Top Rated Attractions in Amherst

Forest Park is 785 acres of pure outdoor fun. With all kinds of entertainment, including a zoo, paddleboats, tennis courts, bocce ball, playgrounds and hiking trails, Forest Park has something for everyone. In the winter, the park is a great location for sledding and snowshoeing. Whether its summer, spring, winter or fall, Forest Park has got it all.

Take in some breathtaking vistas when you visit Mount Holyoke Range State Park. This park encompasses a magnificent mountain ridge of the Mount Holyoke Range that runs from Hadley to Belchertown. Made up of over 3,729 acres (1,509 hectares) of land, the park features an impressive network of marked trails that are perfect of walking, hiking, horseback riding, and even cross-country skiing in the winter months. The park's Notch Visitor Center features immersive educational displays and conducts informative programs.

Skinner State Park's natural beauty makes it a great destination for the whole family. The park features over 843 acres (341 hectares) of forest that covers Mount Holyoke and runs along the Connecticut River. There are many hiking trails, some of which reach the summit of Mount Holyoke. It also contains the historic Mount Holyoke Summit House, which was donated to the state with the land for the park by businessman Joseph Allen Skinner in 1940. In the spring and the fall, hawk-watching is a popular attraction in the park. There are several picnic sites that are open to the public as well.

Enjoy some of this region's natural beauty by spending some time at Lake Wyola State Park. Located north of Springfield in the town of Shutesbury, this recreation area has been run by the state since being purchased in 1997. The park itself encompasses over 40 acres (16 hectares) that surround Lake Wyola and features numerous trails for hiking, walking, and cross-country skiing in the winter months. The lake itself is a popular location for fishing, swimming, and boating. There are also many picnic areas that have charcoal grills that can be used by the public.

Encompassing various natural habitats and cultural landmarks, Connecticut River Greenway State Park offers visitors a wide range of recreational opportunities and a chance to connect with the region's natural and historical heritage. Located along the Connecticut River, the park offers access for boating, canoeing, and kayaking. The park features designated boat launches and fishing access points for those looking to explore the river by water. A sprawling picnic area along the river makes the park an ideal destination for families.

Offering picturesque landscape, Fitzgerald Lake Conservation Area is a wonderful outdoor recreation site in the city. Expanded over 911-acres (368 hectares) protect land unfolding into the most pristine lake in the region. Surrounded by green pastures, tall wooded trees, and various wildlife habitats, the preserve features excellent nature trails stretching up to 10-miles (16 kilometers) and a Broadwalk for hiking, a dock for canoeing, and kayaking, picnic areas, and a beautiful spot for a dip in the lake.