Day Trips from Gloucester
← All Gloucester day tripsDay Trips from Gloucester: State Parks & Natural Areas
The best state parks and natural areas within driving distance of Gloucester, MA. Hiking, camping, swimming, and stunning scenery without the national park crowds. Real drive times, ratings, and visitor info included.
12 state parks near Gloucester
Mass Audubon's Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary
Topsfield, MA 01983
Just 27 min from Gloucester, rated 4.9 stars by 1,156 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.
Parker River National Wildlife Refuge Gatehouse
Newbury, MA 01951
Just 43 min from Gloucester, rated 4.8 stars by 573 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 40 min from Gloucester, 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.
Mount Major State Forest
Alton, NH 03810
Just 1 hr 42 min from Gloucester, rated 4.8 stars by 767 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.
Borderland State Park
North Easton, MA 02356
Just 1 hr 16 min from Gloucester, rated 4.8 stars by 1,230 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.
Crawford Notch State Park
Hart's Location, NH 03812
Just 2 hrs 49 min from Gloucester, rated 4.8 stars by 1,954 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.
Wolfe's Neck Woods State Park
Freeport, ME 04032
Just 2 hrs 5 min from Gloucester, rated 4.8 stars by 1,420 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.
Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve
East Falmouth, MA 02536
Just 1 hr 59 min from Gloucester, rated 4.7 stars by 162 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.
Vaughan Woods State Park
South Berwick, ME 03908
Just 1 hr 12 min from Gloucester, rated 4.7 stars by 322 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 37 min from Gloucester, 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.
Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge
Wells, ME 04090
Just 1 hr 21 min from Gloucester, rated 4.7 stars by 2,002 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 from Gloucester, 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About State Parks Day Trips from Gloucester
What are the best state parks near Gloucester, MA?
The best state parks near Gloucester 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 Gloucester?
Most state parks near Gloucester 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 Gloucester are best for camping?
Several state parks within driving distance of Gloucester 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 Gloucester?
Spring and fall offer the best weather and smallest crowds at state parks near Gloucester. 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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