Things to Do in Hopkinton

The best things to do in Hopkinton, Massachusetts, are outdoors: swim and paddle at Hopkinton State Park, walk the 6-mile trail around Whitehall Reservoir, loop Ashland Reservoir next door, and stand on Main Street where the Boston Marathon starts. Three DCR reservoir parks sit within a short drive of each other here, each with a different personality: Hopkinton for beaches and rentals, Ashland for a lake loop and summer swimming, Whitehall for boats, fishing and a long walk with free parking.

1. Swim at Hopkinton State Park

Hopkinton State Park has two beaches, staffed seasonally by lifeguards and open for swimming late May through Labor Day. Main Beach sits on the Swimming Pond by the park's historic earthen dam. On summer weekends DCR says thousands of people come each day, and the park closes temporarily when parking is full, so go early. Swimming guide.

2. Rent a Kayak or Paddleboard

Regatta Point Community Sailing rents kayaks, canoes, paddleboards and pedal boats at the boathouse on Hopkinton Reservoir from May through September. There are no motorboats on the reservoir, which keeps the water calm for beginners. Rentals and prices.

3. Hike the Whitehall Reservoir Loop

Whitehall State Park, on Wood Street in Hopkinton, has a 6-mile trail around Whitehall Reservoir, free parking and dawn-to-dusk hours. There's no swimming, but it's the longest measured loop of the three reservoir parks. Whitehall State Park.

4. Walk Around Ashland Reservoir

Next door in Ashland, Ashland State Park's 3.5-mile trail loops the entire reservoir and is walked year-round, according to DCR. In summer the park adds swimming, boating and fishing. Ashland State Park.

5. See the Boston Marathon Start Line

The Boston Marathon starts on Main Street in downtown Hopkinton, near the town common, and heads out along Route 135. On race day in April the BAA tells spectators to arrive early to see the field set off; the rest of the year it's an easy stop on the way to or from the state park, about 2 miles away. Start line guide.

6. Fish, Summer or Winter

DCR lists fishing at Hopkinton State Park, including accessible fishing, from shore or non-motorized boats. Whitehall takes trailered boats with a 12 mph limit and, DCR says, is a popular ice-fishing spot in winter. Fishing guide.

7. Host a Picnic or Party

Hopkinton State Park has more than a dozen first-come picnic areas with charcoal grills, and two pavilions you can book for up to 125 people: the Beach Pavilion by Main Beach and the quieter Split Rock Pavilion. Picnics and pavilions.

8. Bike, Ride or Ski the Trails

DCR lists mountain biking, horseback riding and cross-country skiing at Hopkinton and Whitehall, and mountain biking and cross-country skiing at Ashland. Hopkinton State Park alone has more than 10 miles of trails, and snowmobiles are allowed there in winter with at least 4 inches of snow. Trails.

By Season

• Spring: the marathon in April; quiet trails before the summer crowds.
• Summer: beaches at Hopkinton and Ashland, rentals on Hopkinton Reservoir; go early on weekends.
• Fall: trail walks and Whitehall's loop; Hopkinton's parking fee runs through Columbus Day Monday.
• Winter: cross-country skiing, and ice fishing at Whitehall.