Wells State Park (Massachusetts)

Wells State Park
Massachusetts State Park
Wells State Park, September 2013
Country United States
State Massachusetts
County Worcester
Town Sturbridge
Elevation 725 ft (221 m) [1]
Coordinates 42°8′47″N 72°4′1″W / 42.14639°N 72.06694°W / 42.14639; -72.06694Coordinates: 42°8′47″N 72°4′1″W / 42.14639°N 72.06694°W / 42.14639; -72.06694 [1]
Area 1,445 acres (585 ha) [2]
Biome Oak-hickory forest,
northern hardwood forest,
ledges, lakeshore, wetlands
Plant Red oak, eastern white pine
Established 1968
Management Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation
Location in Massachusetts
Website: Wells 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

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

  1. 1 2 "Wells State Park". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey.
  2. ↑ "2012 Acreage Listing" (PDF). Department of Conservation and Recreation. April 2012. Retrieved January 19, 2014.
  3. 1 2 "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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