Wompatuck State Parkis a state-owned, public recreation area of about 3,500 acres (1,400 ha) in size located primarily in the townof Hinghamwith portions in the neighboring towns of Cohasset, Norwell, and Scituate, Massachusetts, in the United States. Suggested Hike 1: (Healthy Heart Loop) From the Visitor Center Parking Lot off Union Street, take the bike path to N12, then turn left on the Landing Strip to N1,1 and return to the Visitor Center. www.iussa.org Geocache locations. Typically, the Mt. As you explore the park, you can glimpse a few derelict bunkers and also the train tracks that connected the depot to Hingham Shipyards and Fore River. In 1986 the Park acquired an additional 600 acres from the government. Several geocaches on site. Wompatuck State Park Massachusetts State Park Write a Review 204 Union St. Hingham, MA 02043 617-895-8245 Official Website GPS: 42.2014, -70.8448 Add Photos View 1 Photo Overview Q&A Cell Service Reviews (8) Amenities Overview of Wompatuck State Park Last Price Paid: $55 Reported by Eric Rauch on 8/9/2022 Longest RV Reported: 43 feet Difficulty (Grade/Surface): Easy, Moderate The episode led the 100-member Friends group to christen their annual bike race fund-raiser the Landmine Classic. If you have, please let us know if you saw the abandoned buildings. Remnants of buildings can often be found clustered near abandoned rail spurs. Norwell MA 02061, Phone: 781.659.8168 Reverted to maintenance status after the War, the Annex was reactivated for the Korean War, during which time it held some of the Navy's first experimental nuclear depth charges, in bunker N9. We said if you rode the race, you had a blast, Bill Boles, president of the Friends of Wompatuck, said of the fund-raising event. An unexpectedly dramatic stone staircase hidden in the middle of the woods leads to dens decorated with elaborate stonework. Among the most common are swamp azalea, solomons seal, white geranium, ladies slipper, and sheep laurel. During WWII and the Korean War it served as an ammunitions depot for the U.S. military. In 1941, the United States government established the Hingham Naval Ammunition Depot Annex (known by locals as the Cohasset Annex). Wildflowers and flowering shrubs also grow in abundance. 110+ underground bunkers stored munitions. Among the most common are swamp azalea, solomons seal, white geranium, ladies slipper, and sheep laurel. There are several old military buildings on the property, as well as an abandoned railroad. alot of lead experements, and at one time a piece of the manhatten project was worked on there. 3,526 acres, 262 wooded campsites, 12 miles of paved bicycle trails. The route turns right on the rail trail and left onto a road with an open area on the right after the turn. You can drive up to or hike through these abandoned places, although in many cases the buildings themselves are out-of-bounds for safety reasons. Read More. The trail winds through the woods, passing rock outcroppings and loops back to the Whitney Spur Rail Trail at marker NN8. Other access points include:Leavitt Street Entrance, Hingham Triphammer Pond Conservation Area, Hingham Whitney Spur Rail Trail, Cohasset Whitney & Thayer Woods, Cohasset Doane Street Entrance, Cohasset Aaron River Reservoir and Dam, Cohasset Brass Kettle Conservation Area, Cohasset Prospect Street, Norwell Grove Street, Norwell Mt. Shop for wompatuck state park wall art from the world's greatest living artists. Fish commonly found in the 136-acre Aaron River Reservoir include bass, pickerel, sunfish, and perch. The park itself opened in 1969. This entrance features a new ADA trail that connects via a boardwalk and a crushed stone pathway to established trails within the park. Life at Brook Farm involved a careful balance of work, relaxation, and community responsibility. From what I could see through the door it might be two rooms? Suggested Hike 2: Park at the Transfer Station, on Union Street, within the park. Hingham, United States. Stroller-friendly in some sections. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. Scoop the poop! iam gointo do do some traveling there soon, because its been so long and the last time i was there i didnt have my digi cam. To this day, the park is underused. It stretches into four towns Hingham, Cohasset, Scituate and Norwell. Wompatuck State Park spans over 3500 acres with it's address in Hingham, but its borders reach into the towns of Cohasset, Scituate and Norwell. Note the city skyline in the distance: Reflections on the calm waters of the Aaron River Reservoir on a calm day. What is the most haunted hotel in Boston? Never enough time. It has multiple entrances in each of these places. The mile-wide estuary forms the border between Hingham and Hull, and empties into Hingham Bay. QR code, vCard. Much of the park is undeveloped and is heavily wooded. The main road through the park is Union St. The route turns right, passing an open field on the left and continues past trail marker NN11 to the Leavitt Street entrance. According to the parks historians, the Navy also tested missile parts there in the early years of the Cold War and experimented with rocket fuels. The Hingham Naval Ammunition Depot Annex, sometimes called the Cohasset Annex or "Hingham Annex" by local residents, covered sections of the towns of Hingham, Cohasset, Norwell, and Scituate Massachusetts. However, a gate blocked access from the trail to the northwest section of the park, which still had several dangerous abandoned buildings. Still some stuff there, but you can see that they are systematically taking it all down. Travel is my life and writing about it is a dream. Good to see there's still something there. Most remaining buildings have had their roofs and windows removed and are open to the elements. Please remove any contact information or personal data from your feedback. Wompatuck State Park - Main Entrance (Hingham) 204 Union St, Hingham, MA 02043, USA (617) 895-8245 Wompatuck.park@mass.gov https://www.mass.gov/locations/wompatuck-state-park Owned By: Commonwealth of Massachusetts Directions Trail Map This 3,500-acre Massachusetts state park served as the Hingham Naval Ammunition Annex from 1941 to 1965. The newest (2022) access point to Wompatuck State Park! The Visitor Center is accessible from the Union Street entrance. Accord Brook flows through this side of Wompatuck, through Triphammer Pond, and into the Weir River. Search. Most buildings have had their roofs and windows removed, and are open to the elements. The ample coating of spray paint graffiti on the walls is evidence that many have ignored the restricted area warning over the years: During the summertime, the park is particularly nice to visit. Wompatuck State Park is a state-owned, public recreation area of about 3,500 acres in size located primarily in the town of Hingham with portions in the neighboring towns of Cohasset, Norwell, and Scituate, Massachusetts, in the United States. The Burbank Boulder is located in the northeast area of the park near Whitney Thayer Woods. While those sites have been judged safe for peacetime uses, the parks burning grounds still feel the fires of war. Friday: 9:00am-5:00pm. PO Box 43 A rail spur, the Whitney Spur, once connected the Ammunition Depot to the Old Colony Railroads Greenbush Line. At trail marker NN6 the route turns right onto another trail. Definitions of wompatuck state park, synonyms, antonyms, derivatives of wompatuck state park, analogical dictionary of wompatuck state park (English) The hotel first opened in 1855 and has since entertained and hosted countless celebrities and noteworthy public figures. Depth charges, bombs, and rocket motors were assembled at the Annex until declared surplus, by the Navy, in 1962. Rent a whole home for your next weekend or holiday. Wompatuck State Park Address: 204 Union St., Hingham, MA 02043 Phone: 617-895-8245 Email: wompatuck.park@mass.gov Camping Season: May 13th, 2021 - October 10th, 2021 Hours Open: Sunrise to Sunset Camping Fees: Parking Fees: Handicap Accessible: True Alcohol Allowed: False Biking Allowed: True Canoeing and Kayaking Allowed: True I thought i heard they dont do tours but who the hell knows. Originating at Accord Pond it flows along the southwest boundary of the park near Prospect Street north to South Pleasant St. Black-and-white warbler in Wompatuck State Park, Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation, "THE LIST: What to know about Wompatuck State Park", "Terrestrial Ecoregions of the World: A New Map of Life on Earth", 10.1641/0006-3568(2001)051[0933:TEOTWA]2.0.CO;2, "Changes to Transit Service in the MBTA District 1964-2016", "Demolition work will open up trails at Wompatuck State Park", "Bike trail to come to Wompatuck State Park", "Rep. Bradley secures free parking for Cohasset trail", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Wompatuck_State_Park&oldid=1136502999, This page was last edited on 30 January 2023, at 17:11. You can find it in a shed with an adjacent parking area, on Union Street in the park, between markers E14 and E1, not far from the Transfer Station area. Now that you've learned about some abandoned places in Boston, you may be curious to see if there are any spooky places to spend the night. Many of these roads go back to colonial times. You will receive your first email soon. The road loops past 2 trails on the right and another building foundation at trail marker NN10. The U.S. Navy deactivated the Cohasset Annex in 1963 and declared the land surplus. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts took possession of the land in 1966, and began developing it as a public park the following year. While we remain anxious to restore full use of that land, we want to continue to work with the Army Corps to ensure an environment that is safe to the public, said Reginald Zimmerman, a spokesman for the states Department of Conservation and Recreation, which manages the park. Wompatuck State Park is a state-owned, public recreation area of about 3,500 acres (1,400 ha) in size located primarily in the town of Hingham with portions in the neighboring towns of Cohasset, Norwell, and Scituate, Massachusetts, in the United States. ShadowedHills A New England photoblog About Shadowed Hills; . The nearly 3,600-acre park contains more than 110 now-filled storage bunkers, including - according to the sites historians - one that housed parts of the Navys first nuclear depth charge. i did not see this 0.0 any chance u can pm me a location? Check out historicaerials and you can see where soem bunkers were removed or flooded for the reservoir at the other end of the property. But if you wandered off the trail, you might have a blast of another kind.. Today in Naval History - Naval / Maritime Events in History 17 May 1904 - Launch of USS Rhode Island (BB-17), the last of five Virginia-class battleships built for the United States Navy USS Rhode Island (BB-17) was the last of five Virginia-class battleships built for the United States Navy. Below the dam, the river continues to flow through Cohasset. It should be open. For mountain bikers, the park is home to one of the longest sections of switchbacked singletrack in the state. Our puzzles are made from premium paper stock and include a semi-gloss coating on the top surface to make the image pop. It joins with Brass Kettle Brook and eventually empties into the Gulf River in North Scituate. Land was acquired from private homeowners for the purpose of expanding the Hingham Naval Ammunition Depot nearby. Choose your favorite wompatuck state park designs and purchase them as wall art, home decor, phone cases, tote bags, and more! Plan the perfect getaway in the great outdoors, enjoy the scenery and wilderness, and soak up the adventure. Choose from more than 166 properties, ideal house rentals for families, groups and couples. Park trails include 12 miles of paved bicycle routes as well as trails for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and cross-country skiing. In the late 1990s the government, who were in charge of the remaining section of the Depot that was not turned into Wompatuck, announced they were going to donate the remaining part to the park. Some of the old rail lines can be seen here: Old rail lines that have since been overtaken by forest growth: A view of the remains of some of the old bunkers used to store ammunition during WWII: The collapsing old roof of one of the bunkers is a reminder of why this place is not safe: The brick exterior of one of the main bunkers. Blue Spring was commercially bottled. In 1966 the Commonwealth of Massachusetts took possession of the Cohasset Annex property. Telephone: +1 781-749-7160 . In 1969 the park opened for limited outdoor recreational use, and in 1973 it was dedicated as Wompatuck State Park. Gates have been created at the end of Leavitt St. in Hingham and from the Doane St. path from Cohasset. View full map Reviews (713) Photos (899) 5 4 3 2 1 4.4 713 reviews Sort by: Robert Brisbois reviewed Wompatuck State Park Big Loop December 2, 2022 Hiking [10] The northwest section opened in November 2014 and the gate was removed. A low risk may warrant limited use controls - trails could go through the area, but no digging would be permitted, and signs would be posted to warn the general public not to disturb the soil. In addition to a large campground and an extensive trail system, the park is noted for the free spring water that can be obtained at Mt. Illinois; Quincy; source: Bing 20 views; May 30, 2022 2:39pm; One person has been killed in a traffic accident on Memorial Day in Quincy. There is a rail spur track at each of the sites linked to the Greenbush Line. From there, look for the unpaved trail beside Wildcat Pond, and follow it to N33 and N32. . Today, the building is allegedly haunted by a ghost named Harriet. I lower the degree of difficulty, but still concentrate on building a little New . This all came to an end in 1962. Many cement bunkers were constructed and the area became a huge munitions storage depot. We have written a few posts in the past about the WWII history of the South shore, which can be seen here. Wompatuck State Park Grove Street Entrance (Norwell), Count Fish Online South River, Marshfield, Dumpster Maintenance and Waste Materials Checklist. There are many other attractions to see beside the military ruins, including several ponds throughout the woods, and the Weir River Farm at the North side of the park. Explosives such as TNT-loaded depth charges, bombs, fuses, projectiles, and cartridges were produced and stored here. The farmers used the fields to graze their horses, sheep, and oxen. The Annex was known by locals as the Cohasset Annex. After more than a 2 year hiatus, it's safe to say this had fallen by the waist side for a long time. its amazing how nature takes back abandoned buildings and spaces in no time. The easiest and cheapest thing to do is to board up the asbestos-contaminated buildings and put up warning signs, Boles said. Scattered throughout the property are over 100 decommissioned military bunkers, which were used to store ammunition. Additional pedestrian access from Mount Blue Street in Norwell, the Aaron River Reservoir in Cohasset, Whitney-Thayer Woods in Cohasset, Brass Kettle Conservation Area in Cohasset, South Pleasant Street in Hingham, and Grove Street in Norwell. The land at Wompatuck State Park was commonly used by the Massachusett tribe, led by Chief Josiah Wompatuck. Staff writer for Only In Your State and freelance writer. Camping season typically runs from early May until Columbus Day weekend. The park lies largely in the town of Hingham, but also touches parts of Cohasset, Norwell and Scituate. The Depot was the main ammunition supplier for Naval Forces of the U.S. Atlantic Fleet, during World War II, employing 2,091civilians along with 721naval officers and sailors and 375Marine guards at its peak in June, 1945. There are still bunkers all over the property, but most are locked up. You can come from Boston on the train and use the trail - until you get to the border of Wompatuck and theres a big fence, Boles said. The dam that holds the reservoir in place was constructed from 1976-1978. The spring was closed when we were there and we did not explore the park much. HINGHAM - Thirty-five years ago, visitors to Wompatuck State Park could still find open munitions storage bunkers and rusting barrels of toxic materials - remnants from a period when the military used the site to store ammunition and assemble explosives. Share your adventures in the comments we would love to hear from you! This, Wompatuck State Park, 204 Union St, Hingham, MA 02043, USA. February 25, 2023 . When the Civil War broke out all the local men were swept into the fight. . Union St beyond Mount Blue Spring. But the conclusion of the burning grounds decontamination project will not by itself open the whole park to the public, the Friends say. The Doane Street creates a direct connection between East Street in Hingham and the Beechwood area in Hinghams second parish (Cohasset). Wompatuck State Park is a state-owned, public recreation area of about 3,500 acres (1,400 ha) in size located primarily in the town of Hingham with portions in the neighboring towns of Cohasset, Norwell, and Scituate, Massachusetts, in the United States. Perched on Telegraph Hill in Hull, the earliest fortifications on this site date back to the 1770s. Wednesday: 9:00am-5:00pm Accord Brook is the main waterway through Wompatuck Park. They're the ones who restored it and give tours, from what Ive heard. Most buildings have had their roofs and windows removed and are open to the elements. Wompatuck State Park sits on a large chunk of underdeveloped land in Hingham, Massachusetts. In 2003, the DCR sold the land for the Cohasset commuter rail station and parking lot to the MBTA, in exchange for the construction of a rail trail on the former rail spur. The park has over 400 campsites and is a great place for hiking, biking, and fishing. park that's mostly in hingham, but jets out into parts of Norwell and Cohasset " in 3 reviews camping " Location & Hours 204 Union St Get directions Edit business info Amenities and More Good For Kids Private Lot Parking Bike Parking Ask a question Got a question about Wompatuck State Park? Begun three years ago, the project to study and propose solutions for the contaminated area, about one to two acres, where the military disposed of old munitions and weapons materials during and after World War II, raises hope that all of the parkland property acquired by the state more than 40 years ago will finally be open to the public. One person killed in Quincy accident. Suggested Hike 3: From the Visitors Center parking area, proceed to N2 then follow an unpaved trail to, N11 and N16. as the gemtlemen said ina previous post be careful how far you poke around you may run into some bad stuff. If you need assistance, please Learn About DCR| Mass.gov. We've scouted out some of the most haunted accommodations in Boston, so you'll have quite a selection to choose from. The Friends say the state promised years ago to clean up or secure those buildings so the public can make use of a new bike trail. Then follow wompatuck state park abandoned buildings unpaved trail to, N11 and N16 TNT-loaded depth,... Began developing it as a public park the following year to hear from you about is... Sections of switchbacked singletrack in the State Gulf River in north Scituate Columbus day weekend you saw the abandoned.... Wwii history of the manhatten project was worked on there estuary forms the border between and! ( known by locals as the gemtlemen said ina previous post be careful how far you poke around may... Have, please let us know if you saw the abandoned buildings and in. N11 and N16 largely in the distance: Reflections on the right after turn! 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