Borderland State Park
GOOD FOR: All Ages
RATING: (3)


Source:Outdoors with Kids Boston (AMC Books)
Address:259 Massapoag Avenue, North Easton, MA
Hours:8 a.m. to sunset daily; mansion tours: third Sunday of the month, April through November, from 1 to 3 p.m., $3
Fee: Parking lot: $2 per vehicle
Contact:

mass.gov/dcr; 508-238-6566

Bathrooms: At the visitor center
Water/Snacks: Water fountains inside and in front of the visitor center
Map:

This former country estate has more than 20 miles of trails, six ponds, and a historic property to explore.

The Ames home at Borderland State Park.
Photo by: Kim Foley MacKinnon

The 1,800-acre Borderland State Park offers a recreational smorgasbord of activities. From fishing on one of six ponds to hiking or biking on extensive trails to picnicking on the perfectly manicured lawn of the historic mansion, outdoor enthusiasts can’t fail to find something fun to do.

The property was once a country estate in the 1900s and got its name from its location straddling the towns of Sharon and Easton. The Ames home, a three-story stone mansion built in 1910, is the centerpiece of the park. In 1971, the state of Massachusetts acquired the estate and opened it as a state park.

The 3-mile Pond Walk, which starts next to the visitor center and loops around Leach Pond, is a good walk for families. The path follows old farm roads and goes through hay fields. If 3 miles seems too long, you can go down to the pond to skip rocks and then take a spur onto either Swamp Trail or Quiet Woods Trail. Both trails lead back to the lawn of the estate. If you bring your own disc, you can play disc golf at Borderland, which has 18 “holes.” In winter, you can ice skate on the ponds and sled behind the mansion.

Choose from more than 20 miles of hiking trails in total, including a section of the Bay Circuit Trail. Trails range from moderate to difficult, and the rangers are happy to offer advice on which trail to take. Anytime you visit, you’re bound to see kids on mountain bikes, people walking their dogs, and usually someone on horseback.

Remember: You can visit the mansion only on tours offered by the Friends of Borderland on the third Sunday of the month between April and November. Call the park to confirm hours.

Plan B:

Nearby Moose Hill Wildlife Sanctuary (Trip 55), a Mass Audubon property, has another 25 miles to hike and explore.

Where to Eat Nearby:

A few cafés and pizza places are on Pond Street in Sharon.



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