Borderland State Park

Introduction of Borderland State Park

Borderland is one of the Commonwealth’s most historically significant tracts of publicly owned land. Borderland, founded in the early 1900s by artist and suffragist Blanche Ames and her botanist husband Oakes, offers many of the same activities that the Ames family enjoyed: walking and horseback riding on woodland trails, fishing and canoeing in the ponds, and ice skating and sledding in the winter. Borderland spans over 1,843 acres and features over 20 miles of hiking trails.

The Commonwealth purchased the estate in 1971, and the history and rich nature have been preserved for generations through programs, events, hikes, and volunteering.

Borderland is almost a mountain biker’s paradise. The lack of intermediate-level trails prevents it from being one of the best-ranked riding areas in the region. There are plenty of difficult technical trails to keep everyone happy. There are even some “bare rock” sections reminiscent of Lynn Woods or Moab.

There are also numerous easy trails. These ride on dirt roads, circle the park’s many lakes, pass by the historic Ames mansion, and provide a scenic tour of the area.

Borderland State Park Camping

The Canoe River Campground is one of the camping options at Borderland State Park. This family-friendly, top-rated camping spot has wooded sites, most of which have a fireplace and picnic table, as well as sewer, water, and 30, 50 amp electric hookups. You can also get WiFi for a small fee. There is plenty to keep you entertained while on-site, including an arcade, sports courts, a horseshoe pit, two large recreation halls, a playground, two pools, an on-site snack bar, and more.

Normandy Farms Family Camping Resort is a one-of-a-kind RV camping destination. The resort is deep in the woods, and the scenic sites include water, sewer, cable, and 50 and 30 amp electric hookups. There are also some more basic sites available, depending on your needs, with either no hookups or only water and sewer hookups. This large resort has a wide range of facilities for people of all ages and abilities, including a bike park, disc golf, a creative arts center, a dog park, swimming pools, a wellness center, and much more. This campground distinguishes itself from other nearby campsites due to its additional amenities.

Borderland State Park Activities

Bicycling

The three-mile pond loop is popular with families. The majority of the trails are suitable for mountain biking. There are restrictions on the pond edge, swamp, and quiet woods trails. The NEMBA Trail and Bob’s trails were built for serious mountain biking. Please do not ride on wet days or during the spring thaw to protect the trails.

Fishing

Fishing is permitted in Borderland. Fishing regulations in Massachusetts must be followed. The ponds can only be reached on foot. Bass, perch, pickerel, and sunfish are common catches. The ponds in Borderland are not stocked.

Hiking

Borderland State Park has more than 20 miles of hiking trails, including a stretch of the Bay Circuit Trail. There are no fewer than six ponds to discover. The easy three-mile pond loop trail, which is made up of old farm roads and paths through hay fields, is popular with visitors. The other park trails range in difficulty from moderate to difficult. The trail map labelled the distances and difficulties.

Picnicking

There are picnic tables near the visitor centre. A permit from the park supervisor is required for groups of twenty or more. Alcoholic beverages are not permitted.

Historic Sites

Year-round photography opportunities include gardens, mansions, water areas, and rural landscapes.

Borderland State Park Location

From the north, take Route 128 south to Route 95 south (towards Providence). Exit at 10 (Sharon, Walpole, and Coney Street). At the end of the ramp, turn left and follow this road for two or three miles to the traffic lights in Sharon Center. Continue straight through this intersection and take the first right onto Pond St. Follow Pond St. for about a mile and a half until you reach a traffic rotary. Continue on Massapoag Ave. for three miles to the park entrance on your left after going halfway around the rotary.

Take the Southeast Expressway south from Boston to Route 128 north, then to Route 95 south. Follow the steps outlined above. From the west, take the Mass Pike to Route 495 south to Exit 10. (Easton and Rte. 123). At the end of the ramp, turn left and follow Rte. 123 east towards Easton. Rte. 123 will become Rte. 106 east. Look for the brown “Borderland” sign on the left about a half-mile after the merge. Turn left onto Poquanticut Ave. After about a mile, the road will fork; bear left onto Massapoag Ave. and continue for another two miles to the park. The entrance is on your right.

From the east (Brockton), take Rte. 24 North to Exit 17B. (Easton). Rte. 123 west to the intersection with Rte. 138. Take a right onto Rte. 138 north and continue for approximately one mile to the second set of traffic lights, where you will turn left onto Main St and continue for approximately one mile into the center of North Easton. The road will fork in the center; continue straight up the hill, Lincoln St., and follow to the end, about two miles. Turn right onto Bay Rd., then a quick left onto Allen Rd. Follow Allen Rd. for approximately one and a half miles to its end. Turn right onto Rockland St. and continue for just under a mile to a four-way stop. Take a right onto Massapoag Ave., and the park will be one mile on your right.

Parking

Parking is available near the park’s entrance.

Public Transport

There is no public transportation.

Restrictions

The following trails are not suitable for mountain biking or horseback riding:

• Swamp Trail Pond Edge
• Trail Quiet Woods Trail
• There is no alcohol permitted.