Rutland State Park can be found off Route 122 near Long Pond in Rutland, Massachusetts. The office for the park can be reached by phone at (508)886-6333 or by mail at 2 Crawford Rd., Rutland MA 01543. There are several websites online about Rutland State Park where one can find information. One of those sites is www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/central/rtld.htm.
Activities offered at Rutland State Park include swimming, nonmotorized boating, hiking, picnicking, snowmobiling, biking, fishing, hunting, canoeing, scenic viewing area and cross country skiing. About 15 miles of trails wind through the park with varying degrees of difficulty. There are also many fire trails that make their way through the park that visitors can follow for viewing nature or just getting a bit of exercise walking.
Rutland State Park is a day use park only. However, camping is available nearby. Spanning over 300 acres, there are many things to see while visiting. A visitor may choose to lounge on the beach of Long Pond or nearby Whitehall Pond or walk the many trails that can be found. Trails are not marked or groomed, however the scenery is beautiful and untouched.
Cross country skiing is available at Rutland State Park through the winter, following the walking trails and fire trails through nature and enjoying the fresh outdoor air. Canoeing is available on Long Pond. There’s no mention of rentals, so it is best to call ahead for availability of rentals. Where canoes are allowed, so are kayaks. So if you’d rather kayak than canoe, Long Pond and Whitehall Pond are open to non-motorized boats of all types. Non-motorized includes canoes, kayaks, row boats and paddle boats. Many parks are going to the “non-motorized” boating as it is discovered that gas and oil from the boat motors leaks into the water, contaminating the water.
There is a group day use area for planning family gatherings and other events. Contact the office for more information and to see if reservations are required. The fees for entrance to the park or rental of the group day use area is not listed on the websites. It is best to call ahead for this information. Within the park there is an area for pets, referred to as the dog park. Pets are not allowed in other areas of the park to promote the family friendly atmosphere without the worry of dogs or other pets.
Mountain biking is available at Rutland State Park, however the mountain bikes use the same trails as those hiking and walking, so it is important to be careful while biking, hiking or walking and share the trail. Walking the trails is possible during the winter months as well, provided you are prepared for the weather conditions. While it is not mentioned in any review, snow shoeing is probably also allowed as it is an outdoor sport that many people enjoy in the winter.