Wells State Park (Massachusetts)

Wells State Park
Wells State Park, September 2013
Map showing the location of Wells State Park
Map showing the location of Wells State Park
Location in Massachusetts
Map showing the location of Wells State Park
Map showing the location of Wells State Park
Wells State Park (Massachusetts) (the United States)
LocationSturbridge, Worcester, Massachusetts, United States
Coordinates42°8′47″N 72°4′1″W / 42.14639°N 72.06694°W / 42.14639; -72.06694[1]
Area1,445 acres (5.85 km2)[2]
Elevation725 ft (221 m)[1]
Established1968
OperatorMassachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation
WebsiteWells State Park

Wells State Park is a public recreation area located off Route 49 in the town of Sturbridge, Massachusetts. The state park includes frontage on Walker Pond and the scenic metamorphic rock cliff face of Carpenter Rocks. Terrain is rugged with ledges interspersed between wetlands. Woodlands are of the oak-hickory forest and northern hardwood forest types with groves of eastern white pine. The park is managed by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation.[3]

Activities and amenities

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The park offers 10 miles (16 km) of trails for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and cross-county skiing. A notable trail leads to the cliffs of Carpenter Rocks, named after John Carpenter, who built and operated a sawmill nearby. Vistas include the eastern section of Walker Pond and surrounding wooded valley. Walker Pond's 104 acres (42 ha) provide opportunities for boating and fishing.[4] A 60-site campground includes a swimming beach for campground users. The park also offers restricted hunting and seasonal interpretive programs.[3]

References

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  1. ^ a b "Wells State Park". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey, United States Department of the Interior.
  2. ^ "2012 Acreage Listing" (PDF). Department of Conservation and Recreation. April 2012. Archived from the original (PDF) on June 7, 2017. Retrieved January 19, 2014.
  3. ^ a b "Wells State Park". MassParks. Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs. Retrieved August 13, 2013.
  4. ^ "Walker Pond, Sturbridge" (PDF). Division of Fisheries and Wildlife. August 2, 2011. Retrieved December 1, 2014.
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