Rules & Regulations

Dogs are allowed at Maudslay State Park on a leash, but swimming, fishing, fires and grilling, alcohol, hunting, metal detectors and motor vehicles are not. Those are DCR's rules for the park. DCR also asks that bikes and horses stay on designated trails, that nobody pick flowers or remove anything from the park, and that anyone holding a photography session get a DCR permit first. The full list is below.

Dogs

Dogs are welcome at Maudslay, and DCR marks the park 'Dogs Allowed'. They must stay on a leash, and DCR's trail guidance sets a 10-foot maximum. Always pick up after your dog and dispose of the waste properly. Leashes matter here: the bridle paths and carriage roads are shared with horses, bikes, children and other dogs.

Planning a dog-friendly day on the coast after? Note that dogs are never allowed at the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge or at DCR's Sandy Point on Plum Island, and DCR keeps dogs off Salisbury Beach from April 1 to September 15.

No Swimming

Swimming is not allowed anywhere in the park, including the rivers and the Flowering Pond. For a swim, the nearest beaches are on the coast at Salisbury Beach and Plum Island.

No Fishing or Hunting

DCR's Maudslay brochure lists fishing among the activities not allowed in the park, along with hunting and trapping. DCR's park page also lists no hunting.

No Fires, Grills or Alcohol

No fires and no grilling. Picnics are welcome, and DCR lists picnic areas and group day use, but bring food that doesn't need cooking. Alcohol is not allowed.

Bikes, Horses and Vehicles

• Ride bicycles and horses on designated trails only. On DCR's map, the hatched lines are open to bikes and horses; dotted lines are for hiking and skiing.
• Riders 16 and under must wear a bike helmet; it is Massachusetts law.
• No motorized vehicles in the park except by DCR special use permit.

Protecting the Gardens

• Don't pick flowers or other plants, including the mountain laurel, azaleas and rhododendrons.
• Don't remove any park resource.
• No metal detectors.
• Stay on designated trails and roads, and observe posted rules.

Photography Permits

DCR requires a permit for all photography sessions at Maudslay. A state parks photography permit costs $45, is applied for online through the state's ePLACE portal at least 7 days ahead, and needs a certificate of liability insurance. Photos and video taken during a permitted wedding ceremony don't need a separate permit (see weddings and events).

Closed Areas

• The Laurels area along the river is closed to the public from November 1 to March 31 (hours and seasons).
• The Historic Curatorship Lease Area is open only during scheduled events and programs.

Groups and Trail Etiquette

• DCR asks hiking groups to stay at 12 people or fewer.
• Carry in, carry out: take all trash home.
• Large gatherings such as weddings, reunions and school groups use a DCR special use permit.

Rules can change. DCR's park page is the official list; questions go to the park office at (978) 465-7223.