Baker-Polito Administration: ‘Go Green on Black Friday’; Take a Hike

The following is a press release from the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) submitted to SOURCE media.

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BOSTON – Today, the Baker-Polito Administration announced that on Friday, November 27, the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) will recommend six different hikes as part of the agency’s annual “Go Green on Black Friday” campaign, which encourages residents and visitors to venture outdoors and enjoy the natural resources of the Commonwealth on the day after Thanksgiving. All hikes will range between one and five miles.

“Massachusetts has a first class state parks system, and ‘Go Green on Black Friday’ hikes are an excellent way for frequent park users and newcomers to skip the Black Friday frenzy, and spend quality time outdoors,” said DCR Commissioner Jim Montgomery. “The Baker-Polito Administration is pleased to continue this long standing tradition and offer opportunities for healthy outdoor activity for residents the day after Thanksgiving.”

The difficulty of DCR’s “Go Green on Black Friday” hikes range from light to moderately strenuous, and are recommended for families with children ages ten and older.

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Hikers are encouraged to share photos on social media by tagging @MassDCR using the hashtags – #GoGreen and #OptOutside.

Visitors are reminded to dress for the weather. When visiting the state parks system and other public places, DCR also offers general guidance for visitors to follow:

• If a park is crowded, please consider leaving the area and either visiting a different location or returning at a later date or time (typically state parks are less busy during the week and/or early in the morning);
• Follow posted rules, such as “carry in, carry out” trash policies and posted parking restrictions;
• Stay within solitary or small groups, and avoid gatherings of ten or more people;
• Practice social distancing of at least six feet between individuals;
• Wear a facial mask or covering in public;
• Practice healthy personal hygiene, such as handwashing for at least 20 seconds; and,
• Stay home if ill, over 70, and/or part of a vulnerable population.

The agency’s recommended “Go Green on Black Friday” hikes include the following locations:

Borderland State Park in North Easton: Hike around Lower Leach Pond. Start at the visitor center and follow the “Pond Walk” trail signs. Terrain is moderate with rocky spots periodically. The distance is approximately 2.9 miles. The visitor center and restrooms remain closed. There is a parking fee ($5 for in state vehicles and $20 for out of state vehicles). Download a trail map by visiting the park website.

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Maudslay State Park in Newburyport: Explore Maudslay’s natural and historic landscapes. Begin at the main parking area on Curzon Mill Road. Head down the Pasture Trail. Turn right across the three-arch stone bridge to explore the natural woodlands of pines and mountain laurels. Or turn left on the Long Border Trail to explore the park’s historic landscapes and gardens. The visitor center and restrooms remain closed. There is a parking fee ($5 for in state vehicles and $20 for out of state vehicles). Download a trail map by visiting the park website.

Great Falls Discovery Center in Turners Falls: Walk the paved Canalside Rail Trail in Turners Falls for a hike of approximately 3 miles along easy terrain. The visitor center and bathrooms remain closed. Download a trail map by visiting the park website.

Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve in Falmouth: Hike the Quashnet River Trail through the woods along the Quashnet River for an easy 2.5 miles along moderate to easy terrain with some hills. The visitor center and bathrooms remain closed. Download a trail map by visiting the park website.  

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Myles Standish State Forest in South Carver: Hike the East Head Reservoir Trail which begins across the foot bridge from the headquarters parking lot. Total route length is 2.75 miles. The hike is easy with little elevation change. Porta-johns are available at the headquarters. Download a trail map by visiting the park website.

Blue Hills State Reservation in Milton: Choose your easy, moderate or strenuous hike. All hikes begin at Houghton’s Pond main parking lot at 840 Hillside Street in Milton. Parking is limited and reaches capacity quickly. The visitor center remains closed and porta-johns are available. Download a trail map for information on color coded trails by visiting the park website.

To find a full list of DCR managed state parks, please visit the agency’s website

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Image by Radosław Cieśla from Pixabay