would definitely come back here in future. Staff was friendly here too.

This is such a great park. It's huge and well kept with something for everyone, even swan boats. On…read morea beautiful Saturday in July it wasn't crowded, and we got a lovely picnic spot. There are ball fields and an amphitheater and a zoo and ponds and lots and lots of wooded or lawn-type space. Clean, nice people, low-key. I LOVE this park and can't wait to go back. One note - if you are meeting others in separate cars, better be really clear where you're meeting up with them because it's hard to find each other even with a park map.

I seriously love this place. I've been coming to Ashley for the past 12 years to walk and enjoy…read morenature. Great place to go for a run or a nice stroll. Side note--Recently my brother's gotten into bird watching and was able to spot FIFTEEN new (to him) birds which he was hyped about. That being said, there are some spots throughout the year I would avoid as it's where the geese lay their eggs.

From the 1/2 Way to St. Patricks Day road race to Jacks Walk this is truly a great place for any…read moreoccasion. So many people were out and about over the weekend enjoying the first sunny day in a week. Seen a few people bring dogs in which is a no no so leave your loved ones at home if you have never been. There are clearly marked signs so don't be that person who gets fined $300 for your inability to follow instructions. Parking is hit or miss, there is plenty of it but you may need to park in the overflow lot where you enter.

Came here for a run while staying near BDL and really enjoyed the trail along the Connecticut…read moreRiver! You really get that feeling that you're out in nature--the sights, the smells, the sounds, everything. The path is suitable for walking, running and cycling. How I wish I could enjoy it in the fall with the changing colors!

Absolutely gorgeous, magical day, the kind that makes one thankful for the opportunity to enjoy…read morenature...sunny, mid 60's, low humidity, gentle breeze. Blue heron right after you enter from the south terminus. Lots of turtles basking. Eagles (adult and 2 juvies) visible in their nest, with another adult high above about 50 yds north. Another uge (we don't pronounce the "h" where I'm from) blue heron about 7/10ths of a mile from the start. Ducks, geese, hawk. Haven't seen a rabbit yet this year. My theory is that overcutting on the bank of the canal-side has caused rabbits to change their habits (seriously). No place to hide from predators. Everyone friendly...strollers, fishermen, bicyclists.... I tried to make a video of the song, "I was strolling thru the park one day, in the very merry month of May...". Lucky for the reader / listener that my phone was having memory issues. Always a 5 star!

I grew up a half-mile from Paradise Pond. I would walk by it all year, and up the Mill River. From…read morethe age of catching tadpoles to recently when I visited again. I was delightfully startled by the feelings I had, and the beauty that I could only partially capture with my camera. So I wrote a delicious novel about a professional photographer and a Smith math teacher, much of it set in Northampton. I didn't write this review to promote the sale of the book but to underscore the wonderful experience I had there, from early childhood and decades later. The book is called "Paradise Pond."

Zipping past on US 202, you might miss this small park on the east side of the road. Turn around…read moreand come back, as I did. Apremont Park is a compact but historically rich memorial site honoring the legacy of the 104th US Infantry Regiment. The park's name itself commemorates the town of Apremont in Western France, liberated by the 104th during World War I. The centerpiece is a bronze bas-relief sculpture by Bruce Wilder Saville, depicting the 104th Infantry receiving the Croix de Guerre from the French government. The inscription praises their valor during the April 1918 battles in Apremont, where they repelled heavy German attacks and retook lost trenches at bayonet point. Nearby, a granite monument honors Vincent E. Barnes, a lifelong Hampden County resident who donated the original 1,017-acre site (then known as Camp Bartlett) for military training during World War I. The 104th trained here before deploying overseas in 1917. There's also a historical marker presented to the 104th Infantry Veterans Association in 1937, recognizing their service and the site's transformation from training ground to memorial park. [Review 1137 of 2025 - 1278 in Massachusetts - 24690 overall]

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.

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!