Seeing that we were already on a "recreational adventure" to the great state of (legal recreational…read moremarijuana) Massachusetts, we stopped for some natural highs at Mt. Tom State Reservation on the drive home to Connecticut. I remember night skiing, under the lights, when I was a youngin'. The drive we took (yes, we were drive-hiking on this visit) thru the park just before the sun started to set, was filled with so much natural wonder and memorable scenery and greenery that even I, an avowed (and par-for-the-course, lazy) pothead, am compelled to write this 5 star review, if only so that more of my fellow nutmeggers may have the same experience. The most strenuous climb was handled by the Prius, but the most scary climb was up the wooden observation tower, with views over seemingly the entire Western half of the state of Massachusetts. If it was still open, and winter, and I still had the gear, and the weather was perfect, it was conceivable that I could still ski down, I told my girlfriend. And then we drove home thru (and with!) the trees.

Nice trail to go on with other trails along it if you wanted something longer. It was a simple…read moretrail that's was easy to follow with the marks and enjoyable with friends.

We went to the park today with a group of friends to go to the playground only. The kids ranged…read morefrom 18 months to 7 years old and everyone had a great time. There were both baby swings and regular swings. There were smaller play structures (a playscape and a couple things to climb) that were great for the toddlers. Then there was a large playscape, a treehouse, and another climber for the older kids. The large playscape and treehouse could still be used by the toddlers with extra supervision (there are some high places that they can fall from). The playground is in the shade too, great for hot days.

From the owner: Nonotuck Park is open the first Monday after Patriots Day to October 31st…read more In the heart of Easthampton lies its greatest asset. Nonotuck Park is a beautiful family friendly park located along side Nashawannuck Pond. In our park we have; Toteman Nature Trail Community Pool Water Spray Park Bocci Courts Basketball Courts Clay Tennis Courts Volleyball Court Playgrounds Softball and Baseball Fields and a 15 acre Soccer Complex Pavilions and Picnic sites for rent.

This is a terrifically cool roadside attraction. It's an easy little pull off with a short trail…read moredown to where you can see the dinosaur footprints. There is some nice artwork and murals, plus signage about the tracks. Otherwise, it's just a matter of patiently walking around and perusing for the tracks. We took the tip of bringing some water with us to help make the prints really stand out, and that worked well. Fun stop!

Who knew that nestled between US route 5 and the Connecticut River in Holyoke, 190 million years…read moreago, there wandered groups of dinosaurs along what was once a lake bed. It's really cool to literally walk in the same footprints of these Jurassic creatures. The tracks include Eubrontes, a bipedal ornisthiscian which apparently was an ancestor of the iconic T-Rex. The site is not very large but it is easily accessible and it not only offers the aforesaid dino footprints but also nice views of the CT River. Well worth a stop!

So overall Chicopee is a dump, and I didn't know they had a state park and I was pleasantly…read moresurprised. The staff was super nice and it really is a great "in-town" spot to go to just unwind and get away from everything. They have fishing and a great area to bring family (there were a ton of kids) so I would definitely give this place a 5 star.

I am staying at a hotel nearby and needed to walk the Beloved Goldendoodle before going to a…read morewedding this afternoon (translation: get him some exercise so he will sleep this afternoon, plus a bit of exercise for me so I can have extra dessert). I couldn't find anything on Yelp (horrors!) so I looked on Google and came across the park/info on https://www.mass.gov/locations/chicopee-memorial-state-park I was a little confused and thought the park entrance fee was for today as well, so I rummaged through my wallet and off we went (it seems it is only Memorial Day through Labor Day when people can SWIM in the reservoir). The boy and I had a nice walk for just under an hour, passed several runners (well, they passed us) and a bicyclist at 8:15 am, plus a few people with their dogs (keep them on the leash everyone.... and pickup after your fluffiest friends). There are picnic areas, a beach area (looks nice) and even one brave soul who was swimming in this morning's 60 degree temp (but the water could still be warm after the hot summer). There are bathrooms (did not go in, but just across from the swimming area) and 562 acres for you to roam through. Happy we found this, never realized I was passing it zooming by on the Mass Pike all these years.

The Dog Park is located here. This park has sprinklers in the summer and ice skating in the…read morewinter. Take a hike behind the bathrooms and find Scotts Tower

I t is not easy to find a park that is so open to all sorts of people/family activities as well as…read moredogs that complete their family. the incredible job done on the go park provides a variety of comforts for all dogs; the small dog area provides a safe environment for the comfort of small dogs; the enlarged dog area has activities for the dogs, plenty of balls and toys for them. The new pavilion is impressive--the park group worked to provide a comfortable spot for dog owners while the dogs play. Water is available to the dogs is owners pump it form the available well or they can bring their own. Poop bags are provided but owners make the $$$ of keeping up the park less if they bring their own bags. PROBLEM: CERTAIN OWNERS REFUSE TO PICK UP THEIR DOG'S POOP, LEAVING A MESS FOR OTHER USERS OF THE PARK. NO REQUESTS TO PICK UP YOUR DOG'S POOP HAVE BEEN HONORED. A fabulous place for the whole family, trees, grass, sun, shade, and the playground will be updated eventually The funny thing about the park signs is that they are small/over grown, or too old, and the large one on Kendall Street actually faces across the street, looking into trees and shrubs. No one is going to find that park opening easily :)

This park is hard to find, i was told to look up dufresbe park and park there and then walk down…read more Either way, I think I cam in from Taylor street and even then, it was still a bit of a walk. If you are coming and it's winter with snow in the ground, DO NOT come unless if you are driving a truck with four wheel drive or snow tire. Otherwise you will be stuck and can't get out. The roads are dirt road and they are not plowed. This happened to me as I took a risk driving a sedan in, kind souls at the playground accompanying their kids helped me to dig my car out of the snow. I would never want anyone else to go through my traumatic experience. It's a nice park I think, at least my dog had a blast there. There is a golden doodle that frequents here and he has a ton of energy and is a goof, my dog loved him. There is a picnic table to sit at. I dont recall there being toys there since it was the winter when i was there and the ground was covered with snow. There is only 1 section no small/large dog area.

Great little park in the neighborhood a small climbing structure and four swings alongside ( 2…read morebasket--2 seat). A HUGE green field. (Currently painted for soccer-- small goals in place. Trash bin at the fence as well as a supply of doggie poop bags. Would have given it FIVE STARS... But people aren't using the provided bags. Every time I've been here I pick up at least 3 doggie land mines left by others. A daily ritual for us now- morning and afternoon since we just moved here from California