About the Park

Hopkinton State Park is a 1,500-acre state park in Hopkinton, Massachusetts, built around Hopkinton Reservoir and run by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR). DCR describes it as having "a little bit of everything": more than 10 miles of hiking trails through forest, two swimming beaches with seasonal lifeguards, sunny and shaded picnic areas, and a historic earthen dam that gives some of the best views in the park all year.

A Reservoir Park

The park's centerpiece is water that was first collected for Boston. The Massachusetts Water Resources Authority's history of the regional water system says the Sudbury River was diverted toward Boston in 1878, and that between 1875 and 1898 seven major reservoirs were built in the upper Sudbury River watershed. The Friends of Whitehall, a volunteer group at a neighbouring reservoir, list Hopkinton among them, with Sudbury, Whitehall, Ashland, Stearns, Brackett and Foss. The Sudbury system has long since stopped being part of Boston's everyday supply; MWRA lists the Sudbury Aqueduct as an emergency-only facility today. More on the reservoir page.

DCR's trail map shows the shape that left behind: the long reservoir running south from the main area toward Cedar Street, a smaller Swimming Pond to the east, and the dam between them. The Sudbury River runs along the park's western edge.

One of DCR's Busiest Parks

DCR calls Hopkinton one of the most-visited parks in its Central Region. It has hundreds of picnic tables and fixed charcoal grills spread through first-come picnic areas, two pavilions that can be reserved, and enough beach and lawn to draw thousands of people a day on summer weekends. When every parking space is taken, the park closes temporarily and reopens as cars leave, so in summer the advice from DCR is simple: plan ahead and arrive early. Parking.

What's Here

• Swimming at two beaches, late May through Labor Day.
• Non-motorized boating, sailing, canoeing and kayaking, with seasonal rentals from Regatta Point Community Sailing.
• Hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding on the trail network.
• Fishing, including accessible fishing.
• Cross-country skiing and, with enough snow, snowmobiling in winter.
• A boathouse, car-top boat ramp, grills, pavilions, picnic areas and restrooms.

Healthy Heart Trails

DCR's trail map marks some paths near the main entrance with a heart symbol. DCR describes these Healthy Heart Trails as easy-to-moderate routes for walking or hiking, meant for routine use to help build a healthy heart. They are a good choice for a short walk before or after the beach.

Accessibility

DCR lists Hopkinton State Park as wheelchair accessible, with an accessible beach, beach wheelchairs, accessible fishing and accessible restrooms. The Beach Pavilion at Main Beach has a fully ADA-accessible bathroom; the Split Rock Pavilion's does not, according to DCR's reservation site. DCR also tags the park as transit friendly.

Neighbouring Parks

DCR lists Ashland State Park, Callahan State Park and Upton State Forest as related parks. Ashland State Park and Whitehall State Park, both reservoir parks from the same Sudbury system, are covered on this site, along with other things to do in Hopkinton.

Who Runs the Park

The park is run by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR). The park office is at 164 Cedar St., Hopkinton, MA 01748, phone (508) 435-4303. Boat rentals are a separate operation run by Regatta Point Community Sailing. This website is an independent guide and is not affiliated with DCR; see contact.