Wompatuck State Park

Wompatuck State Park is a recreational area of about 4000 acres (16 km²) in size located primarily in Hingham, Massachusetts, in the United States. Portions of the park extend into the neighboring towns of Cohasset, Norwell, and Scituate. It is managed by Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation. The park is built on the former Hingham Naval Ammunition Depot Annex (known by natives as the "Cohasset Annex") which was in use from 1941 until 1965.

Wompatuck contains over 100 decommissioned military bunkers, many of which have been backfilled, but some do remain exposed however, including one which housed parts of the first atomic bomb. Several old military buildings can be found on park property as well as an extensive network of abandoned railroad. Most buildings have had their roofs and windows removed and are open to the elements.

The park boasts a campground with 400 camp sites, 252 of which are open, 130 of the sites have a 20 amp electrical hook-up. Camping is open from mid April until mid October. The park contains a boat ramp in the Aaron River Reservoir which is usable only by flat bottomed row boats. There are a number bicycling trails and paths for riders of all abilities. For those who seek off-road riding there is a vast amount of challenging single track. There is also a large paved trail system which can be enjoyed by riders of all abilities. An abandond rail spur, linking the Ammunition Depot to the Old Colony Railroad line, has recently been converted to a bicycle path, linking Wompatuck to the Cohasset Commuter Rail Station. Upland game bird hunting is allowed in season in the south field area. South field is also a favorite of mountain bikers as is the rest of the park. Free spring water can be obtained at Mt. Blue Spring which has been in operation since the mid 1800s.

External links

* [http://www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/southeast/womp.htm Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation: Wompatuck State Park]