Ames Nowell is a year-round day use area with recreational activity (including non-motorized boating and fishing) centered around Cleveland Pond. Facilities include a picnic area, ball field and several miles of trails along the pond edge and the surrounding woods.
How To Get There:
Address:
Ames Nowell State Park
RFD Linwood St.
Abington, MA 02351
There is plenty of parking here, so it’s never an issue. The entrance is at the end of a quiet residential street, so please be respectful to neighbors and drive slowly.
TRAIL DESCRIPTION & MAP:
Ames Nowell is HUGE. Our usual path that we take is only about 2-2.5 miles and is easy to follow and just about the right length for us. However, we look forward to exploring other areas of the park and sharing them with you in the future.
INFORMATION & TRAIL MAP: Ames Nowell is part of the Massachusetts State Park system and run by the Department of Conservation & Recreation (DCR). Find out more at https://www.mass.gov/locations/ames-nowell-state-park
TRAIL MAP: https://www.mass.gov/doc/ames-nowell-state-park-trail-map/download
P.I.N.T. Score
Rated on a scale of 1 (difficult/not good) to 5 (easy/awesome!)
P – Parking & Access – 5 (There’s plenty!)
I – Interest Level – 4 (varied terrain, scenic views of Cleveland Pond, bridge and dam, LOTS of huge boulders to climb on, a boardwalk section, high-tension power lines, and even a cool hidden treasure we found one time!)
N – Navigation – 3 (Trails are generally well-worn and easy to see. Intersections are marked with numbers and letters. This can be confusing without a map. There are a few confusing spots on our path.)
T – Terrain – 3 (Some parts are flat, but there are quite a few places that are steep up/down climbs, places where the trail gets wet/muddy and you have to creatively skirt the puddles, and there are the usual roots/rocks sticking up out of the path.) Stroller-friendly? NO
The P.I.N.T. Score represents our opinions on this trail. It reflects our experience, perception, and physical health. Therefore, the scores are not intended to be expert advice, nor will they be accurate for everyone: we cannot judge what may or may not be appropriate for each individual’s different abilities. Consult a physician or medical expert before attempting any new physical activity. Hiking contains inherent hazards, so hike at your own risk. You should always make your own decisions about what level of physical activity is appropriate for you and your family. Weather and other factors may affect trail conditions. Remember, trail conditions may change suddenly and drastically at any time.
Points of Interest
- Cool bridge and damn near the entrance.
- Large boulders to climb on throughout the park.
- A hidden treasure to find! (Hint: it’s hidden in one of the boulders – that’s all we’re saying!)
- Cleveland Pond is fun to skip rocks on, or throw rocks into, even when it’s covered with ice!
- Part of the trail runs under high-tension power lines. For some reason, it’s cool.