Sorry, we The sites concrete munitions storage bunkers, some designed with loading docks, were filled and closed by the Corps. This vast expanse of woods was named for its prior owner, Josiah Wompatuck, who was chief of the Mattakeessett and grandson of Chief Chickatawbut. During World War II the Depot was the main ammunition supply for the North Atlantic naval forces. The state last estimated its bear population at between 4,000 and 4,500 - up from about 100 in the early 1970s. Scoop the poop! Prospect Hill, near the southwest corner of the park, is the highest point in Hingham at 240 above sea level. You can read more abut camping at Wompatuck State Park here. While we remain anxious to restore full use of that land, we want to continue to work with the Army Corps to ensure an environment that is safe to the public, said Reginald Zimmerman, a spokesman for the states Department of Conservation and Recreation, which manages the park. Close to the Norwell entrance to the park is the highest point in Hingham: Prospect Hill. Monday: 1:00-5:00pm However, a gate blocked access from the trail to the northwest section of the park, which still had several dangerous abandoned buildings. Offering an over 250 site campground, 12 miles of non-motorized roads and 40 miles of forest trails, the park is a great place to get into nature. Robert Knox can be reached at rc.knox2@gmail.com. I did not make it far into the other area, for I believe that I saw some people out there and it was only a few days ago that it was confirmed that homeless people had been living there. Find local businesses, view maps and get driving directions in Google Maps. What a treat! Love Massachusetts? Many of the bunkers which were used to store ammunition have been filled in, but some remain open and can be explored. There are water spigots throughout the campground. Since then, 725 acres have been added. Check out historicaerials and you can see where soem bunkers were removed or flooded for the reservoir at the other end of the property. Weather at the park is on the cool side - average temperatures can get down into the 20s in the . Park at the lot across from the visitor center. There is a rail spur track at each of the sites linked to the Greenbush Line. Blue Spring was commercially bottled. Much of the park is undeveloped and is heavily wooded. Encompassing 3,500 acres (1540 in Hingham), this heavily wooded park is one of the towns greatest conservation assets. Take the Orange line to State Street, exit at the Old State House, follow the Freedom Trail to Faneuil Hall. Some motor pool and factory buildings remain north-north-east but the asbestos abatement has reduced them to mere hulks. Below the dam, the river continues to flow on to Lilly (formerly Scituate) Pond. That could range from a minimal cost to hundreds of thousands of dollars, she said. A hike here is as spooky as it is fascinating. This park is said to contain approximately 600 acres. The brook continues north to Triphammer Pond and ultimately flows into the Weir River. It contains over 100 decommissioned military bunkers, many of which have been backfilled, but some of which remain exposed, including one which housed parts of the Navy's first nuclear depth charge in the 1950s. Email: info@nsrwa.org, Public Office Hours: Here's a map of the entire state park grounds. Today the parks munitions storage history survives in events such as the Landmine Classic bike race, which passes through an area once thought to have the explosive devices. 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. Fish commonly found in the 136-acre Aaron River Reservoir include bass, pickerel, sunfish, and perch. Many cement bunkers were constructed and the area became a huge ammunitions storage depot. Its also great spot to begin a mountain bike ride through the park. All sites have a picnic table, grill, and fire ring. This area was known as the Cohasset Annex. Wompatuck State Park mountain bike trail map. Distance. From route 3 take exit 35 heading north on route 228. Taking a trip out thursdayanyone want to join or give advice? 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. Your comment is Camping is open from mid-April until mid-October. Avoid riding on the trails in wet conditions. Wompatuck State Park is popular state park south of Boston and the trails are popular with a variety of user groups. There are numerous woodland trails within the park for hiking, dog-walking, horseback riding, cycling, and cross-country skiing. [4] The park is managed by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation[5] which protects forests of the northeastern coastal forests ecoregion.[6]. Wil je graag in de buurt van Accord verblijven? 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. The Wompatuck Trail, accessible from the Main entrance in Hingham, is ADA accessible. I jetted ASAP and will go back when I have someone else with me. + -. In 1941, the United States government established the Hingham Naval Ammunition Depot Annex (known by locals as the Cohasset Annex) on the site. Accord Brook is the main waterway through Wompatuck Park. Wildflowers and flowering shrubs also grow in abundance. Wompatuck State Park in Hingham, Massachusetts: 33 reviews, 24 photos, & 8 tips from fellow RVers. you will need a lock pick or cutter to get in but thats doable. The Wompatuck Trail is ADA accessible. Initially the rail spur was constructed in the 1940s to link the US Naval Ammunition Depot Annex ( Wompatuck State Park) to the Naval Ammunition Depot, which is now Bare Cove Park. It remained in use until 1965, and served both World War II and the Korean Conflict. Wompatuck State Park is located in Hingham, MA - just 35 minutes from downtown Boston. There are several old military buildings on the property, as well as an abandoned railroad. Land and water creatures abound in the park. Alternatively, MBTA operates a train from South Station to Nantasket Junction every 2 hours. I'm sorry to point out that this is incorrect but not far off. 3,526 acres, 262 wooded campsites, 12 miles of paved bicycle trails. I know I am dredging up an old post, but we just visited Wompatuck and had our camera with us. This left most of the land untouched until 1941. The state park was formerly a munitions depot during WWII. Dogs: Dogs must be leashed at all times. iam gointo do do some traveling there soon, because its been so long and the last time i was there i . The ammunition depot closed in 1965 allowing the State of Massachusetts to purchase the land. Check out these highly recommended hotels in Accord for 2023! 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. a recent history walk sponsored by FOW, Looking at a 1950s map of Wompatuck next to an old military bunker. Acquired by the state in 1967, the park offers some 40 miles of wooded mountain bike and hiking trails, 12 miles of paved bicycle trails, more than 250 campsites, and open water for boating and . Another option is to create your own hike. Dogs: Dogs must remain on leash. Wompatuck State Park, an unusual site in Hingham. 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. The U.S. Navy deactivated the Cohasset Annex and in 1963 the land was declared surplus by the Navy. The feedback will only be used for improving the website. Read Expedia's guide to find out everything you need to know about visiting South Shore Art Center! There are 12 miles of paved bike paths, plus off-road trails for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding and cross-country skiing. In the spring some of the trails can be muddy so be prepared. Explosives such as TNT-loaded depth charges, bombs, fuses, projectiles, and cartridges were produced and stored here. The sites are: Read the full Friends of Wompatuck Newsletter to learn more about Native American stonework in Eastern Massachusetts. In 1967 the Massachusetts Department of Natural Resources purchased the 3496 acres to convert it to a public park. Firewood must be purchased at the campground. Have you hiked or biked the loop at Wompatuck State Park? In 1969 the park opened for limited outdoor recreational use, and in 1973 it was dedicated as Wompatuck State Park. The episode led the 100-member Friends group to christen their annual bike race fund-raiser the Landmine Classic. The Burbank Boulder is located in the northeast area of the park near Whitney Thayer Woods. The newest (2022) access point to Wompatuck State Park! The caretakers / local authorities have seen fit to seal up or backfill much of what was at Wompatuck in the last few years, but it is still a good place to visit. Wompatuck State Park Trails is a 10.5 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located near Hingham, MA that features a lake and is rated as moderate. Due to the number of trails, a map is necessary to explore the park. Avoid parking directly in front of the gates.Noise level: You will hear a few cars in the distanceDogs: YesDay Hiking OnlyCamping: Designated campground with 260 sites; tent and RV; with and without electricity. Never enough time. The U.S. Navy deactivated the Cohasset Annex and in 1963 the land was declared surplus by the Navy. The trail offers a number of activity options and is. It was reactivated for the Korean conflict and once again went into full military operation. Waterbody/Watershed: Accord Brook (Weir River watershed) and Aaron Brook (Gulf River watershed), NSRWA Office The trail leads to a paved road, which is Leavitt Street, at marker NN12. Please limit your input to 500 characters. alot of lead experements, and at one time a piece of the manhatten project was worked on there. Wompatuck bunkers. Before that can happen, another restricted area no longer in federal hands must be restored to public use. Explore South Shore Art Center when you travel to Cohasset. Stay right on the path and follow the Pond edge. An official website of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Inside the park along Union St - afterpark entrance,Visitor Center area,Orchard Triangle,Transfer Station, Mt Blue Spring and MtBlue Stgate. During the 1800s, families maintained woodlots to heat their homes. Other access points include: Main Entrance, Hingham Leavitt Street Entrance, Hingham Triphammer Pond Conservation Area, Hingham Whitney Spur Rail Trail, Cohasset Whitney & Thayer Woods, Cohasset Doane Street Entrance, Cohasset Aaron River Reservoir and Dam, Cohasset Brass Kettle Conservation Area, Cohasset Prospect Street, Norwell Mt. During the 1800s, the land was used by the local residents. Home / Hiking / Wompatuck State Park Prospect Street/Norwell Entrance, https://www.mass.gov/locations/wompatuck-state-park. click for Fullsize. . Find cheap hotels near Verizon Authorized Retailer - GoWireless in Plymouth County with real guest reviews and ratings. This rock, a remnant of the glacial period, balances itself at three points equally distant from each other. For mountain bikers, the park is home to one of the longest sections of switchbacked singletrack in the state. 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. old post . The nearly 3,600-acre park contains more than 110 now-filled storage bunkers, including - according to the sites historians - one that housed parts of the Navys first nuclear depth charge. Wompatuck State Park is one of the closest campgrounds to Boston, where you can find a weekend getaway and get back to nature without having to travel too far. Jim R., the FOW historian Reply #3 on: April 29, 2004, 02:54:39 PM . Other Hingham entrances . They're the ones who restored it and give tours, from what Ive heard. During WWII and the Korean War, it served as an ammunitions depot for the U.S. military. Wildflowers and flowering shrubs also grow in abundance. Explosives such as TNT-loaded depth charges, bombs, fuses, projectiles, and cartridges were produced and stored here. Home / Hiking / Wompatuck State Park Grove Street Entrance (Norwell), https://www.mass.gov/locations/wompatuck-state-park. Scattered throughout Wompatuck State Park are remnants of bunkers, railroad tracks, fences, and light posts. 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. A rail spur, the Whitney Spur, once connected the Ammunition Depot to the Old Colony Railroads Greenbush Line. The park has over 400 campsites and is a great place for hiking, biking, and fishing. If you get to the small brook, then you have gone too far. The area of the Leavitt Street entrance is characterized by Leavitt Street and the Whitney Spur Rail Trail. On the north, Whitney and Thayer Woods and Town land in Cohasset form the boundary. It joins with Brass Kettle Brook and eventually empties into the Gulf River in North Scituate. Read more. PO Box 43 The Gulf River flows into the ocean at Cohasset Harbor. Throughout Wompatuck State Park are remnants of the ammunition depot such as bunkers, railroad tracks, old fire hydrants, and many other fixtures. white dog with black eye patch names; southside legend strain certified; birmingham legion fc players salary. This alternate and unofficial entrance to Wompatuck State Park is located on Prospect Street in Norwell, very close to the Hingham town line. Chief Wompatuck sold the land to settlers in 1655 who went on to use it to harvest timber needed for shipbuilding. Blue . If you want to see the exterior on Bunker N-9 continue of the drivable road about a quarter mile past the visitor center and on the right is the restored bunker a little off the street. If you love abandoned places, you can read about Dogtown, a ghost town-turned-park in Gloucester, Massachusetts. There are 12 miles of paved biking trails in the park, and many more miles . Wompatuck State Park comprises 3,000 acres of eastern transitional forest and various other habitats. . The land at Wompatuck State Park originally belonged to Wampanoag chief Josiah Wompatuck. Most buildings have had their roofs and windows removed and are open to the elements. 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. Whether youre bringing a tent, R.V., or trailer, you'll find plenty of space to enjoy the outdoors. See 1067 Places to Stay Near The Old Ordinary, MA | Quickly compare The Old Ordinary hotels, rentals, and more. There are over 250 bird species in the park, including: blue jay, great blue heron, gosshawk, red tail hawk, woodcock, yellow warbler, ruffed grouse, and quail. There are 12 miles of paved bike paths, plus off-road trails for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding and cross-country skiing. If you need assistance, please Learn About DCR| Mass.gov. The park features numerous seasonal campsites, plus fishing and non-motorized boating on the Aaron River Reservoir. In 1986 the Park acquired an additional 600 acres from the government. Many of these bunkers have been backfilled, but some remain exposed. US Topo Map. Most hotels are fully refundable. hookup & dumping. There are many rocky outcroppings and glacial erratic boulders throughout the park. The water is tested frequently for safety. The road loops past 2 trails on the right and another building foundation at trail marker NN10. Blue Street, Norwell. I thought i heard they dont do tours but who the hell knows. But if you wandered off the trail, you might have a blast of another kind.. 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. [7] Several old military buildings can be found on park property as well as an extensive network of abandoned railroad. The easiest way to access union street is to exit off of MA-228 onto Middle Street, which turns into Union Street. Other recommended hikes: Use the Wompy Web Map and click on the sandwich bar on the top right corner. Wompatuck State Park welcomes everyone. A .mass.gov website belongs to an official government organization in Massachusetts. Not all maps have been updated to include this entrance. In 1986 the Park acquired an additional 600 acres from the government. It is a wonderful place to spend a weekend exploring. 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. i did not see this 0.0 any chance u can pm me a location? - Trail Map (PDF) - Recommended Spring '22 Hikes (PDF) Season: Camping Season is mid-May through mid-October. Wompatuck State Park spans 3,526 acres of forest, streams and ponds. Book Plymouth County Weir River Farm hotels and get the lowest price guranteed by Trip.com! Recommended Trail Activities: Running, Walking, Hiking, Trail Biking In addition to being open to the public for . Follow the red and yellow trail until the yellow trail takes a sharp left- take that, Follow the yellow trail until the blue trail intersects on the left, The blue trail will break off into a side trail on the left- follow this to Bigelow Boulder, At Bigelow Boulder there will be a 5-way intersection- continue on the trail closest to the blue but on your right side (not the blue trail), Continue this trail through the yellow/blue intersection and through the yellow intersection, It will lead to Rooster Rock and Odens Den, Follow the trail until it intersects with the yellow trail then take a left at the yellow trail, You will follow this until you get to NS7 and back into Wompatuck State Park, Take NS9 to Burbank Boulder then bear left to continue onto trail NS3, Follow the reservoir edge in a counterclockwise direction, The trail will lead to a paved trail take right onto paved trail, Park in the parking lot across the road from the Visitor Center. Length: 3.9 mi Est. Excerpts taken from the composition created by Eagle Scout, Adam IgnatiusCarll, 1997. Look for the entrance diagonally across the street from the Hornstra Farm sign on Grove Street. Many of these roads go back to colonial times. The 1.4 mile route begins at the entrance at the end of Leavitt Street and loops around the northwest corner of Wompatuck park, an area that abuts the Whitney Spur Rail Trail. Follow the paved trail to NN7 into Whitney and Thayer Woods. Compare 2,301 hotels, room rates, hotel reviews and availability. In 1966 the Commonwealth of Massachusetts took possession of the Cohasset Annex property. View Location View Map. Via Car Use the address of Faneuil Hall as a guide for GPS directions: 1 Faneuil Hall Square, Boston, MA 02109. DCR maintains the former Navy ammunition depot annex where old bunkers and the remains of an extensive railroad are still evident. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the official website. If you are lucky, you may see a deer or fox. There are still descendants of these original inhabitants living on the South Shore today, and they are known as theMattakeesett Tribe of the Massachusett Indian Nation, theMassachusett Tribe at Ponkapoag, andMashpee Wompanoag Tribe. Norwell MA 02061, Phone: 781.659.8168 This map is centered on the presently in-use state park camping area. 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. | Blue Street, Norwell. In addition to being a popular camping location, Wompatuck is a favorite among hikers, bicyclists, kayakers, and those who like to fish. In 2003, the DCR sold the land for the Cohasset commuter rail station and parking lot to the MBTA, in exchange for the construction of a rail trail on the former rail spur. Difficulty (Grade/Surface): Easy, Moderate Campers may choose from an extensive array of trails for biking, hiking, horseback riding, and ski touring. Camping at Wompatuck State Park is $17/night for Massachusetts residents and $54/night for non-residents. 43 reviews of Wompatuck State Park "Wompatuck State Park is a huge (something like 4000 acre?) Campsite fee is $17/night for Mass . Wompatuck State Park is built upon land that once belonged to a former ammunition depot and several abandoned buildings remain on the property today. Conservation and recreation officials, however, said the deteriorating military buildings pose significant safety concerns to the public. In the 1700s, early settlers and ship captains held title to the area, but the land was never extensively developed. Monday: 1:00-5:00pm Wompatuck is quickly becoming recognized as an . The last military activity at the Annex took place when the U.S. Army Reserve 187th Infantry Brigade was stationed at United States Army Reserve Center Hingham from 1971 to 1982. According to the parks historians, the Navy also tested missile parts there in the early years of the Cold War and experimented with rocket fuels. giving a history tour of Wompy, Walking though the park during it is quite spread out and goes on for miles. Much of the park is undeveloped and is heavily wooded. In addition, Accord Brook flows northward along the western edge of the park (including the section abutting Prospect Street), eventually into Triphammer Pond. Remnants of buildings can often be found clustered near abandoned rail spurs. 43 reviews of Wompatuck State Park "Wompatuck State Park is a huge (something like 4000 acre?) Wompatuck State Park spans 3,526 acres of forest, streams and ponds. Tweet. Tickets cost $6 - $11 and the journey takes 30 min. Once on N11, turn right to stay on N11. It is a place that transports you away from the stresses of life and allows you to just be. Turkey Hill is north of the park in Cohasset. The tall trees were used for masts and stone walls were built to denote survey and boundary lines. Begun three years ago, the project to study and propose solutions for the contaminated area, about one to two acres, where the military disposed of old munitions and weapons materials during and after World War II, raises hope that all of the parkland property acquired by the state more than 40 years ago will finally be open to the public. The Mount Blue Spring is currently closed. Directions Blue Spring is open seasonally, featuring water drawn directly from a natural aquifer. Wompatuck State Park Trail Map; Wompatuck State Park Trail Reports; Share. Circa 1617, there was a major outbreak of disease from European settlers that decimated an estimated 90% of the native population in New England, including the Massachusett and Wampanoag tribes that inhabited this area. If the risk to public health is higher, remediation could consist of removing contaminated soil or capping the ground. Reserve a campsite Download a trail map Recommended hikes and rides . Entering from the Leavitt Street cul-de-sac the route goes straight past trail marker NN3 uphill to marker NN11 and turns left. 19ms. Most remaining buildings have had their roofs and windows removed and are open to the elements. Scattered throughout the property are over 100 decommissioned military bunkers, which were used to store ammunition. it is a wonderful place . The route turns right on the rail trail and left onto a road with an open area on the right after the turn. 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. Being adjacent to the rail access point to the Ammunition Depot Annex, the area features remnants to many depot structures and abandoned railroad tracks fanning out from the spur track. Norwell MA 02061, Phone: 781.659.8168 Take a right on Free St. at the lights. Please do not include personal or contact information. Friday: 9:00am-5:00pm. Walking though the park during a recent history walk sponsored by FOW Looking at a 1950s map of Wompatuck next to an old military bunker . Wompatuck State Park Prospect Street/Norwell Entrance, Count Fish Online South River, Marshfield, Dumpster Maintenance and Waste Materials Checklist, Mattakeesett Tribe of the Massachusett Indian Nation. During the civil war, many of the men in the area left to serve in the war and never returned. According to the website, there's 262 campsites (140 w/ electricity) though I can't comment on the camping since I have yet to camp here. It is located within one mile of the ocean. Hingham, with its immaculately preserved homes from a bygone era lining Main Street, Central Street and the town center, seems worlds away from nuclear ammunition, bunkers and machine gun shells. The route turns right, passing an open field on the left and continues past trail marker NN11 to the Leavitt Street entrance. With over 40 miles of trails, some paved and some dirt foot trails, there is enough room to have a quiet moment alone at a cove along the Aaron River Reservoir on a busy Saturday in July. Visit Massachusetts State Parks Locations, Snowmobile Trails in State Parks Locations, Includes level, packed-surface campsite, pedestal grill, accessible picnic table. When the state restored the Greenbush line, local mitigation for building a new Cohasset station included constructing a rail trail from the station through the Whitney Thayer Woods to Wompatuck. 1h 18m. yea, i believe N-9 was made specifically to hold a certain anti-aircraft or anti-tank missile or something dont quote but something along those lines, RUR-5 ASROC, an anti-sub rocket. The spring was closed when we were there and we did not explore the park much. Compare 2,301 hotels, room rates, hotel reviews and availability. Continue straight through lights at route 53 continuing on route 228. embed Pump Track trail on your website; By Hornblower7 . [5] Upland game bird hunting is allowed in season in the South Field area. There are numerous woodland trails for hiking, dog-walking, horseback riding, cycling, and cross-country skiing. The route continues on the road straight past NN10 and turns right onto a dirt trail. 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. Explosives such as TNT-loaded depth charges, bombs, fuses . Wompatuck State Park is a fantastic place to take kids bike riding. Several routes around the area lead to the park, but the main entrance is located on Union Street. The rail spur entered the ammunition depot at its northern boundary near Leavitt Street and served military warehouses, a cluster of which were in the area of the spur and Leavitt Street. The railroad tracks fan out throughout the property from what is now known as the Whitney Spur Rail Trail at the northwest corner of the park. 1665 Chief Josiah Wompatuck deeded the land to settlers. Much of the park is undeveloped and is heavily wooded.