Read more. 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. 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. English settlers purchased the land from Wompatuck in 1655. There is one campground at Wompatuck State park with 260 sites. Find Wompatuck State Park camping, campsites, cabins, and other lodging options. Season: Any time between late spring and late fall. Thus, there are no real designated loops outside of the 1-mile Heart Healthy Loop. Mount Hope is in the southeast corner of the park, north of Mount Blue, which is south of the park in Norwell. The state last estimated its bear population at between 4,000 and 4,500 - up from about 100 in the early 1970s. Wompatuck State Park spans 3,526 acres of forest, streams and ponds. 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 . yes it was declared a superfund site, and their 2 reasons why. Close to the Norwell entrance to the park is the highest point in Hingham: Prospect Hill. Informational kiosk, bench. However, a gate blocked access from the trail to the northwest section of the park, which still had several dangerous abandoned buildings. Wompatuck State Park comprises 3,000 acres of eastern transitional forest and various other habitats. The road will take a deep turn to the left and the State Park will be on the right. 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. You can also join our Abandoned States of America Facebook group and share any of the photos you have. (Until 1775 when Cohasset was established as a separate town, it was part of Hingham.) Among the most common are swamp azalea, solomons seal, white geranium, ladies slipper, and sheep laurel. This map is centered on the presently in-use state park camping area. The Aaron River is relatively close to this entrance. You can also download the Wompy map onto your phone which provides a GPS locator and map. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Larson added that a bear sighting wasn't a public safety threat. It should be open. [10] The northwest section opened in November 2014 and the gate was removed. (214 South Street) Monday: 1:00-5:00pm Wildflowers and flowering shrubs also grow in abundance. Facilities available at the Main Entrance include the Visitors Center, 400 campsites, boat ramp, paved bike paths, picnic areas, restrooms & showers, Trailer/R.V. From what I could see through the door it might be two rooms? To get there, follow the trail from Marker S32 to S33 to S 34, and then onward to S3 and S4. The road continues to the right past another foundation and follows a trail to the right. 781-447-7223 | 242 Bedford St. Whitman MA 02382. . 110+ underground bunkers stored munitions. Look for the entrance diagonally across the street from the Hornstra Farm sign on Grove Street. Constant cracks and creeaks and I was on foot. kinda freaky out there when you're on your own. The park site served as the Cohasset Annex until 1962. With so many trails, a map is definitely needed to navigate. During World War II the Depot was the main ammunition supply for the North Atlantic naval forces. In the 1700s early settlers and ship captains held title to the area, but the land was never extensively developed. The state park's well-equipped campgrounds feature hundreds of campsites. REGIONAL TOURISM COUNCILS GREATER BOSTON CONVENTION VISITORS BUREAU 1 888-733-2678 wwwBostonUSAcom NORTH OF BOSTON CONVENTION VISITORS BUREAU 2 978-465-6555 northofbostonorg In their absence, the land was not utilized and the forest started to reclaim it. 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. On the south residential property north of Mount Hope Street west of Mount Blue Street and north of Grove Street in Norwell form the boundary. brought back to life again :P, last time i was there biking most of them were sealed but i found about three way out of the way ones that were opend to pansy to go inside (i was by my self), Here's whats left (and theres not much) of the old Hingham Naval Ammunition Depot Annex located in Wompatuck State Park. Many never returned. THERE IS A $4.50 NON-REFUNDABLE TRANSACTION CHARGE FOR EACH RESERVATION MADE. The trail winds through the woods, passing rock outcroppings and loops back to the Whitney Spur Rail Trail at marker NN8. park that's mostly in hingham, but jets out into parts of Norwell and Cohasset. The park features numerous seasonal campsites, plus fishing and non-motorized boating on the Aaron River Reservoir. Many of these bunkers have been backfilled, but some remain exposed. Take the Green line to Haymarket and walk south toward Faneuil Hall. It turns east into the park and flows north into and beyond Triphammer Pond and into the Weir River. This park is the site of the Burbank Boulder. Reply #3 on: April 29, 2004, 02:54:39 PM . Whether youre bringing a tent, R.V., or trailer, you'll find plenty of space to enjoy the outdoors. 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. Until 1775 Cohasset was part of Hingham, referred to as the second parish. . Menu Back. The trail offers a number of activity options and is. Don't worry, if you die.We'll make it. Explosives such as TNT-loaded depth charges, bombs, fuses . A few other pics from the Annex from this spring. Land was acquired from private homeowners for the purpose of expanding the Hingham Naval Ammunition Depot nearby. Wompatuck State Park in Hingham, Massachusetts: 33 reviews, 24 photos, & 8 tips from fellow RVers. 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. 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. 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. The Visitor Center is accessible from the Union Street entrance. Much of the park is undeveloped and is heavily wooded. Camping at Wompatuck State Park is $17/night for Massachusetts residents and $54/night for non-residents. If you get to the small brook, then you have gone too far. 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. There are 12 miles of paved bike paths, plus off-road trails for hiking, dog walking, horseback riding and cross-country skiing. 2023 North & South Rivers Watershed Association. Among the most common are Swamp Azalea, Solomon's Seal, While Geranium, ladies slipper, and Sheep Laurel. [5] Upland game bird hunting is allowed in season in the South Field area. 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. When World War II ended, this area reverted to maintenance status only. There are 12 miles of paved bike paths, plus off-road trails for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding and cross-country skiing. Families maintained woodlots to heat their homes. The terrain of the park is extensively shaped by the glacial period. This all came to an end in 1962. The land at Wompatuck State Park was commonly used by the Massachusett tribe, led by Chief Josiah Wompatuck. Ancillary Activities: Horses (permission may be required), Birding, Hunting (permission may be required), Camping (permission may be required), Snowmobiles, Historic Sites. its amazing how nature takes back abandoned buildings and spaces in no time. 19ms. Wildflowers and flowering shrubs also grow in abundance. 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. Explosives such as TNT-loaded depth charges, bombs, fuses, projectiles, and cartridges were produced and stored here. Blue Spring, which has been in operation since the mid-19th century. Check out historicaerials and you can see where soem bunkers were removed or flooded for the reservoir at the other end of the property. 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. Ammo Dump remains in Wompatuck State Park. There are numerous woodland trails within the park for hiking, dog-walking, horseback riding, cycling, and cross-country skiing. In the spring some of the trails can be muddy so be prepared. Scattered throughout the property are over 100 decommissioned military bunkers, which were used to store ammunition. Wompatuck State Park Grove Street Entrance (Norwell), Count Fish Online South River, Marshfield, Dumpster Maintenance and Waste Materials Checklist. Trails in Wompatuck State Park consist of wide non-motorized paved roads, paved bike paths, and dirt foot trails. 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. Its also great spot to begin a mountain bike ride through the park. Firewood must be purchased at the campground. 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. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the official website. When World War II ended, this area reverted to maintenance status only. Read Expedia's guide to find out everything you need to know about visiting South Shore Art Center! Blue Spring was commercially bottled. 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. It joins with Brass Kettle Brook and eventually empties into the Gulf River in North Scituate. Follow the paved trail to NN7 into Whitney and Thayer Woods. I can comment on the 10+ miles of paved bicycle trails- gorgeous! South Pleasant Street runs east from Main Street in Hingham to Union Street in Wompatuck State Park. Soon after it exits the pond, it flows into the Weir River. Historic site. Tweet. Wompatuck State Park Trail Map; Wompatuck State Park Trail Reports; Share. In 1967 the Massachusetts Department of Natural Resources purchased the 3496 acres to convert it to a public park. The park falls inside the area bound by land in Hingham and Norwell in the west, Hingham and Cohasset in the north, Cohasset and Scituate in the east and Norwell in the south. For some off-road fun, explore the many single-track trails through the woods. Fax: 781.659.7915 In 1966 the Commonwealth of Massachusetts took possession of the Cohasset Annex property. In 1969 the park opened for limited outdoor recreational use, and in 1973 it was dedicated as Wompatuck State Park. Explosives such as TNT loaded depth charges, bombs, fuses, projectiles, and cartridges were produced and stored along with the assembly of rocket motors. To use the map, click the drop down menu in the upper right corner of the map: The Wompatuck State Park Big Loop Trail is 10.3 miles and rated as moderate with an overall elevation gain of 544 feet. While those sites have been judged safe for peacetime uses, the parks burning grounds still feel the fires of war. Rich in history, this land was originally the property of Indian chief Josiah Wompatuck who deeded the land to English Settlers in 1665. Via Car Use the address of Faneuil Hall as a guide for GPS directions: 1 Faneuil Hall Square, Boston, MA 02109. In 1966 the Commonwealth of Massachusetts took possession of the Cohasset Annex property. Overall Rating. Camping is open from mid-April until mid-October. 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 In 1655 he deeded the land we now call Hingham so that others . The Mount Blue Spring is currently closed. This alternate and unofficial entrance to Wompatuck State Park is located on Prospect Street in Norwell, very close to the Hingham town line. A .mass.gov website belongs to an official government organization in Massachusetts. The sites concrete munitions storage bunkers, some designed with loading docks, were filled and closed by the Corps. A lock icon ( On January 1, 2004, a 125 acre parcel off of Leavitt Street was added to the park. Many are intended for mountain bikes, but are also ideal for hiking. This all came to an end in 1962. Blue . 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. 2000 ft. Map by Lars Ahlzen / FOW Data from OSM , MassGIS and USGS . Since then, 725 acres have been added. 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. 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. Your comment is The rest of the park contains a great many hiking trails. Federal engineers also discovered the land mine area of suspected unexploded ordnance buried near a bike trail, Boles said. The Wompatuck Trail is ADA accessible. In 1967 the Massachusetts Department of Natural Resources purchased the 3496 acres to convert it to a public park. Blue Spring is open seasonally, featuring water drawn directly from a natural aquifer. The park has over 400 campsites and is a great place for hiking, biking, and fishing. Thank you for your website feedback! There will be signs for Wompatuck State Park along the way. Waterbody/Watershed: Accord Brook (Weir River watershed) and Aaron Brook (Gulf River watershed), NSRWA Office There are still bunkers all over the property, but most are locked up. I jetted ASAP and will go back when I have someone else with me. There are 12 miles of paved biking trails in the park, and many more miles . 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. Turn right on the rail trail and take the next trail to the left into the woods. you will need a lock pick or cutter to get in but thats doable. For mountain bikers, the park is home to one of the longest section of switchbacked singletrack in the state. The Gulf River flows into the ocean at Cohasset Harbor. . In 1969 the park opened for limited outdoor recreational use, and in 1973 it was dedicated as Wompatuck State Park. If you have, please let us know if you saw the abandoned buildings. [4] The park is managed by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation[5] which protects forests of the northeastern coastal forests ecoregion.[6]. alot of lead experements, and at one time a piece of the manhatten project was worked on there. 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. 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. Each trail has a letter and number to help in navigating the trail system. Land and water creatures abound in the park. Get Directions . All trails in this park are wonderful and varied. 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. Take the red trail on the right and follow it until it becomes red and yellow. You feel as though you are deep within a forest with intermittent areas of meadows and ponds. PO Box 43 Is N-9 different than the other bunkers? 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. The area to the Northeast is completely destroyed except for a few smaller standing structures. The land at Wompatuck State Park originally belonged to Wampanoag chief Josiah Wompatuck. 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 . 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. US Topo Map. Not all maps have been updated to include this entrance. Reserve a campsite Download a trail map Recommended hikes and rides . Its helpful to know that the trail from the parking lot leads to marker S27. Norwell MA 02061, Phone: 781.659.8168 Approximately 100,000 people visit the park each year. In 1941, the United States government established the Hingham Naval Ammunition Depot Annex (known by locals as the Cohasset Annex). Many cement bunkers were constructed and the area became a huge munitions storage depot. 1h 18m. This map is centered on the presently in-use state park camping area. In 1969, Wompatuck State Park opened to the public. Recommended Trail Activities: Running, Walking, Hiking, Trail Biking