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Massachusetts
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Massachusetts State Parks

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USA Parks
Massachusetts
Eastern Region
Bradley Palmer State Park
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Bradley Palmer State Park © Botteville / Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
The sign at the Topsfield entrance gate to the old Bradley Palmer estate. This is the only paved entrance currently open.
Bradley Palmer State Park © Jtrawleigh / CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Willowdale Estate Parlor
Bradley Palmer State Park © Unknown authorUnknown author / Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Pre-1915 Photo of Willow Dale
Bradley Palmer State Park © Botteville / Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Bradley Palmers house, rescued from ruin by the state and currently rented to private parties for various purposes. A sign before the house says Private Property i.e., park visitors are not free to wander the house and its vicinity. Use as an inn was at some point contemplated.
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BRADLEY PALMER STATE PARK
BRADLEY PALMER STATE PARK
40 Asbury Street
Topsfield, Massachusetts   01983
(lat:42.6499 lon:-70.8981) map location

Phone: 978-887-5931
This former estate features 721-acres of pine needled paths and sunny rolling meadows for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.


Activities

Hiking
Mountain biking
Biking
Canoeing and kayaking
Horseback riding
Fishing
Cross-country skiing
Snowmobiling

Facilities

Educational programs
Pavilion
Picnic areas
Restrooms
Spray deck
Weddings
Grills

Fishing
You can enjoy freshwater fishing in the Ipswich River, where you'll find species like bass and trout. Other options include fly-fishing or catch-and-release for a sustainable experience. The park's pond is also stocked with fish annually, providing ample opportunities to cast your line.



Picnicking
Bradley Palmer State Park offers picnic areas with tables and grills. Visitors can enjoy picnicking near the scenic Willowdale Mill.
Bicycling
The park offers numerous biking trails, suitable for different skill levels. Be aware of uneven terrain and sudden turns.

Mountain bikers will find challenging paths with steep inclines; caution is advised due to potential hazards like loose rocks.

For beginners or leisure cyclists, there are flat paved routes that wind through scenic areas but watch out for pedestrians.

Off-road cycling options exist too; however, these require advanced skills given the rough surfaces and sharp bends involved.

Always wear a helmet when riding in this area as safety should be your priority while enjoying the natural beauty around you.

Remember to respect trail rules: yield right-of-way where indicated and avoid wet trails which can erode easily under tires' pressure.
Birding
The park offers diverse birding options with over 100 species recorded. It's home to various habitats like marshes, meadows and forests attracting a wide range of birds. Birdwatchers can spot warblers, woodpeckers, hawks among others during different seasons. The Willowdale Mill area is particularly popular for spotting waterfowl and wading birds.

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Massachusetts
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Massachusetts State Parks

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