Dufresne Recreation Area
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
Dufresne Recreation Area is a popular destination in Massachusetts for outdoor enthusiasts.
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Summary
Located in Granby, the area offers a variety of recreational activities for visitors of all ages. Some good reasons to visit include hiking, fishing, swimming, and camping.
One of the main points of interest is the Dufresne Pond, which is perfect for fishing and swimming. The pond is stocked regularly with trout, bass, and other fish species, making it a great spot for anglers. There are also several hiking trails in the area, with varying levels of difficulty. The trails are perfect for nature lovers who want to explore the picturesque scenery.
Interesting facts about the area include the fact that it was once a working farm and that it was named after the Dufresne family, who owned the land for several generations. Today, the area is a popular spot for camping and picnics, and there are several campsites available for visitors to rent.
The best time of year to visit Dufresne Recreation Area is during the summer months, when the weather is warm and perfect for swimming and camping. However, the area is also beautiful in the fall, when the leaves change colors and the hiking trails offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Overall, Dufresne Recreation Area is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves the great outdoors. With its beautiful scenery, recreational activities, and interesting history, it is a perfect spot for a weekend getaway or a day trip.
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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.
Related References
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Skinner State Park
Litwin Park
Pina Park
Ludlow State Park