Butterworth Park
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
Butterworth Park is a popular destination in the state of Massachusetts, known for its natural beauty and recreational opportunities.
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Summary
The park is located in Kingston, MA, and is a great place to visit for families, hikers, and nature lovers.
Some good reasons to visit Butterworth Park include its beautiful landscapes, diverse wildlife, and extensive hiking trails. The park also offers opportunities for fishing, picnicking, and camping, making it a great spot for a day trip or weekend getaway.
Specific points of interest to see within Butterworth Park include the scenic Jones River, which runs through the park and provides plenty of opportunities for fishing and kayaking. The park also features a variety of habitats, including forests, wetlands, and meadows, which are home to a wide range of wildlife such as deer, beavers, and otters.
Interesting facts about the area include its history as a former cranberry bog, which has now been restored to its natural state. The park also features a number of historic structures, including the site of the first iron foundry in the United States.
The best time of year to visit Butterworth Park depends on your interests. Spring and summer are great for hiking and outdoor recreation, while fall offers beautiful foliage and excellent birdwatching opportunities. Winter activities include snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
Overall, Butterworth Park is a must-visit destination in Massachusetts for anyone looking to experience the natural beauty and rich history of the region.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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