Location: Athol
Top Things to do in Athol
Top 10 Things to do in Athol, United States
Athol is located amongst the rolling hills of north central Massachusetts, 70 miles west of Boston. The town and North Quabbin region are blessed with a natural beauty and many recreational opportunities. From camping, to swimming, to fishing, to hiking trails with stunning vistas the area is rife with opportunities to interact with nature.
Restaurants in Athol
1. Lake Dennison State Recreation Area
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 41 reviews
Reviewed By Dickruns - Mashpee, Massachusetts
great place to hike for those not into climbing mountains, trails are wide and clear, plenty of different routes so that you can vary distances and routes, quit and never see motor bikes or 4 wheelers driving around so walking is safe
2. Red Apple Farm
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 65 reviews
Reviewed By shel. - Phillipston, Massachusetts
Great place to spend time in the summer and fall. Not as busy as some other apple picking places I've been to which is nice. The apple cider donuts are a must. Kids enjoyed the hayride and feeding the animals. So many great photo opportunities as well.
3. Bear's Den
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 10 reviews
Take a short walk to a scenic waterfall or the site of an historic mill.
Reviewed By Carol F - Shelburne Falls, Massachusetts
One of our "waterfall hunting" adventures with our daughter. This display is a wider falls that can be seen from a couple fo different angles - the side, in front, and above. Further hiking takes you along the river that feeds the waterfall - but we lost the trail fairly easilly. We hope to head back in better weather for a dip!
We went on to the overlook of the Quabbin from the center of New Salem that can be reached by going through the campus of a former school - a spectacular view.
4. Doane's Falls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 42 reviews
Descend a short streamside trail and get an up-close experience with a raucous series of plunging falls.
Reviewed By dave d - Bradford, Massachusetts
I parked at the day hike parking lot at the Tully lake campground, just a short road hike then onto the (handicap accessible) trail. You can continue further up and look at a number of falls on some rougher and steeper trail. Well worth the trip.
5. Ellinwood Country Club
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 12 reviews
Reviewed By CTRiverGolfer - Chicopee, Massachusetts
ELLINWOOD COUNTRY CLUB
Athol, Ma.
Terrain: Ravines / Linksy
Par 71
Price: $
Public
Driving Range: No
Opened: 1929
Architect: Donald Ross, Geoffrey Cornish
Lodging: No
SCORECARD
Blue 6195 Yards, Slope 123, Rating 69.5
White 5891 Yards, Slope 119, Rating 68.8
Gold 5409 Yards, Slope 123, Rating 71.9
Red 5031 Yards, Slope 118, Rating 69.1
SNAPSHOTS
Bunker-to-bunker a real - and dastardly possibility on hole No. 2
Full-length golf on a historic course for a fraction of what it would cost you elsewhere
If you're seeking a divorce, make your spouse putt out on No. 5
First 14 holes are short and tricky, last 4 are long and punishing
Fairways have a linksy feel
Don't assume a gimme's a gimme on these tilted greens
Neighboring New Hampshire's granite state presence is felt, with numerous sodden boulders erupting from below the fairways. Expect crazy bounces should you find one.
Hardscrabble in spots, but with a delicious old-timey feel
BEYOND THE WHITE STAKES
Brewskies: The Blind Pig, Brew Pub (3.1 miles)
Post-round Meal: Old Time New England Seafood Co. Seafood (2.4 miles)
Worth a Detour: Heritage State Park, Gardner (13.9 miles)
Splash! Lake Mattawa, Orange (9.3 miles)
Native: Dave Bargeron, Trombonist and Tuba Player with Blood, Sweat & Tears
6. Jumptown
Overall Ratings
5 based on 14 reviews
Home of the first commercial skydiving center in the United States, Jumptown is the premier destination for skydiving in New England. Located 70 miles west of Boston, Jumptown is a skydiving club that offers both Tandem and Accelerated Freefall training. Many unique options for customers are exclusive to our dropzone: an Accelerated Freefall Camp, VIP Tandem option, and best of all - Jumptown is the only dropzone that offers you the option to make your first skydive with your own parachute! Jumptown is known for its rich history in the world of skydiving as well as our quality instruction and customer experience. Our recently upgraded facilities include a brand new state-of-the-art hangar, a pristine Super Otter jump plane and tons of onsite amenities. At Jumptown, you are trained in the risks and rewards of becoming a skydiver, be it just for a once in a lifetime experience or a path to self-development. Regardless of what path you choose, you will be a well-informed student and will feel confident putting your trust in our experienced instructor's hands.
Reviewed By S A - Pittsfield, Massachusetts
The jump experience was great. It was decided to purchase the most expensive picture package for $125. We looked at the video they had on display depicting what you get.and was happy with what came with the package. We had 2 jumpers. One had great...MoreGlad you enjoyed your jump. I will mention your issue to our video team. We always strive for consistency with our video flyers.
7. Royalston Falls
Overall Ratings
4 based on 25 reviews
Follow a descending trail that leads to a deep, ancient gorge carved by prehistoric glacial meltwater to falls that plunge 45 feet into a basin.
Reviewed By 908justinz - East Pepperell, Massachusetts, United States
Went to see the falls. The map out front at the trail head was very faded and it appeared that there was a trail loop presumably to the falls and back. We followed the Tully Trail which was yellow painted dots on trees. The trails were filled with orange salamanders which was cool to see. Spent most of our time trying to avoid stepping on them. We got to a couple clearings where there were some running water down 5-10ft "falls" which weren't marked so we almost assumed this was what we were looking for. Luckily we went a bit further and found a sign near a small log bridge and shelter area. 0.3 more miles to falls. We trekked on and came to the falls. It was a nice area but the views weren't very good. You almost had to look straight down at them or the other spot to view was half obstructed. We continued on the Tully trail and it was poorly marked and other trails unmarked jutted off which could be confusing to someone. There were plenty of spots throughout the hike that were completely mud to the point where it was over the ankle and we had to find ways around off the trail. Some steep climbs and descents on the trail where if someone wasn't prepared could easily roll and ankle or slip. Not access for handicap. Not for small children or anyone not able to climb steep and slippery hillsides. No cell service in area. Approx 3 miles on the Tully trail after the falls and we came to Warwick Rd. We asked the man mowing his grass across the street where the parking lot was where we came from. He was so pleasant and knew the area well and advised we were to either hike the whole way back or 5 miles on the road. He jumped right out and offered a ride and says he has done it for many many people before. Wouldn't take any money. We will be sending a care package for his generosity. My feeling is if all these people are doing the same thing that maybe it should be marked or explained better. I also blame ourselves of course for not being better prepared or educated about our hike. I'd recommend this if someone is already in the area while passing our experience on to make your way back the way you came. Lesson learned but overall an average place to visit.
8. Elliott Laurel
Overall Ratings
4 based on 1 reviews
In late spring, enjoy the colorful blooms of mountain laurel that give this reservation its name.
Reviewed By dave d - Bradford, Massachusetts
This is a mix of open field (mowed) and woods. There is a bit of a hill but nothing too strenuous. The hemlock stand is nice with beautiful open woods. This is a nice spot for a short hike. There is a little less than a mile of trails.
9. Alan E. Rich Environmental Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 11 reviews
Reviewed By gardener903 - Orange, MA
The Alan E. Rich Environmental Park provides an unusual natural area right near the downtown of Athol, Mass., which has about 11,000 people. I like the way this park offers an easy grassy trail through meadows with varied plants and turtles and birds, a fairly large river (the Millers) known for its dragonfly population and trout, and a big sky to look at, too. A volunteer who works in the park wrote this: "Athol is one of only a very few New England communities with varied wild habitats within the actual center of the community. The Cass Meadow complex enclosing the Millers River and the Tully River offers a varied and complete nature experience right on the Main Street of Athol. The Rich Park is the gate to this invaluable gift. The folks laboring week in and week out have maintained a vision of native New England plantings with a splash of decorative annuals transitioning from the busy highway. With steady support of the town Dept. of Public Works and the Town Hall this project evolved and intensified with a minimum of public dollars." I
10. Honest Weight Artisan Beer
Overall Ratings
5 based on 6 reviews
Reviewed By too_few_trips_1 - Irvine, CA
Honest Weight Artisan Beer produces tasty beer in an old mill town in Northwestern Massachusetts. The tasting room is modest, but I sense the conversation is always good with one of the partners in the firm available to discuss beer and brewing.
Definitely worth a stop.
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