Hiking, picnicking, exploring the beach, dirt biking, bird watching, and studying history. Each of these activities and more can be participated in at national parks - of which there are many in Massachusetts. For those interested in visiting and exploring a variety of natural areas (all under the control of the National Park Service) in Massachusetts while on a one to three day vacation there, here are some options and where they're located:
• Longfellow National Historic Site (Cambridge)
• Lowell National Historical Park (Lowell)
• Minute Man National Historical Park (Concord)
• Boston African American National Historic Site (Boston)
• New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park (New Bedford)
• Westfield Wild and Scenic River (Westfield)
• Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site (Saugus)
• Essex National Heritage Area (Salem)
• Frederick Law Olmsted National Historic Site (Brookline)
• John F. Kennedy National Historic Site (Brookline)
• Cape Cod National Seashore (Cape Cod)
• Springfield Armory National Historic Site (near Springfield)
• Adams National Historical Park (near Quincy)
• Appalachian National Scenic Trail
• Sudbury, Assabet, and Concord Wild and Scenic Rivers
• Boston Harbor Islands
• Quinebaug and Shetucket Rivers Valley National Heritage Corridor