Borderland State park is one of the nicest chunks of land around that is available for hiking, horsebackriding, dog-walking, and the fast-growing sport known as Frisbee golf to the general public, and Disc golf to serious players. The Borderland Disc golf course is easily one of the five best in the state, and most of the serious golfers that play it rank it as one of there favorite courses ever, anywhere.(Of course, to test this proposition you open yourself to a discussion that could take a while...) There are 18 holes but you can actually play any hole from your choice of 3 tee pads while throwing towards your choice of the white pin or the blue pin, which exponentially increases the interest and repeat playability. Saturdays and Sundays have been more crowded than normal on the course and in the park generally recently, probably because of this summer's wacky weather. It is a course that really keeps you on your toes. Get out there and show the course some love, but remember to pack out what you pack in. And make sure to say Hi to Ranger Dave if you see him. :)

Stony Brook Reservation contains 475 acres of tree-covered hills, valleys, rock outcroppings, and wetlands, and a variety of recreational facilities. Ten to 12 miles of hiking trails and bicycle paths pass through the forested portion of the reservation. Turtle Pond is an easily accessible spot for fishing. The Reservation also features soccer and baseball fields, tennis courts, picnic areas, an ice skating rink, and a pool.

Brooksby Farm, managed by the City of Peabody, is a 275 acre working farm and conservation area. Visitors can pick apples, strawberries and raspberries at the orchards, visit the petting zoo, browse the farm stand, and hike or cross-country ski on the many trails on the property. Although close to the hubbub of the Boston suburbs, Brooksby Farms is a 250-acre island of serenity. Footpaths and trails cover the acreage of this farm and orchards. Bring a sled or rent cross-country skis and snowshoes and wander through the rare evergreens of the Woodland Garden. Brooksby Farm is also the location of the historic Nathaniel Felton Sr. and Nathaniel Felton Jr. homes, the Smith Barn, and the Woodland Gardens, which are operated by the Peabody Historical Society. Check out Povo's Guide to Apple Picking in Massachusetts!

Information on the states parks, beaches, picnic areas, and campgrounds available. A great resource to learn about community events as well as to pick up tips on nature trails and sporting activities. This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard.

For all your outdoor needs. EMS has everything from Nalgene bottles to hammocks to kayaks. Anything you could possibly need for your camping trip, lake house, or even just to keep in your apartment, you should be able to find at this Eastern Mountain Sports location.

In addition to providing hostelling information, ENEC organizes many short bike trips around New England (not limited to members). Call (617-779-0900, ext. 24) during business hours for information about volunteer opportunities, upcoming events, and low-cost weekend trips. Trips include hiking, biking, and boating. If you want to reach particular hostels, call 617-536-9455. This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard.

Hilltop Orchards is a historic apple orchard in the Berkshires and home to award-winning Furnace Brook Winery. The Vittori family celebrates over two decades owning this farm and is proud to preserve this gem of a property. Relax in the Gazebo with a glass of wine or fresh pressed cider and home-made baked goods from our Farm Winery Store. More details on the winery can be found on www.furnacebrookwinery.com If you are feeling more adventurous, hike up to the top of the orchard or on one of our pristine back country trails. Guided hikes are also available - see Outdoor Activities on www.furnacebrookwinery.com for details. The hilltop, looking down over the apple orchard, is a unique vantage point with its 20-miles views of the southern Berkshire hills. Check out Povo's Guide to Apple Picking in MA!

From their website: Our orchard, located in the beautiful Berkshires, overlooks Hoosac Lake and offers a panoramic view of the valley and the surrounding mountains. In our orchard and berry patch you will find the best raspberries, sweet cherries, peaches, plums and apples in the area!

We don't have much information on this Farm...please click the change button and add your thoughts. Check out Povo's Guide to Apple Picking in MA!

Thompson Island is an island in the Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area, some 4 miles offshore from downtown Boston, Massachusetts. The island is managed by the Thompson Island Outward Bound Education Center, a non-profit educational organization. The island is open to visitors on summer Saturdays; otherwise access is by arrangement only.[1] The island has a permanent size of 170 acres (0.69 km²), and the highest point is a drumlin which reaches a height of 78 feet above sea level. The rest of the island comprises low rolling hills and a saltmarsh. The island has a mixed vegetation, including hardwood tree stands, remnant pear and apple orchards, ornamental trees and shrubs, open meadows, sumac groves, saltmarsh grasses, and lawns, including a soccer field.[1] In 1626 (four years before the Puritans arrived in Boston) David Thompson established a trading post to trade with the Neponset Indians on the island that now bears his name. Thompson was a Scot who had been superintending the settlement of Sir Ferdinando Gorges in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. For the next two centuries, Thompson Island was leased to several different families for farming. In 1833, the Boston Asylum for Indigent Boys was moved to the island, and in 1835 it merged with the Boston Farm School Society to become the Boston Farm and Trade School. In 1956 the name was changed again to Thompson Academy. Thompson Academy continued the tradition of shelter and guidance to boys("Boys with a problem, but not problem boys"). In 1971 a fire destroyed the Main School Building. The school continued to operate for another four years closing in 1975. The Willauer School, an expeditionary learning Outward Bound school operated from 1994 to 2006. The island is currently owned by the Thompson Island Outward Bound Education Center and operates Outward Bound programs that brings more than 5,000 students and 3,000 adults a year to the island. Thompson Island Outward Bound supports its mission through donations and profits from Thompson Island Conference Center (event business running corporate outings and social events) and Outward Bound Professional (adult teambuilding to create positive lasting change in the workplace).[1] [1]Article from Wikipedia^[1].