100,000 Approximate number of people visiting the park each year. In 1655 he deeded the land we now call Hingham so that others could enjoy the land as he did. Still some stuff there, but you can see that they are systematically taking it all down. Turn right on the rail trail and take the next trail to the left into the woods. During WWII and the Korean War, it served as an ammunitions depot for the U.S. military. 2000 ft. Map by Lars Ahlzen / FOW Data from OSM , MassGIS and USGS . Blue Spring was commercially bottled. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Before that can happen, another restricted area no longer in federal hands must be restored to public use. Typically, the Mt. Many never returned. 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 was reactivated for the Korean conflict and once again went into full military operation. Habitats include semiconserved oak-conifer transitional forest, hemlock groves, ponds, palustrine wooded swamps and early successional shrubland. In winter, the trails are perfect for cross . hi guys ive been to the wampatuck resivation and there were many explorable bunkers and sites to check out 10 years ago. We've since visited many, MANY other state parks in various states and can say with certainty that Wompatuck is a winner. Pin. alot of lead experements, and at one time a piece of the manhatten project was worked on there. Outside the parktrail/gate entrances -Rt3A Cohasset Rail Station toWhitney Spur trail, and Doane St, Cohasset gate. Accord Brook is the main waterway through Wompatuck Park. Other recommended hikes: Use the Wompy Web Map and click on the sandwich bar on the top right corner. 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. Scattered throughout the property are over 100 decommissioned military bunkers, which were used to store ammunition. Water from Mt. If the risk to public health is higher, remediation could consist of removing contaminated soil or capping the ground. Our main concern is public safety, he said. 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! 43 reviews of Wompatuck State Park "Wompatuck State Park is a huge (something like 4000 acre?) Peter Pan Bus Lines also services this route once daily. Explosives such as TNT-loaded depth charges, bombs, fuses, projectiles, and . 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. iam gointo do do some traveling there soon, because its been so long and the last time i was there i . For more Wompatuck history check out our newsletters. 1665 Chief Josiah Wompatuck deeded the land to settlers. I prefer the dirt, but the occasional walk along the pavement was also welcoming. Each varies in length from 1 mile to 25 miles. I thought i heard they dont do tours but who the hell knows. A rail spur, the Whitney Spur, once connected the Ammunition Depot to the Old Colony Railroads Greenbush Line. In 1986 the Park acquired an additional 600 acres from the government. 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 is located south of Boston in a small town called Hingham. You can also join our Abandoned States of America Facebook group and share any of the photos you have. 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. 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 section of the park, and many of the waterways elsewhere in the park, drain to the Aaron River, which flows northeast to the Aaron River Reservoir. This park is also the site of a glacial erratic, the Burbank Boulder. Many are intended for mountain bikes, but are also ideal for hiking. That could range from a minimal cost to hundreds of thousands of dollars, she said. In addition to being a popular camping location, Wompatuck is a favorite among hikers, bicyclists, kayakers, and those who like to fish. On the north, Whitney and Thayer Woods and Town land in Cohasset form the boundary. Monday: 1:00-5:00pm It turns east into the park and flows north into and beyond Triphammer Pond and into the Weir River. Since then, 725 acres have been added. We will use this information to improve this page. In 1655, Chief Josiah Wompatuck, leader of the tribe, deeded the land, we now call Hingham and Cohasset, to the settlers from England. During World War II the Depot was the main ammunition supply for the North Atlantic naval forces. It should be open. Please do not include personal or contact information. It stretches into four towns Hingham, Cohasset, Scituate and Norwell. The farmers used the fields to graze their horses, sheep, and oxen. 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. This map is centered on the presently in-use state park camping area. 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 Grove Street, Norwell Mt. These natives grew crops, foraged, hunted, and fished in the Assinippi and North River areas. The tall trees were used for masts and stone walls were built to denote survey and boundary lines. Once on N11, turn right to stay on N11. 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. It is a wonderful place to spend a weekend exploring. Inicio; Servicios. Close to the Norwell entrance to the park is the highest point in Hingham: Prospect Hill. What a treat!! Scoop the poop! The Annex was connected to the Ammunition Depot on the Back River, at what is now Bare Cove Park by railroad. 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. Here you can locate several hikes that will also provide a GPS navigator. 19ms. Jim R., the FOW historian After leaving Uber amid scandals in 2017, Kalanick sailed around Tahiti in a $70 million Most buildings have had their roofs and windows removed and are open to the elements. It has stands of White Atlantic cedar, American holly, chestnut oak, shag bark hickory, mountain laurel, pink dogwood, white pine, American Beech, and hemlock, some estimated to be 175 years old. Scattered throughout the property are over 100 decommissioned military bunkers, which were used to store ammunition. In the west, Prospect street in Norwell and residential property east of Prospect, Charles, Lazell and Free Streets; Triphammer Woods and Triphammer Pond Conservation Land; and a mix of residential and conservation land north of Triphammer Pond, in Hingham and Cohasset form the boundary. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. A large bunker with a loading dock off Union Street, known as N-9, was recently restored by three Eagle Scouts to preserve a piece of munitions history. Below the dam, the river continues to flow through Cohasset. Much of the park is undeveloped and is heavily wooded. Blue Spring is open seasonally, featuring water drawn directly from a natural aquifer. The easiest way to access union street is to exit off of MA-228 onto Middle Street, which turns into Union Street. the pictures up here are amazing, but they dont do the place justice. A third watershed in Wompatuck is Brass Kettle Brook which flows from the base of Turkey Hill to the east along the north border of Wompatuck to Lilly Pond and on to Bound Brook. In the 1700s, early settlers and ship captains held title to the area, but the land was never extensively developed. The 1.5-mile Whitney Spur Rail Trail now connects the Cohasset MBTA station to Wompatuck State Park. 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. Originating at Accord Pond it flows along the southwest boundary of the park near Prospect Street north to South Pleasant St. You will receive your first email soon. It consists of 3, 526 acres and is surrounded by other conservation areas creating a beautiful area in which one can find solitude and quietness. you will need a lock pick or cutter to get in but thats doable. The park itself opened in 1969. Most hotels are fully refundable. To get there, follow the trail from Marker S32 to S33 to S 34, and then onward to S3 and S4. Wompatuck State Park welcomes everyone. embed Pump Track trail on your website; By Hornblower7 . Blue Spring was commercially bottled. Wompatuck State Park is located south of Boston in a small town called Hingham. Now a federal project to clean up the burning grounds at Wompatuck is expected to conclude a decades-long effort by the Army Corps of Engineers to resolve all the parks contamination issues dating to its history as an ammunition storage and weapons development site. Please let us know how we can improve this page. Fish commonly found in the 136-acre Aaron River Reservoir include bass, pickerel, sunfish, and perch. If youre looking for a smooth ride, check out the paved Whitney Spur Rail Trail. click for Fullsize. i did not see this 0.0 any chance u can pm me a location? I was able to follow the roads to the other area where there are more buildings. Land and water creatures abound in the park. Some motor pool and factory buildings remain north-north-east but the asbestos abatement has reduced them to mere hulks. Turkey Hill is north of the park in Cohasset. theres a path up to it, this place is well worth the trip. Union Street, the main road through the park, begins in Hingham and extends south, all the way through the park, becoming Mount Blue Street as it enters Norwell. Robert Knox can be reached at rc.knox2@gmail.com. You will have access to toilets and showers at the campground. Larson added that a bear sighting wasn't a public safety threat. Whether youre bringing a tent, R.V., or trailer, you'll find plenty of space to enjoy the outdoors. kinda freaky out there when you're on your own. The Wompatuck State Park Big Loop Trail is 10.3 miles and rated as moderate with an overall elevation gain of 544 feet. The hiking trails at Ames Nowell State Park are plentiful. it may still hold areas of intrest to the bunkergang. In the 1700s early settlers and ship captains held title to the area, but the land was never extensively developed. While those sites have been judged safe for peacetime uses, the parks burning grounds still feel the fires of war. Approximately 100,000 people visit the park each year. There are several old military buildings on the property, as well as an extensive network of abandoned railroad tracks. During the 1800s, the land was used by the local residents. 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. Be on the lookout for a dirt path that goes downhill on the left-hand side. Directions This land that we call Wompatuck State Park was originally the property of the Indian chief Josiah Wompatuck. Wompatuck State Park has six entrances. Wompatuck State Park Trail Map; Wompatuck State Park Trail Reports; Share. 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 . It remained in use until 1965, and served both World War II and the Korean Conflict. English settlers purchased the land from Wompatuck in 1655. . It was reactivated for the Korean conflict and once again went into full military operation. 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 road will take a deep turn to the left and the State Park will be on the right. Only 35 minutes from Boston, Wompatuck State Park is a gem that will make you forget that you are in Eastern Massachusetts. Reserve a campsite Download a trail map Recommended hikes and rides . 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. More about park features and permitted uses can be found at mass.gov/locations/wompatuck-state-park. Copyright 2011 Globe Newspaper Company. Thank you! 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'm sorry to point out that this is incorrect but not far off. Thus, there are no real designated loops outside of the 1-mile Heart Healthy Loop. Friday: 9:00am-5:00pm. Wompatuck State Park Grove Street Entrance (Norwell), Count Fish Online South River, Marshfield, Dumpster Maintenance and Waste Materials Checklist. The park is very popular with trailer campers: electric hookups, a dumping station, and potable water are all available. Blue Spring is open seasonally, featuring water drawn directly from a natural aquifer. Check out historicaerials and you can see where soem bunkers were removed or flooded for the reservoir at the other end of the property. 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. anyways you go in through the main gate and then the first parking area on the left is the trailhead to the old buildings that are left.. you gotta jump a fence now, I was there last week and they fixed the opening that had been there since i started going there.. just follow the old roads to get around and theres also some nice old rail lines to follow. Some motor pool and factory buildings remain north-north-east but the asbestos abatement has reduced them to mere hulks. The land at Wompatuck State Park was commonly used by the Massachusett tribe, led by Chief Josiah Wompatuck. In 1969, Wompatuck State Park opened to the public. Explosives such as TNT loaded depth charges, bombs, fuses, projectiles, and cartridges were produced and stored along with the assembly of rocket motors. subject to the rules of our, THIS STORY HAS BEEN FORMATTED FOR EASY PRINTING, Report: Warrant Issued for Roggies Bar Owner, Boston Pops Concert Move Keeps the Beach Boys, Ditches Joey McIntyre, Lawmakers pass compounding pharmacy oversight bill, Follow this list on Twitter: @BostonPopular. View campsite map, availability, and reserve online with ReserveAmerica. Take a left and head towards NN12, Follow N12 which is a dirt trail until it merges with the Wompatuck Bikeway (You will cross one paved trail). The main entrance is located on Union Street in Hingham. The trail winds through the woods, passing rock outcroppings and loops back to the Whitney Spur Rail Trail at marker NN8. Fish commonly found in the 136-acre Aaron River Reservoir include bass, pickerel, sunfish, and perch. I was slightly irritated when I first looked at the state park trail map because I did not want to hike in an area where I would need to pull out my map so frequently. Never enough time. Such great history!!! During the 1800s, families maintained woodlots and grazing lands here, and the streams powered the Stockbridge Shingle Mill. In 1986 the Park acquired an additional 600 acres from the government. Since then, 725 acres have been added. Most of it was never developed or utilized until the 1800s when families began using the land to graze their farm animals and harvest woodlots. I'm an east coast girl living in a west coast world. When World War II ended, this area reverted to maintenance status only. 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. Compare 2,301 hotels, room rates, hotel reviews and availability. 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. The Visitor Center is accessible from the Union Street entrance. Its also great spot to begin a mountain bike ride through the park. If you have, please let us know if you saw the abandoned buildings. 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. US Topo Map. Some cool old bunkers (unfortunately some graffiti - seems like it is a trend around the area to tag historical stuff - such a shame) Date of experience: March 2020 Ask debbies556 about Wompatuck State Park Travel is my life and writing about it is a dream. Thanks for the info, we'll just have to add it to our ever growing list. The easiest and cheapest thing to do is to board up the asbestos-contaminated buildings and put up warning signs, Boles said. 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. This alternate and unofficial entrance to Wompatuck State Park is located on Prospect Street in Norwell, very close to the Hingham town line. Still some cool things to shoot, http://www.state.ma.us/dem/parks/womp.htm, Quote from: sewerRat21 on March 17, 2012, 12:47:00 PM, Quote from: Villain on March 17, 2012, 02:12:50 PM. Project manager Carol Ann Charette said that after munitions and diesel fuel were burned and disposed of, the residue was buried in spots that were then bulldozed, spreading some contaminants over an area of several acres. HINGHAM - Thirty-five years ago, visitors to Wompatuck State Park could still find open munitions storage bunkers and rusting barrels of toxic materials - remnants from a period when the military used the site to store ammunition and assemble explosives. The land was originally owned by Chief Joseph Wompatuck, thus the name. Find local businesses, view maps and get driving directions in Google Maps. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts took possession of the Annex, in 1966, and later turned the 3,500 acres (14 km 2) into the present day Wompatuck State Park. There are 12 miles of paved bike paths, plus off-road trails for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding and cross-country skiing. u have to see it to belive how big it is. 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 land was originally the property of Native American chief Josiah Wompatuck, who deeded the land to English settlers in 1655. . Love Massachusetts? 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. You will find Eastern White Pine, Hemlock, Maple, Oak, Cedar, Birch, and many more types of trees. 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. The route turns right, passing an open field on the left and continues past trail marker NN11 to the Leavitt Street entrance. The nice thing about this park is that there is an abundance of trail types from wide paved paths to dirt and rocky hiking trails to choose from. The path will connect to N11 again. Cleaning up contamination resulting from ammunition and fuel storage and disposal has been a long story for the park, Boles said. Distance. Samples from the grounds will determine whether excavation is required. Yes, dogs are allowed in Wompatuck State Park. While there is plenty of natural beauty to explore around the Bay State, there are also fascinating ruins to be found as well. The Aaron River is relatively close to this entrance. Many cement bunkers were constructed and the area became a huge ammunitions storage depot. 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. 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 joins with Brass Kettle Brook and eventually empties into the Gulf River in North Scituate. 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. Many of these roads go back to colonial times. Or you can just get in contact with the local Boy Scouts troop down there. The park has a large number of paved roads remaining from its use as a Naval Ammunition Depot. The U.S. Navy deactivated the Cohasset Annex and in 1963 the land was declared surplus by the Navy. Accord Brook, which originates in Accord Pond, flows north along the parks border, from the Hingham-Norwell town line to S. Pleasant Street. Land and water creatures abound in the park. Read more about camping at Wompatuck State Park. The state last estimated its bear population at between 4,000 and 4,500 - up from about 100 in the early 1970s. The Doane Street creates a direct connection between East Street in Hingham and the Beechwood area in Hinghams second parish (Cohasset). For this hike, you will also go outside the park to Triphammer Pond and Whitney & Thayer Woods. On January 1, 2004, a 125 acre parcel off of Leavitt Street was added to the park. The Gulf River flows into the ocean at Cohasset Harbor. Other water features include: Mount Blue Spring, a source of potable spring water, and Woodpecker, Wildcat, and Heron ponds. Explosives such as TNT-loaded depth charges, bombs, fuses, projectiles, and cartridges were produced and stored here. hi guys ive been to the wampatuck resivation and there were many explorable bunkers and sites to check out 10 years ago. 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. On the east Brass Kettle Conservation Area and residential land west of Doane and Church Streets in Cohasset and west of Summer Street and north of Clapp Road in Scituate form the boundary. If you are lucky, you may see a deer or fox. In the 1700s, early settlers and ship captains held title to the area, but the land was never extensively developed. Stay On paved path until it intersects with another paved path. The park features numerous seasonal campsites, plus fishing and non-motorized boating on the Aaron River Reservoir. Access to the Boston public rail system was convenient and provided access to many parts of the Boston area. 451 trails on an interactive map of the trail network. One would hope this [the project] is coming to the end of a very long process, Boles said. A risk assessment will determine how much remediation is needed. A boat ramp allows access to Aaron River Reservoir for non-motorized boating. All trails in this park are wonderful and varied. Wil je graag in de buurt van Accord verblijven? 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. Below the dam, the river continues to flow on to Lilly (formerly Scituate) Pond. 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. The Little-Known Beach In Massachusetts You Can Only Reach By Hiking This 2-Mile Trail, This Secluded Cave In Massachusetts Is So Worthy Of An Adventure, The Easy And Enchanting Hike Everyone In Massachusetts Should Take This Winter, The East Head Pond Trail In Massachusetts Completely Transforms In The Winter Months, This Trail Leading To A Large Canyon Is Often Called The Grand Canyon Of Massachusetts, The One-Of-A-Kind Trail In Massachusetts With Arched Bridges And A River Is Quite The Hike, Theres A Glowing Pumpkin Trail Coming To Massachusetts And Itll Make Your Fall Magical, A Mysterious Woodland Trail In Massachusetts Will Take You To The Original Eyrie House Ruins, Abandoned States of America Facebook group. hiking trails of abington. The park itself opened in 1969. Wednesday: 9:00am-5:00pm it is quite spread out and goes on for miles. a recent history walk sponsored by FOW, Looking at a 1950s map of Wompatuck next to an old military bunker. People should be using it.. You can come from Boston on the train and use the trail - until you get to the border of Wompatuck and theres a big fence, Boles said. The Wompy map also provides information about areas to visit within the park and highlights several of the mountain bike trails. Scattered throughout the property are over 100 decommissioned military bunkers, which were used to store ammunition. I can comment on the 10+ miles of paved bicycle trails- gorgeous! Sounds a bit more legal than bolt cutters. Because there are 40 miles of trails on 3500 acres, there are many intersections. Campsite fee is $17/night for Mass . 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. 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. Land and water creatures abound in the park. You can also download the Wompy map onto your phone which provides a GPS locator and map. Throughout the park, you will encounter a lake, a cave, forests, and breathtaking views. 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. Difficulty (Grade/Surface): Easy, Moderate Many of these bunkers have been backfilled, but some remain exposed. Dogs: Dogs must remain on leash. In 1966 the Commonwealth of Massachusetts took possession of the Cohasset Annex property. Every winter, the sailing vessel Noorderlicht is intentionally frozen into Tempelfjorden. There are water spigots throughout the campground. cache 6h 0m In 1986 the Park acquired an additional 600 acres from the government. There are 12 miles of paved biking trails in the park, and many more miles . You can find it in a shed with an adjacent parking area, on Union Street in the park, between markers E14 and E1, not far from the Transfer Station area. 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. It is fairly quiet with a significant amount of trails to explore.