Halibut Point State Park

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Parks & Nature

Official Website: Halibut Point State Park
Location: Gott Avenue, Rockport, MA directions
Phone:(978) 546-2997
Hours: The park is open from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. daily from Memorial Day to Labor Day; a parking fee is charged. From Labor Day to Memorial Day the park is open from sunrise to sunset.
Ages: Kids, Teens, Adults
In/Outdoor: Outdoor
Cost: see below

Others to Consider: Stage Fort Park Beaches, The Russell Orchards Property, Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary, Endicott Park, Great Brook Farm State Park

The 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.

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 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.

Cost

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Pedestrians and bicyclists free. Halibut Point State Park operates a 70-car parking lot. From Columbus Day to Memorial Day, weekends and holidays, Trustees members are free (must present current membership card ) and non-members pay $2 per private passenger car/motorcycle. Free parking at all other times of the year.

Location

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Gott Avenue, Rockport, MA map

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.