Callahan State Park
| Raymond J. Callahan State Park | |
|---|---|
| Massachusetts State Park | |
  Location of Callahan State Park in Massachusetts
|
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| Country | United States |
| State | Massachusetts |
| County | Middlesex |
| Location | Millwood St, Framingham, Massachusetts, USA |
| - coordinates | 42°19′10″N 71°28′1″W / 42.31944°N 71.46694°WCoordinates: 42°19′10″N 71°28′1″W / 42.31944°N 71.46694°W |
| Area | 820 acres (332 ha) |
| Founded | 1970 |
| Managed by | Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation |
| Nearest city | Framingham, Massachusetts |
| Website : Callahan State Park (DCR) | |
Callahan State Park is a Massachusetts state park partly located in Framingham and Marlborough, Massachusetts. The park is managed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR).
The park was named in honor of Raymond J. Callahan in 1971 by an Act of the Massachusetts legislature.
[edit] Description
Raymond J. Callahan State Park is a 820-acre (3.3 km2) day use area principally used for hiking, horseback riding, and cross-country skiing. The park is home to a wide variety of trees both coniferous and deciduous. The park is open all year. Come winter the park is used by cross-country skiers and snowshoers. One should use caution in the park though, as sightings of wildlife including coyotes and large deer are not unheard of. Because of the large deer and other wildlife population, pets should stay on trails and avoid other animals fecal matter because of parasites, notably mange. Hikers should also come with insect repellent in the summer, as deer flies, ticks, and mosquitoes are common. Garter snakes can also be seen basking on the hot dirt paths in spring and summer.
Hunting, camping, and fires are all illegal inside the park. Some of the trail markers may have been vandalized or removed. When trails are closed for regrowth, safe detours are always provided. There are three parking lots for Callahan State Park. The two in Framingham are located on Millwood Street and Edmands Road. The other lot is located on Broadmeadow Road in Marlborough. Visitors to the park may obtain a free map in the parking areas and online at: Callahan State Park Trail Map. Visitors should be aware of the time of day they are entering, as the thick woods become dark long before sunset. All motorized vehicles are prohibited. Bikers are advised to make themselves known to hikers on trails in advance and show proper etiquette. Horseback riders are required to keep their horses under control at all times. Dogs are required to be on-leash in all parking lots, on the Earthen Dam, and any borderline trails. Pick up after your pets and keep them under control at all times.
[edit] Recreational opportunities
- Bike Paths
- Hiking
- Horseback Riding Trails
- Skiing (Cross-Country)
- Walking Trails
- Bird Watching
[edit] External links
- Park Website: http://www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/northeast/call.htm
- Trail Map: http://www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/trails/callahan.gif
