Day Trips from Waltham
← All Waltham day tripsDay Trips from Waltham: State Parks & Natural Areas
The best state parks and natural areas within driving distance of Waltham, MA. Hiking, camping, swimming, and stunning scenery without the national park crowds. Real drive times, ratings, and visitor info included.
12 state parks near Waltham
Moore State Park
Paxton, MA 01612
Just 1 hr 5 min from Waltham, 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.
Parker River National Wildlife Refuge Gatehouse
Newbury, MA 01951
Just 59 min from Waltham, 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.
Borderland State Park
North Easton, MA 02356
Just 40 min from Waltham, 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.
Vaughan Woods State Park
South Berwick, ME 03908
Just 1 hr 22 min from Waltham, 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 27 min from Waltham, 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 31 min from Waltham, 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.
John H. Chafee Rome Point Preserve
North Kingstown, RI 02852
Just 1 hr 21 min from Waltham, rated 4.7 stars by 417 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 28 min from Waltham, 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.
Wildcat Conservation Area
Merrimack, NH 03054
Just 51 min from Waltham, rated 4.7 stars by 566 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 1 hr 49 min from Waltham, 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.
Amethyst Brook Conservation Area
Amherst, MA 01002
Just 1 hr 36 min from Waltham, rated 4.7 stars by 292 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.
Ames Nowell State Park
Abington, MA 02351
Just 42 min from Waltham, rated 4.6 stars by 651 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 Waltham
What are the best state parks near Waltham, MA?
The best state parks near Waltham 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 Waltham?
Most state parks near Waltham 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 Waltham are best for camping?
Several state parks within driving distance of Waltham 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 Waltham?
Spring and fall offer the best weather and smallest crowds at state parks near Waltham. 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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