Day Trips from Amherst
← All Amherst day tripsDay Trips from Amherst: State Parks & Natural Areas
The best state parks and natural areas within driving distance of Amherst, MA. Hiking, camping, swimming, and stunning scenery without the national park crowds. Real drive times, ratings, and visitor info included.
12 state parks near Amherst
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
Kerhonkson, NY 12446
Just 2 hrs 40 min from Amherst, rated 4.8 stars by 5,489 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Thacher State Park
Voorheesville, NY 12186
Just 1 hr 59 min from Amherst, rated 4.8 stars by 3,697 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Rockefeller State Park Preserve
Pleasantville, NY 10570
Just 2 hrs 27 min from Amherst, rated 4.8 stars by 2,432 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Moore State Park
Paxton, MA 01612
Just 1 hr 5 min from Amherst, rated 4.8 stars by 919 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge
Sudbury, MA 01776
Just 1 hr 28 min from Amherst, rated 4.7 stars by 679 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Hammonasset Natural Area Preserve
CT 06443, USA
Just 1 hr 51 min from Amherst, rated 4.7 stars by 1,380 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Sterling Forest State Park
Tuxedo Park, NY 10987
Just 2 hrs 58 min from Amherst, rated 4.7 stars by 1,249 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Harriman State Park
Southfields, NY 10975
Just 2 hrs 45 min from Amherst, rated 4.7 stars by 4,643 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Middlesex Fells Reservation
Stoneham, MA 02180
Just 1 hr 45 min from Amherst, rated 4.7 stars by 5,468 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Peebles Island State Park
Cohoes, NY 12047
Just 1 hr 50 min from Amherst, rated 4.7 stars by 1,666 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Chesterfield Gorge Natural Area
Chesterfield, NH 03443
Just 60 min from Amherst, rated 4.7 stars by 345 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Coolidge State Forest
VT 05056, USA
Just 1 hr 55 min from Amherst, rated 4.7 stars by 291 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Frequently Asked Questions About State Parks Day Trips from Amherst
What are the best state parks near Amherst, MA?
The best state parks near Amherst offer hiking, camping, swimming, fishing, and scenic overlooks. Check the cards above for top-rated parks with drive times, ratings, and budget estimates.
How much does it cost to visit state parks near Amherst?
Most state parks near Amherst charge a vehicle entry fee of $5-$15 per day. Annual passes are usually available for $25-$50 and pay for themselves in 2-3 visits. Camping fees are separate and vary by site type.
Which state parks near Amherst are best for camping?
Several state parks within driving distance of Amherst offer campgrounds ranging from primitive tent sites to full-hookup RV sites with showers. Book early for summer weekends, as popular parks fill up months in advance.
What is the best time to visit state parks near Amherst?
Spring and fall offer the best weather and smallest crowds at state parks near Amherst. Summer is great for swimming and camping but parks are busiest. Winter visits are peaceful and many parks stay open year-round for hiking.
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