It has multiple entrances in each of these places. Explosives such as TNT-loaded depth charges, bombs, fuses, projectiles, and . In 1969 the park opened for limited outdoor recreational use, and in 1973 it was dedicated as Wompatuck State Park. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. In 1941, the United States government established the Hingham Naval Ammunition Depot Annex (known by locals as the Cohasset Annex) on the site. Chief Wompatuck sold the land to settlers in 1655 who went on to use it to harvest timber needed for shipbuilding. The park falls inside the area bound by land in Hingham and Norwell in the west, Hingham and Cohasset in the north, Cohasset and Scituate in the east and Norwell in the south. For more Wompatuck history check out our newsletters. This vast expanse of woods was named for its prior owner, Josiah Wompatuck, who was chief of the Mattakeessett and grandson of Chief Chickatawbut. Wompatuck State Park abuts Cohasset's Whitney Thayer Woods, a Trustees of Reservations property that allows mountain biking on a network of well maintained gravel paths. In addition to a large campground and an extensive trail system, the park is noted for the free spring water that can be obtained at Mt. In the spring some of the trails can be muddy so be prepared. Tickets cost $0 - $10 and the journey takes . In the 1700s, early settlers and ship captains held title to the area, but the land was never extensively developed. But the new rail trail is a trail to nowhere, the Friends say, because it is blocked by the wire fence around the closed area. Wompatuck State Park spans 3,526 acres of forest, streams and ponds. Recommended Trail Activities: Running, Walking, Hiking, Trail Biking There are 12 miles of paved biking trails in the park, and many more miles . Land and water creatures abound in the park. Camping is open from mid-April until mid-October. While there is plenty of natural beauty to explore around the Bay State, there are also fascinating ruins to be found as well. hookup & dumping. theres a path up to it, this place is well worth the trip. The park itself opened in 1969. Jim R., the FOW historian Email: info@nsrwa.org, Public Office Hours: Norwell MA 02061, Phone: 781.659.8168 Lastly, Beechwood Street ran east from Union Street through the site of Aaron River Reservoir to Beechwood Street in Cohasset until the reservoir was formed by a dam in 1976-1978. It has stands of White Atlantic cedar, American holly, chestnut oak, shagbark hickory, mountain laurel, pink dogwood, white pine, American Beech, and hemlock, some estimated to be 175 years old. Such great history!!! Travel is my life and writing about it is a dream. The ammunition depot closed in 1965 allowing the State of Massachusetts to purchase the land. - Trail Map (PDF) - Recommended Spring '22 Hikes (PDF) Season: Camping Season is mid-May through mid-October. A rail spur, the Whitney Spur, once connected the Ammunition Depot to the Old Colony Railroads Greenbush Line. with this post, location or person. Please do not include personal or contact information. Most hotels are fully refundable. Both park users and officials look forward to a time when the burning grounds will be declared safe and the closed area will be open. Via Car Use the address of Faneuil Hall as a guide for GPS directions: 1 Faneuil Hall Square, Boston, MA 02109. yes it was declared a superfund site, and their 2 reasons why. Most buildings have had their roofs and windows removed, and are open to the elements. Accord Brook is the main waterway through Wompatuck Park. According to a former supervisor of Wompatuck, there are three sites in Wompatuck State Park which are believed to have been used by Indigenous people. There are over 250 bird species in the park, including : blue jay, great blue heron, goss hawk, red tail hawk, yellow warbler, ruffed grouse, and quail. it is a wonderful place . Streams powered the Stockbridge Shingle Mill and water from Mt. Directions Copyright 2011 Globe Newspaper Company. Water from Mt. Water features include Cohassets Aaron River Reservoir which was created by damming the Aaron which flows east from Holly Pond. The farmers used the fields to graze their horses, sheep, and oxen. I've worked in the entertainment industry for much of my adult life and I love photography, writing, and traveling around the U.S. as well as to far-flung locations around the world! February 27, 2023 equitable estoppel california Water from Mt. Have you hiked or biked the loop at Wompatuck State Park? Pump Track multi-use trail ; Overview; Photos (1) Videos (0) Reports (8) Comments (0) Ride Logs; Leaderboard; Stats; Jumps; 3D Tour; Add / Edit. There are over 250 bird species in the park, including : blue jay, great blue heron, goshawk, red tail hawk, yellow warbler, ruffed grouse, and quail. Norwell MA 02061, Phone: 781.659.8168 This map is centered on the presently in-use state park camping area. Parking: Limited; heed posted signs regarding parking as the school bus uses the circle for turning around and police will ticket drivers parked during school hours Dog Restrictions: Allowed Geocache locations. The USGS (U.S. Geological Survey) publishes a set of the most commonly used topographic maps of the U.S. called US Topo that are separated into rectangular quadrants that are printed at 22.75"x29" or larger. Privacy Policy DisclaimerTerms and ConditionsAccessibility Statement, Fall In Love with Kanopolis Lake Hiking Trails Ellsworth, Kansas, Buffalo Track Canyon Trail Kanopolis State Park, Kansas, Hiking Burrage Pond Wildlife Management Area- Hanson, MA, 3 Epic Hiking Trails in Myles Standish State Forest- Carver, MA, Cave-like shelter between N32 and N33 close to the missile test building, Stone paving circles used as a floor near the Aaron River Reservoir, Another cave-like shelter is located on the right-hand side of NS10 when entering from the northeast direction, It is also believed that Burbank Boulder at NS9 could be a Native American sacred perched boulder, Union Street and 100 on either side of the street, Doane Street (from the Cohasset gate to the power line). its amazing how nature takes back abandoned buildings and spaces in no time. Many of the roads inside the park are . u have to see it to belive how big it is. Every winter, the sailing vessel Noorderlicht is intentionally frozen into Tempelfjorden. The water is tested frequently for safety. Thank you for your website feedback! To get there, follow the trail from Marker S32 to S33 to S 34, and then onward to S3 and S4. The farmers used the fields to graze their horses, sheep, and oxen. The land was originally the property of Native American chief Josiah Wompatuck, who deeded the land to English settlers in 1655. During the 1800s, families maintained woodlots to heat their homes. The terrain of the park is extensively shaped by the glacial period. Common species include: muskrat, raccoon, cottontail rabbit, skunk, painted turtle, bullfrog, coyote, deer, bobcat, fisher cat, red & grey fox, yellow spotted salamander, yellow spotted turtle, box turtle, woodcock, bass, pickerel and sunfish. This rock, a remnant of the glacial period, balances itself at three points equally distant from each other. Samples from the grounds will determine whether excavation is required. Land was acquired from private homeowners for the purpose of expanding the Hingham Naval Ammunition Depot nearby (now Bare Cove Park). But before they were capped, youngsters would climb inside to hang out, play music, and sing. The trail offers a number of activity options and is. I was able to locate all the areas that appear pn the satellite views. It is a place that transports you away from the stresses of life and allows you to just be. The trail system is well marked and the trail map is a very good representation of the park. Follow the path along Triphammer Pond. Outside the parktrail/gate entrances -Rt3A Cohasset Rail Station toWhitney Spur trail, and Doane St, Cohasset gate. The U.S. Navy deactivated the Cohasset Annex in 1963 and declared the land as surplus. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts took possession of the land in 1966, and began developing it as a public park the following year. Wompatuck State Park is located in Hingham, MA - just 35 minutes from downtown Boston. Many of these bunkers have been backfilled, but some remain exposed. Suggestions are presented as an open option list only when they are available. Other major rivers are Aaron River and Bound Brook which originate near the Norwell border and flow east along Hinghams borders with Norwell and Scituate into Aaron River Reservoir. Friday: 9:00am-5:00pm. It remained in use until 1965, and served both World War II and the Korean Conflict. Find cheap hotels near Old Ship Church in Plymouth County with real guest reviews and ratings. Wompatuck State Park, Hingham: See 119 reviews, articles, and 40 photos of Wompatuck State Park, ranked No.2 on Tripadvisor among 20 attractions in Hingham. It turns east into the park and flows north into and beyond Triphammer Pond and into the Weir River. In 1967 the Massachusetts Department of Natural Resources purchased the 3496 acres to convert it to a public park. Edit this map Wompatuck State Park trail map near hingham, ma. Wompatuck State Park in Hingham, Massachusetts: 33 reviews, 24 photos, & 8 tips from fellow RVers. This state park was previously owned by the Native American chief Josiah Wompatuck. Dogs Allowed. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. It is located within one mile of the ocean. It joins with Brass Kettle Brook and eventually empties into the Gulf River in North Scituate. Visit Massachusetts State Parks Locations, Snowmobile Trails in State Parks Locations, Includes level, packed-surface campsite, pedestal grill, accessible picnic table. The dam that holds the reservoir in place was constructed from 1976-1978. Other water features include: Mount Blue Spring, a source of potable spring water, and Woodpecker, Wildcat, and Heron ponds. Stay On paved path until it intersects with another paved path. If you are lucky, you may see a deer or fox. Some cool old bunkers (unfortunately some . The ammo dumps (bunkers) are to the north and east and have been completely destroyed. Much of the park is undeveloped and is heavily wooded. Monday: 1:00-5:00pm Stay right on the path and follow the Pond edge. Common species include: muskrat, raccoon, cottontail rabbit, skunk, painted turtle, bullfrog, coyote, deer, bobcat, fisher cat, red & grey fox, yellow spotted salamander, yellow spotted turtle, box turtle, woodcock, bass, pickerel and sunfish. hey - how come you guys havenet been to Wompatuck state park at teh intersection of Norwell, Hingham, Scituate etc, in MA? + -. (214 South Street) a recent history walk sponsored by FOW, Looking at a 1950s map of Wompatuck next to an old military bunker. Find cheap hotels near Verizon Authorized Retailer - GoWireless in Plymouth County with real guest reviews and ratings. In addition to the beauty here, the trail will lead you to numerous . . The area to the Northeast is completely destroyed except for a few smaller standing structures. We utilized this park as an economical . At trail marker NN6 the route turns right onto another trail. [7] Several old military buildings can be found on park property as well as an extensive network of abandoned railroad. the pictures up here are amazing, but they dont do the place justice. At this time, the agency is reviewing these concerns and is also exploring possible alternatives that would establish recreational access while being cost-effective, Zimmerman said. Maps are provided at many of the kiosks by the Friends of Wompatuck. However, I fell in love with Wompatuck very quickly and found that if I memorized a couple of the upcoming intersections, I would not have to look at the map so often. The land was originally owned by Chief Joseph Wompatuck, thus the name. Informational kiosk, bench. Never enough time. Please log in if you don't want to post All sites have a picnic table, grill, and fire ring. Its an excellent access point for a hike to the top of Prospect Hill. Park at the lot across from the visitor center. Campers may choose from an extensive array of trails for biking, hiking, horseback riding, and ski touring. Originating at Accord Pond it flows along the southwest boundary of the park near Prospect Street north to South Pleasant St. The Braintree T (train/subway/ferry) station is about 20 min from the . Distance. Take mass transit into the city. The red train shop was always my favorite spot anyway, good to see it's still around. Soon after it exits the pond, it flows into the Weir River. Note: VirtualGlobetrotting is an entertainment website is and is not associated In 1655 he deeded the land we now call Hingham so that others could enjoy the land as he did. Much of the park is undeveloped and is heavily wooded. Wompatuck State Park welcomes everyone. Sounds a bit more legal than bolt cutters. There are several old military buildings on the property, as well as an extensive network of abandoned railroad tracks. Twelve miles of paved bicycle trails, in addition to miles of wooded bridle paths and hiking trails, offer lots of riding options. Alternatively, MBTA operates a train from South Station to Nantasket Junction every 2 hours. [11] With the trail now serving as usable access to the park, 20 spaces in the station lot were dedicated for park users.[12][13]. Larson added that a bear sighting wasn't a public safety threat. Corps officials are studying a report received in May on the projects analysis of the contamination and a range of proposed solutions, which range from removing contaminated soil to simply posting warning signs and taking down the wire fence that bars people from the site, not far from the parks campground. To use the map, click the drop down menu in the upper right corner of the map: Common species include: muskrat, raccoon, cottontail rabbit, skunk, painted turtle, bullfrog, coyote, deer, bobcat, fisher cat, red & grey fox, yellow spotted salamander, yellow spotted turtle, box turtle, woodcock, bass, pickerel and sunfish. On January 1, 2004, a 125 acre parcel off of Leavitt Street was added to the park. South Pleasant Street runs east from Main Street in Hingham to Union Street in Wompatuck State Park. In 1969, Wompatuck State Park opened to the public. Take the Green line to Haymarket and walk south toward Faneuil Hall. You can find it by navigating to S30 and S31 on the trail map. This all came to an end in 1962. Wompatuck State Park Address: 204 Union St., Hingham MA 02043 Phone: 781-749-7160 . Tweet. Not all maps have been updated to include this entrance. Stroller-friendly in some sections. Wednesday: 9:00am-5:00pm What a treat!! There are over 250 bird species in the park, including: blue jay, great blue heron, gosshawk, red tail hawk, yellow warbler, ruffed grouse, and quail. The 1.5mile long Whitney Spur Rail Trail was constructed in 2003 on land owned by the Department of Conservation and Recreation from the MBTA Cohasset Commuter Rail Station parking lot to Wompatuck State Park. 19ms. Difficulty (Grade/Surface): Easy, Moderate This park is the site of the Burbank Boulder. It joins with Brass Kettle Brook and eventually empties into the Gulf River in North Scituate. Wompatuck State Park is a fantastic place to take kids bike riding. In 1941, the U.S. Navy acquired from private landowners all of the property in order to expand the already existing Hingham Naval Ammunitions Depot. Access to the Boston public rail system was convenient and provided access to many parts of the Boston area. The water is tested frequently for safety. Home / Hiking / Wompatuck State Park Prospect Street/Norwell Entrance, https://www.mass.gov/locations/wompatuck-state-park. Many are intended for mountain bikes, but are also ideal for hiking. You will find Eastern White Pine, Hemlock, Maple, Oak, Cedar, Birch, and many more types of trees. Most remaining buildings have had their roofs and windows removed and are open to the elements. Fax: 781.659.7915 Monday: 1:00-5:00pm There is one campground at Wompatuck State park with 260 sites. Located at the northern end of the park, the 200-acre closed area includes a few contaminated buildings where munitions such as torpedoes were assembled for shipping to a Navy depot at what is now Bare Cove Park in Hingham. it may still hold areas of intrest to the bunkergang. In 1941, the US Government purchased the land and expanded the perimeters by purchasing additional land from local families to develop a Navy ammunition depot. Wompatuck State Park is a state-owned, public recreation area of about 3,500 acres (1,400ha) in size located primarily in the town of Hingham with portions in the neighboring towns of Cohasset, Norwell, and Scituate, Massachusetts, in the United States. Land and water creatures abound in the park. Scattered throughout Wompatuck State Park are remnants of bunkers, railroad tracks, fences, and light posts. Conservation and recreation officials, however, said the deteriorating military buildings pose significant safety concerns to the public. Save on popular stays in Accord, Hingham from 138,946. 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[5] Upland game bird hunting is allowed in season in the South Field area. Hours: Sunrise to sunset, plus overnight camping with reservation. The park site served as the Cohasset Annex until 1962. In 1941, the United States government established the Hingham Naval Ammunition Depot Annex (known by locals as the Cohasset Annex). It should be open. Fish commonly found in the 136-acre Aaron River Reservoir include bass, pickerel, sunfish, and perch. Take the red trail on the right and follow it until it becomes red and yellow. It was reactivated for the Korean conflict and once again went into full military operation. Certain ruins can even be found along a trail in a forest preserve or state park, adding a certain level of spookiness to a hike. In 1966 the Commonwealth of Massachusetts took possession of the Cohasset Annex property. Scattered throughout the property are over 100 decommissioned military bunkers, which were used to store ammunition. There are still bunkers all over the property, but most are locked up. In winter, the trails are perfect for cross . Trees include Atlantic white cedar, American holly, chestnut oak, shagbark hickory, mountain laurel, pink dogwood, white pine, American beech, and hemlock some estimated to be 175 years old. Because there are no designated loops the ideal way to tackle Wompatuck State Park is to look at a map before leaving and find points that you might like to see along the way. Were looking to complete the remedial investigation for the site, Charette said. Get more stories delivered right to your email. All trails in this park are wonderful and varied. Much of the park is undeveloped and is heavily wooded. Wompatuck is quickly becoming recognized as an . There are 12 miles of paved bike paths, plus off-road trails for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding and cross-country skiing. In the 1700s early settlers and ship captains held title to the area, but the land was never extensively developed. Among the most common are Swamp Azalea, Solomons Seal, While Geranium, ladies slipper, and Sheep Laurel. Explore South Shore Art Center when you travel to Cohasset. Still some stuff there, but you can see that they are systematically taking it all down. Its helpful to know that the trail from the parking lot leads to marker S27. A low risk may warrant limited use controls - trails could go through the area, but no digging would be permitted, and signs would be posted to warn the general public not to disturb the soil. If the risk to public health is higher, remediation could consist of removing contaminated soil or capping the ground. The Mount Blue Spring is currently closed. Leavitt Street, which continues into Doane Street and into Cohassets Beechwood area. Wompatuck State Park is a state-owned, public recreation area of about 3,500 acres (1,400 ha) in size located primarily in the town of Hingham with portions in the neighboring towns of Cohasset, Norwell, and Scituate, Massachusetts, in the United States.In addition to a large campground and an extensive trail system, the park is noted for the free spring water that can be obtained at Mt. Camping at Wompatuck State Park is $17/night for Massachusetts residents and $54/night for non-residents. Parking: Two informal roadside parking areas, each for 3-4 vehicles, on Prospect Street in Norwell, close to the Hingham town line. Some motor pool and factory buildings remain north-north-east but the asbestos abatement has reduced them to mere hulks. Wompatuck State Park Trail Map; Wompatuck State Park Trail Reports; Share. For information on the Wompatuck State Park Big Loop Trail, head to the AllTrails website. From route 3 take exit 35 heading north on route 228. Find local businesses, view maps and get driving directions in Google Maps. Facilities available at the Main Entrance include the Visitors Center, 400 campsites, boat ramp, paved bike paths, picnic areas, restrooms & showers, Trailer/R.V. The park itself opened in 1969. Get Directions . I used to skateboard in the correct spot to the northeast with my friends in the 80's when I was a teen. They're the ones who restored it and give tours, from what Ive heard. Compare 2,301 hotels, room rates, hotel reviews and availability. ! Explosives such as TNT loaded depth charges, bombs, fuses, projectiles, and cartridges were produced and stored along with the assembly of rocket motors. Additional parking at the Main Entrance, Leavitt Street in Hingham, and Doane Street in Cohasset. Located within the boundaries of four towns - Cohasset, Hingham, Norwell, and Scituate - Wompatuck State Park was once part of the Hingham Naval Ammunition Depot Annex, used from 1941 until 1965. While those sites have been judged safe for peacetime uses, the parks burning grounds still feel the fires of war. Continue straight through lights at route 53 continuing on route 228. Below the dam, the river continues to flow through Cohasset. Our main concern is public safety, he said. Many never returned. Doane Street was created at the initiative of Doane to make it easier for second parish residents to attend Hingham town meetings at the corner of Leavitt and East Streets. Exploring some building ruins. Wompatuck State Park is a state-owned, public recreation area of about 3,500 acres in size located primarily in the town of Hingham with portions in the neighboring towns of Cohasset, Norwell, and Scituate, Massachusetts, in the United States.