Ellisville Harbor State Park
Ellisville Harbor State Park is a Massachusetts state park located in the village of Ellisville in Plymouth. The park is managed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation.
Location: 41°50′40.66″N 70°32′25.08″W / 41.8446278°N 70.5403000°W
Description
Ellisville Harbor State Park protects a unique coastal property which includes beachfront, salt marsh, rolling meadows, and red pine forest habitats. One of the most scenic spots on the South Shore coastline, visitors can see small fishing boats, a barrier beach, sphagnum bog, forested upland and open meadows. The large bog attracts many interesting birds as both a habitat and migrations stopover. In fall and winter, harbor seals can often be seen just offshore.
A wide main trail of about 350 yards is maintained with a processed stone surface from a parking area to a wide, rocky beach. The endangered Piping Plovers and Least Terns nest along a section of the beach which is closed in the spring. Several side trails access other areas of the park. Poison ivy is a concern along trail edges.
An 18th century farmstead is also included on the property.
The park is accessed from Massachusetts Route 3A, about one mile north of Massachusetts Route 3's Exit 2. Parking is free.
Recreational opportunities
- Fishing - Salt water from shore and jette
- Bird watching
- Hiking
- Scenic viewing area
- Cross-country skiing
- Walking trails
- Beachcombing
History
Between 2,500 and 5,000 years ago, prehistoric Native Americans hunted, fished, harvested shellfish and made tools here. The park was once part of the Harlow family farmstead.[1]
In its earlier days the harbor was a busy loading spot for ships taking timber to Boston and for local fishing.[2]
The area was designated an Area of Critical Environmental Concern in January of 1980.[3]
Photos
References
- ^ "Ellisville Harbor State Park" (html). Mass. Dept. of Conservation and Recreation. Retrieved May 23, 2009.
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- ^ title
url Berwick, John A. (January 16, 1980). "Designation of Ellisville Harbor as an Area of Critical Environmental Concern and supporting findings" (pdf). Commonwealth of Massachusetts Executive Office of Environmental Affairs. Retrieved May 22, 2009.
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External links
- State park website: http://www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/southeast/ells.htm
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