Our recent North Shore visit was capped by a scramble across the rocks at Halibut Point State Park in Rockport, MA.
This 12 acre park is jointly managed by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the Trustees of Reservations.
On their website, the Trustees have an excellent description of the property,
Above the reservation is the former Babson Farm Quarry, now filled by natural underground springs. Granite quarried here at the turn of the 20th century paved thousands of city streets and built bridges, tunnels, monuments, warehouses, and buildings, such as Boston's Custom House Tower."
We entered through a wooded area with soft mulch paths leading us
through the remains of decades of quarry work. Piles of granite blocks
tumbled here and there like toys abandoned by some giant toddler.
As the paths begin to fork, you can choose between views of the calm, reflective fresh water filled quarry or the salty Atlantic crashing onto the rocks lining the shore.
Dogs are allowed on leashes, and a happy pack of canines, of all sizes and shapes, was exploring the trails and rocks. We had one of our favorite pups, Mr. Swiffer, on hand to foster introductions to other dog lovers.
Halibut Point is a photographer's delight, with so many subjects to attract your eye. We look forward to exploring this park in other seasons.
We have an album of photos from this day at our SmugMug gallery.
http://bostonzest.smugmug.com/gallery/6387039_8ESKK#403945108_QLqFV
Details:
One alert, the rest rooms and visitors center are not open this time of year despite signs to the contrary.
Halibut Point State Park
16 Gaffield Ave
Rockport, MA 01966
http://www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/northeast/halb.htm
Trustees of Reservations
Here's their main page to find more places to visit:
Here's their entry on Halibut Point
http://www.thetrustees.org/pages/310_halibut_point_reservation.cfm
Other Opinions:
Here's the yelp! (Read yelp member Jessica R's information on getting to this park by public transportation.)
