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Halibut Point State Park

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Hours:Hours Vary see below
Ages:Kids, Teens, Adults
In/Outdoor:Outdoor
Cost:see below
Category:Parks & Nature
Other Ideas: Rose Kennedy Greenway; Maudslay State Park; New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill; Walden Pond State Park; Boston Common


halibut point state park photoThe weather-beaten bluffs of Halibut Point comprise a low rocky coastal shelf covered in bayberry, greenbriar, and shadbush. During storms, waves crash over the rocky shore. Tidal pools harbor snails, hermit crabs, and sea stars.
View our Halibut Point State Park Photo Guide

Halibut Point itself is made of sheets of 440 million year-old granite that now descend from rocky headland to the tidal pools below.

Above the reservation is the former Babson Farm Quarry, now filled by natural underground springs. Granite quarried here at the turn of the 20th century paved thousands of city streets and built bridges, tunnels, monuments, warehouses, and buildings, such as Boston's Custom House Tower.

Other programs spotlight the park's natural history, including wildflower walks and tidepool programs during the summer and seabird walks during the winter. Picnic grounds and scenic viewing is also available.

The Trustees of Reservations own 12 acres of the park, and 60 acres of the park (including the parking lot, visitor's center, programming, and restrooms) are managed by the state (Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR)).

The DCR state park operates a small visitor center and museum devoted to Halibut Point's natural history and Cape Ann's historic granite quarrying industry. The visitor center has public restrooms.

HOURS↑ top

The park is open from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. daily from Memorial Day to Labor Day. From Labor Day to Memorial Day the park is open from sunrise to sunset.

COST↑ top

Pedestrians and bicyclists free. Halibut Point State Park operates a 70-car parking lot. A parking fee of $5 is charged for residents; and $20 for non-residents. Trustees of Reservations Members can park for free.

WEBSITE↑ top

www.thetrustees.org/pages/310_halibut_point_reservation.cfm

LOCATION↑ top

Gott Avenue, Rockport, MA map
Phone: (978) 546-2997

Take Rt. 95/128 north to Rt. 128 north toward Gloucester and Rockport. After crossing the Annisquam River bridge, go three quarters around the first rotary, following signs for Rt. 127 north (Annisquam and Pigeon Cove). After approximately 6 miles, turn left at the park sign and the Old Farm Inn onto Gott Ave. From downtown Rockport, drive north on Rt. 127 approximately 3 miles, turning right onto Gott Ave.

REVIEWS BY STUDENTS↑ top

Rockport, Grade 3 Student
Rockport is very fun. There is a great quarry view. The kids can find numbers on rocks and learn how they got there. At the top, there is a huge view of the ocean. There are lots of rocks to climb on and explore. At the beach part, you can find lots of crabs and periwinkles. I love Rockport.

RELATED LINKS↑ top

Info changes frequently. We cannot warrant it. Verify with Halibut Point State Park before making the trek. If you find an error, please report it...
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