Historic site. u have to see it to belive how big it is. alba 53 hanover reservations While there is plenty of natural beauty to explore around the Bay State, there are also fascinating ruins to be found as well. But the conclusion of the burning grounds decontamination project will not by itself open the whole park to the public, the Friends say. Book hotels from Trip.com and get fantastic deals and exclusive discounts! There are many rocky outcroppings and glacial erratic boulders throughout the park. Stroller-friendly in some sections. This state park was previously owned by the Native American chief Josiah Wompatuck. This land that we call Wompatuck State Park was originally the property of the Indian chief Josiah Wompatuck. Travel is my life and writing about it is a dream. On the north, Whitney and Thayer Woods and Town land in Cohasset form the boundary. This alternate and unofficial entrance to Wompatuck State Park is located on Prospect Street in Norwell, very close to the Hingham town line. Wildflowers and flowering shrubs also grow in abundance. Land and water creatures abound in the park. More about park features and permitted uses can be found at mass.gov/locations/wompatuck-state-park. A section of railroad, the Whitney Spur, once connected the Ammunition Depot to the Old Colony Railroads Greenbush Line. 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. You will have access to toilets and showers at the campground. In 1967 the Massachusetts Department of Natural Resources purchased the 3496 acres to convert it to a public park. 781-447-7223 | 242 Bedford St. Whitman MA 02382. . anonymously (anonymous users cannot post links). In addition to being open to the public for . Please let us know how we can improve this page. This park is said to contain approximately 600 acres. Pump Track multi-use trail ; Overview; Photos (1) Videos (0) Reports (8) Comments (0) Ride Logs; Leaderboard; Stats; Jumps; 3D Tour; Add / Edit. Parking: Two informal roadside parking areas, each for 3-4 vehicles, on Prospect Street in Norwell, close to the Hingham town line. Wednesday: 9:00am-5:00pm This vast expanse of woods was named for its prior owner, Josiah Wompatuck, who was chief of the Mattakeessett and grandson of Chief Chickatawbut. The park's campground offers 262 campsites, 140 of which have electrical service. The park is very popular with trailer campers: electric hookups, a dumping station, and potable water are all available. . Many cement bunkers were constructed and the area became a huge ammunitions storage depot. The Annex was known by locals as the Cohasset Annex. Habitats include semiconserved oak-conifer transitional forest, hemlock groves, ponds, palustrine wooded swamps and early successional shrubland. Thus, there are no real designated loops outside of the 1-mile Heart Healthy Loop. Check out these highly recommended hotels in Accord for 2023! Before that can happen, another restricted area no longer in federal hands must be restored to public use. 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. Read more about camping at Wompatuck State Park. Site Summary: Site Summary: Wompatuck State Park Site Number: K003. Among the most common are swamp azalea, solomons seal, white geranium, ladies slipper, and sheep laurel. This entrance features a new ADA trail that connects via a boardwalk and a crushed stone pathway to established trails within the park. [7] Several old military buildings can be found on park property as well as an extensive network of abandoned railroad. 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. Many never returned. Wompatuck State Park is a state-owned, public recreation area of about 3,500 acres (1,400ha) 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. Here's a map of the entire state park grounds. 42.2063963191386-70.8453369140625 13 satellite. Parking: Close to the Norwell entrance to the park is the highest point in Hingham: Prospect Hill. Sounds a bit more legal than bolt cutters. 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. I'm an east coast girl living in a west coast world. I was able to locate all the areas that appear pn the satellite views. View campsite map, availability, and reserve online with ReserveAmerica. 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! Get Directions . 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. kinda freaky out there when you're on your own. The area to the Northeast is completely destroyed except for a few smaller standing structures. During World War II the Depot was the main ammunition supply for the North Atlantic naval forces. Wompatuck State Park is located south of Boston in a small town called Hingham. During the 1800s, families maintained woodlots to heat their homes. Menu Back. A rail spur known as the Whitney Spur formerly connected the Ammunition Depot to the Old Colony Railroad's Greenbush Line. 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. Stay right on the path and follow the Pond edge. Wompatuck is quickly becoming recognized as an . 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. Encompassing 3,500 acres (1540 in Hingham), this heavily wooded park is one of the towns greatest conservation assets. For mountain bikers, the park is home to one of the longest section of switchbacked singletrack in the state. 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. The land at Wompatuck State Park was commonly used by the Massachusett tribe, led by Chief Josiah Wompatuck. 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. There are several old military buildings on the property, as well as an extensive network of abandoned railroad tracks. Its also great spot to begin a mountain bike ride through the park. Many of these roads go back to colonial times. Wompatuck State Park (Hingham) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go Read Expedia's guide to find out everything you need to know about visiting South Shore Art Center! There is a rail spur track at each of the sites linked to the Greenbush Line. If the risk to public health is higher, remediation could consist of removing contaminated soil or capping the ground. The ammunition depot closed in 1965 allowing the State of Massachusetts to purchase the land. 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. Wompatuck State Park is built upon land that once belonged to a former ammunition depot and several abandoned buildings remain on the property today. click for Fullsize. it is quite spread out and goes on for miles. Find local businesses, view maps and get driving directions in Google Maps. Outside the parktrail/gate entrances -Rt3A Cohasset Rail Station toWhitney Spur trail, and Doane St, Cohasset gate. Explosives such as TNT-loaded depth charges, bombs, fuses . For mountain bikers, the park is home to one of the longest sections of switchbacked singletrack in the state. Wompatuck State Park Many of these bunkers have been backfilled, but some remain exposed. A few other pics from the Annex from this spring. WOMPATUCK STATE PARK - 69 Photos & 43 Reviews - Yelp A hike here is as spooky as it is fascinating. All sites have a picnic table, grill, and fire ring. those are great photos. In the 1700s, early settlers and ship captains held title to the area, but the land was never extensively developed. Sorry, we its amazing how nature takes back abandoned buildings and spaces in no time. 1,321 ft. This area was known as the Cohasset Annex. This park is also the site of a glacial erratic, the Burbank Boulder. In 1986 the Park acquired an additional 600 acres from the government. Follow the paved trail to NN7 into Whitney and Thayer Woods. It is a wonderful place to spend a weekend exploring. Other major rivers are Aaron River and Bound Brook which originate near the Norwell border and flow east along Hinghams borders with Norwell and Scituate into Aaron River Reservoir. Jim R., the FOW historian Continue straight through lights at route 53 continuing on route 228. There are 12 miles of paved bike paths, plus off-road trails for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding and cross-country skiing. Geocache locations. Wompy's trails can be wet in early spring. It remained in use until 1965, and served both World War II and the Korean Conflict. The 1.5-mile Whitney Spur Rail Trail now connects the Cohasset MBTA station to Wompatuck State Park. Read more. 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 . The route turns left at a paved road and quickly turns left again down another trail which is an old rail bed so you may notice railroad ties in the trail. A section of the now-aging chain link fencing that once demarcated the parks boundaries can be found a short distance down the trail. Although you can hike here, mountain biking is also quite popular. 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, and box turtle. In 1941, the United States government established the Hingham Naval Ammunition Depot Annex (known by locals as the Cohasset Annex) on the site. 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. The terrain of the park is extensively shaped by the glacial period. Wompatuck State Park is located south of Boston in a small town called Hingham. Most hotels are fully refundable. Thanks for the info, we'll just have to add it to our ever growing list. 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 fishing. Many never returned. Ammo Dump remains in Wompatuck State Park - Virtual Globetrotting The park itself opened in 1969. I prefer the dirt, but the occasional walk along the pavement was also welcoming. Some motor pool and factory buildings remain north-north-east but the asbestos abatement has reduced them to mere hulks. Facilities available at the Main Entrance include the Visitors Center, 400 campsites, boat ramp, paved bike paths, picnic areas, restrooms & showers, Trailer/R.V. | Wompatuck Trail Map. A modest museum bears testimony to key ammo depot during WWII The feedback will only be used for improving the website. A .mass.gov website belongs to an official government organization in Massachusetts. Wompatuck State Park Grove Street Entrance (Norwell), Count Fish Online South River, Marshfield, Dumpster Maintenance and Waste Materials Checklist. hi guys ive been to the wampatuck resivation and there were many explorable bunkers and sites to check out 10 years ago. During the 1800s, families maintained woodlots and grazing lands here, and the streams powered the Stockbridge Shingle Mill. 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. Take mass transit into the city. i did not see this 0.0 any chance u can pm me a location? If you would like to continue helping us improve Mass.gov, join our user panel to test new features for the site. 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. There are ponds for fishing, and hunting is permitted in season. The dam that holds the reservoir in place was constructed from 1976-1978. Hours: Sunrise to sunset, plus overnight camping with reservation. Norwell MA 02061, Phone: 781.659.8168 (Until 1775 when Cohasset was established as a separate town, it was part of Hingham.) The Friends say the state promised years ago to clean up or secure those buildings so the public can make use of a new bike trail. The trail leads to a paved road, which is Leavitt Street, at marker NN12. In addition to the beauty here, the trail will lead you to numerous . Wompatuck State Park is popular state park south of Boston and the trails are popular with a variety of user groups. In their absence, the land was not utilized and the forest started to reclaim it. 43 reviews of Wompatuck State Park "Wompatuck State Park is a huge (something like 4000 acre?) THERE IS A $4.50 NON-REFUNDABLE TRANSACTION CHARGE FOR EACH RESERVATION MADE. Wompatuck State Park 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. If you get to the small brook, then you have gone too far. Conservation and recreation officials, however, said the deteriorating military buildings pose significant safety concerns 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. new york state standard deduction 2022; Sign Up. There are 12 miles of paved biking trails in the park, and many more miles . Please limit your input to 500 characters. Looking for some of the best hotels in Accord? Ammo Dump remains in Wompatuck State Park - Virtual Globetrotting Wompatuck State Park- Main Entrance204 Union Street, Hingham, Ma 02043, Size: 3,526 acresHiking: 40 miles of trailsParking: Along Union Street, Visitor Center area, Orchard Triangle, Mt. They're the ones who restored it and give tours, from what Ive heard. The Wompatuck Trail is ADA accessible. Lastly, Beechwood Street ran east from Union Street through the site of Aaron River Reservoir to Beechwood Street in Cohasset until the reservoir was formed by a dam in 1976-1978. Due to the number of trails, a map is necessary to explore the park. 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. We will use this information to improve this page. 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. WOMPATUCK STATE PARK - 69 Photos & 43 Reviews - Yelp Most remaining buildings have had their roofs and windows removed and are open to the elements. Visit South Shore Art Center in Cohasset | Expedia From route 3 take exit 35 heading north on route 228. 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. There are 12 miles of paved bike paths, plus off-road trails for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding and cross-country skiing. . Blue Spring was commercially bottled. . Several routes around the area lead to the park, but the main entrance is located on Union Street. In 1655 he deeded the land we now call Hingham so that others could enjoy the land as he did. The Wompatuck Trail, accessible from the Main entrance in Hingham, is ADA accessible. Take the red trail on the right and follow it until it becomes red and yellow. Wildflowers and flowering shrubs also grow in abundance. Zimmerman said his department is unable to say when the closed area will be opened. Cleaning up contamination resulting from ammunition and fuel storage and disposal has been a long story for the park, Boles said. It joins with Brass Kettle Brook and eventually empties into the Gulf River in North Scituate. Much of the park is undeveloped and is heavily wooded.