A 275-acre historic parkland encircling the 86-acre Hopedale Pond, laid out beginning in 1899 by landscape architect Warren H. Manning for the Draper Company's mill workers. Four-plus miles of trails wind past stone shelters and an old bathhouse. Swimming at the former Town Beach has been closed since 2001, but the pond stays busy with cartop canoes, kayaks, and bank fishing.
What to expect
Trails
4+ miles circling the pond; the Blue Trail loop alone runs about 3 miles. Easy on the Blue, Purple, and Yellow… · Packed dirt and gravel on the…
Dogs
Leashed dogs allowed, six-foot leash maximum, under the townwide leash law (Bylaw #207, Article I).
Hours
Dawn to dusk, daily.
Accessibility
The Blue, Purple, and Yellow trails are wide dirt and gravel roads open to strollers, mountain bikes, and winter cross-country skiing. The Red, Pink, Green, Brown, and Black trails are narrower hiking-only footpaths, not step-free.
Kayak
Allowed year-round, ice permitting
Fishing
Allowed year-round
Managed by
Town of Hopedale Park Commission
508-634-2203 · WebsiteWhat's here
On site
Picnic area
Grills at three fireplace locations across the Parklands.
Shelter
Three stone shelters (The Lookout, Fisherman's Island, Moroney's Grove); campfires there require a special permit.
Info kiosk
Trail markers and a trail map were added by an Eagle Scout project completed in March 2014.
Changing rooms
Historic bathhouse building at the pond. Whether restrooms inside are currently open to the public is not confirmed.
Common questions
Is Hopedale Pond and Parklands open today?
Hopedale Pond and Parklands is a public park in Hopedale, MA. Posted hours: Dawn to dusk, daily..
Can I swim in Hopedale Pond?
No, the Town Beach here closed to swimming in 2001 over low attendance and rising upkeep costs. Today the pond is used for cartop boating and fishing only.
Can I launch a kayak or canoe?
Yes, hand-carry or cartop only. Gas-powered boats aren't allowed on the pond.
Do I need a parking sticker?
No, Hopedale doesn't charge a sticker or permit for its parks.
Where do I park if the boat ramp spaces are taken?
Those spaces are drop-off only anyway, so plan to park along Hopedale Street from the start.
Where do I park at Hopedale Pond and Parklands?
Free lot (Free).
Are there trails at Hopedale Pond and Parklands?
Yes. 4+ miles circling the pond; the Blue Trail loop alone runs about 3 miles.. Easy on the Blue, Purple, and Yellow multi-use trails;… difficulty. Surface: Packed dirt and gravel on the vehicle-width trails;….
Is there an entry fee at Hopedale Pond and Parklands?
No, entry is free.
Can I bring my dog to Hopedale Pond and Parklands?
Leashed dogs allowed, six-foot leash maximum, under the townwide leash law (Bylaw #207, Article I).
Is Hopedale Pond and Parklands wheelchair accessible?
The Blue, Purple, and Yellow trails are wide dirt and gravel roads open to strollers, mountain bikes, and winter cross-country skiing. The Red, Pink, Green, Brown, and Black trails are narrower hiking-only footpaths, not step-free.
What rules should I know at Hopedale Pond and Parklands?
No gas-powered boat motors on the pond.