7 Snake Infested State Parks In Massachusetts

Whether you’re fascinated by limbless, scale-covered creatures or fear them completely, there are certain state parks in Massachusetts where you’re highly likely to cross paths with a snake. Garter snakes are pretty common and can be seen in most parks. However, at places like Blue Hills Reservation in Milton, travelers will have the chance to spot endangered species such as the rare timber rattlesnake.

According to the Massachusetts government's website, the Bay State is home to fourteen different species of snakes in total. Of those, two are venomous, including the aforementioned timber rattlesnake and the copperhead snake. Regardless of whether a snake is venomous or not, it’s important for park visitors to keep their distance and avoid disturbing the snakes by poking them or picking them up. It is also advised to wear long pants and closed-toe shoes while walking through nature where snakes are present.

Blue Hills Reservation

Blue Hills Reservation in Milton, Massachusetts, sits roughly 10 miles outside of downtown Boston, making it a convenient day trip option for anyone visiting the city. Inside the park, marshlands, rocky landscapes, and deciduous forests make perfect habitats for copperheads and timber rattlesnakes. Visitors should not count on seeing these species during a visit, though, as both are considered rare sights and only exist in small populations within the park's 7,000 acres. Milk snakes and garter snakes, on the other hand, are far more common and easy to spot. Milk snakes, in particular, often get mistaken for copperheads due to a similar appearance.

Mount Tom State Reservation

Mount Tom State Reservation can be found in Holyoke, Massachusetts, and encompasses most of the Mount Tom Mountain Range. Similar to Blue Hills, the reservation is also home to copperheads and timber rattlesnakes. The venomous snakes are most active in the park during the spring and fall seasons. During the winter, timber rattlesnakes hibernate together underground, while copperheads tend to overwinter in particularly rocky areas. In addition to observing snakes, travelers can also enjoy 22 miles worth of hiking trails, bird watching (particularly for hawks which frequent the park), fishing, and cross-country skiing in the winter.

Mount Greylock State Reservation

Smooth green snakes, ring-necked snakes, and common garter snakes can all be found slithering around Mount Greylock State Reservation. In addition to its range of non-venomous snake species, visitors will also find the largest mountain in the state here. Mount Greylock, which sits inside the reservation, stands 3,491 feet tall. According to the Massachusetts government's website, one can see “as far as 90 miles away” from the mountain's peak when the skies are clear. Those hoping to spot some of the park's snakes will have more success near damp areas and forest edges. Interested visitors can also book camping sites at the park to enjoy an overnight adventure in Lanesborough, Massachusetts, where the park is located.

Wachusett Mountain State Reservation

While visiting Wachusett Mountain State Reservation, guests will have ample opportunity to participate in activities such as downhill and cross-country skiing in the winter as well as biking, hiking, and hunting in the warmer months. Of the park’s 3,000 acres, there are 17 miles worth of trails where visitors may spot a snake or two. Types of snakes that are frequently spotted in the park include milk snakes and garter snakes. Visitors from out of state should know that parking at the visitors center, in Princeton, Massachusetts, is limited to 28 cars and comes with a non-resident fee of $20.

Halibut Point State Park

Halibut Point State Park in Rockport, Massachusetts, is best known for its granite shorelines and scenic viewpoints that look out over the Atlantic Ocean. The rocky shores, in particular, serve as the perfect habitat for northern watersnakes. Visitors may also see common species such as garter snakes and milk snakes hiding along trails or in low-lying brush. In addition to these reptiles, the park is teeming with wildlife and serves as a great location for avid bird watchers. Common activities within the park include finding a smooth slab of rock to enjoy a picnic on, observing the tide pools, and hiking the trails. Just be careful not to disturb any reptilian residents while enjoying your seaside day!

Skinner State Park

Skinner State Park (sometimes called Joseph Allen Skinner State Park) in Hadley, Massachusetts, provides travellers access to the stunning Mount Holyoke summit and views of the Connecticut River Valley. While exploring the mountain and the surrounding area, it’s normal to see common snake species, including northern black racers and garter snakes. Timber rattlesnakes and eastern rattlesnakes can also occasionally be found in the area. As always, visitors should practice caution after spotting a snake, making sure to give the snake enough space so it doesn’t feel threatened. This state park offers many of the activities one expects from a state park experience, including picnicking, hiking, and scenic viewpoints. There are a few restrictions that visitors should be familiar with as well. These include no drones, no rock climbing, no consuming alcohol, no ATV riding, no veering off marked trails, no off-road or motorized vehicles, and no rollerblades or skateboards.

Middlesex Fells Reservation

Last but not least, Middlesex Fells Reservation is also a great Massachusetts park that’s filled with slithering snakes. The park sprawls across roughly 2,200 acres in Stoneham, Malden, Melrose, and Medford, Massachusetts. The park includes wooded trails and wetland borders where snakes may be spotted. One of the best places to look for snakes in the park is at Spot Pond, where visitors may see Dekay’s brown snakes, which enjoy a moist environment. The park offers canoe and kayak rentals to make exploring the pond even more fun. Other snakes commonly seen in Middlesex Fells Reservation include garter snakes, common watersnakes, milk snakes, and ring-necked snakes.

Watch Out for These Massachusetts Snakes

The term “snake-infested parks” may send a chill down some spines. In reality, however, most of the snake species found within these Massachusetts state parks are non-venomous and wish to be left alone just as much as the humans who may stumble upon them. The main exceptions are the timber rattlesnake and the copperhead. Although venomous, these two species are harder to find and can be avoided by taking some general precautions, such as not sticking your hand blindly into tall grass, not lifting or moving rocks, and watching your step along trailsides.