To visit Maudslay State Park, park in the main lot on Curzon Mill Road in Newburyport ($5 for Massachusetts plates, $20 for others, year-round), bring water, and start on the Pasture Trail. The park is open sunrise to sunset every day. Restrooms and park headquarters are at the entrance. Dogs are welcome on a leash; swimming, fishing, fires and grilling are not allowed. Late May and June, when the azaleas, rhododendrons and mountain laurel bloom, are the park's showcase weeks.
When to Go
- Best overall: late May through June. Mountain laurel peaks around the third week of June.
- Summer: the formal gardens bloom through August, and DCR runs educational programs.
- Fall: foliage and long views across the open meadows.
- Winter: open trails and cross-country skiing, but the Laurels area is closed November 1 to March 31.
What to Bring
- Water. DCR says drinking water may not be available on site.
- Sturdy shoes. Most paths are unpaved carriage roads and footpaths, and DCR's Castle Hill hike notes some challenging footing.
- Layers and sunblock, as DCR advises for every hike.
- The DCR trail map, downloaded before you go.
- A leash (10-foot maximum) and bags if your dog is coming.
- A picnic that doesn't need cooking; fires and grills aren't allowed.
Where to Start
Every DCR suggested route begins at the main lot. For an easy first visit, head out the Pasture Trail and either cross the three-arch stone bridge into the pines and laurel or turn onto the Long Border Trail for the old gardens (1–2 miles). With more time, walk the 2-mile Merrimack River Trail. Riders start on the Pasture Trail and Mile Circle (horseback riding). All routes: trails.
Rules Visitors Most Often Ask About
- Dogs: yes, on a leash.
- Swimming: no.
- Fishing: no.
- Fires and grilling: no.
- Bikes and horses: designated trails only.
- Photography sessions: DCR permit required. Full list: rules and regulations.
Accessibility
DCR lists accessible restrooms at Maudslay. From spring through fall, DCR lends two power-driven mobility devices for the trails at no cost: a dual-seat Cheetah Ninja electric mobility scooter and an Action Trackchair NT 18 tracked wheelchair.
- Available May 10 through October 31, 2026.
- Reserve at least 3 days ahead, after reviewing DCR's operating and safety instructions.
- Bring a companion 18 or older who can walk the terrain and carries a charged phone.
- Sign a use agreement on arrival; riders 16 and under wear a helmet.
- Weight limits: 250 pounds for the Trackchair NT 18, 500 pounds for the scooter.
Details and reservations are on DCR's power-driven mobility devices page.
Programs
DCR's park interpreter runs free programs open to the public, from history hikes (Moulton's Castle on Castle Hill, Bootlegger's Field) to an interpretation station on flora and fauna and a preschool nature hour. Most meet at park headquarters, 74 Curzon Mill Road; children must be with an adult. Weather can cancel a program, so call (978) 465-7223 to confirm. The monthly calendar is linked from DCR's park page.
Make a Day of It
Maudslay has no beach. Pair it with Plum Island or Salisbury Beach for a swim, the Parker River refuge for birds, or the Clipper City Rail Trail downtown. More in things to do in Newburyport.
