Babson's Quarry at Halibut Point State Park ~ October Afternoon


Basic information available for Halibut Point State Park

Fine Art Prints from Halibut Point

The Trustees of Reservations

Department of Environmental Management

Essex National Heritage
www.followthegleam.com
The Natural Light Photography of Leslie D. Bartlett

Center for Oceanic Research and Education
[ dedicated to research and education of endangered humpback and fin whales]

[from The Trustees of Reservations website]
Description

The weather-beaten bluffs of Halibut Point comprise a low rocky coastal shelf covered in bayberry, greenbriar, and shadbush. During storms, waves crash over the rocky shore. Tidal pools harbor snails, hermit crabs, and sea stars. Above the Reservation is the former Babson Farm Quarry, now filled by natural underground springs. Granite quarried here at the turn of the twentieth century paved thousands of city streets and built bridges, tunnels, monuments, warehouses, and buildings, such as Boston's Custom House Tower. The adjacent state park operates a small visitor center and museum dedicated to telling the story of Cape Ann's historic granite industry

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Travel Directions
Gott Avenue. From Route 128 (Exit 9), take Route 127 north (Eastern Avenue) toward Rockport 3 mi. At 5-way intersection, turn left onto Railroad Avenue (remains Route 127) and follow for 2.4 mi. Turn right onto Gott Avenue. Entrance is opposite the state park's parking lot. To avoid traffic in Rockport Center (during summer), pick up Route 127 north at Gloucester Rotary (Exit 11) and follow through village of Lanesville. After crossing into Rockport, pass Folly Cove and look for "State Park" sign leading to Gott Avenue on your left.


Parking Details
Halibut Point State Park, located adjacent to The Trustees' Halibut Point Reservation, operates a designated parking lot surfaced for year-round use. 70 cars. Columbus Day to Memorial Day, weekends and holidays, Trustees members free (must present current membership card to park ranger), non-members $2 per private passenger car/motorcycle. Free parking at all other times. Tour buses: $20 daily, year-round. For further information, call the state park office at 978/546-2997.



Entrance Path Sign


Entrance Sign at Main Gate off Gott Ave, Rockport, Massachusetts

 


Fee Sign at Main Gate off Gott Ave, Rockport, Massachusetts

 

Public Transportation
Bus (Lanesville route). Call Cape Ann Transit Authority (CATA) 978/283-7916.
Hours Open Year-round, daily, sunrise to sunset; during summer, parking lot opens at 8am. Allow a minimum of 1 hour, 2 hours if visiting state park visitor center and museum.
Admission Fees Pedestrians and bicyclists free. See "Parking Details" above for parking fees.
Established as Reservation 1934
Current Acreage 12
Trails 2.5 miles of trails. Moderate walking.
Dog Walking Permitted on leash only.
Recreational Opportunities Bird watching; Fishing; Hiking; Nature study; Picnicking; Scenic Vistas
Mountain Biking No
Facilities/Amenities
The state park operates a small visitor center and museum devoted to Halibut Point's natural history and Cape Ann's historic granite quarrying industry, of which Halibut Point's Babson Farm Quarry was a major part. Public restrooms. Private Functions No.
Staff on Site Yes State park staff on duty year-round; hours vary.
Tours Yes: Periodic guided tours offered by state park staff and local volunteers. Call state park office at 978/546-2997 for more information. Self-guided tour brochure available (see "Literature" below).
Public Programs Periodic public programs offered.
Literature
Interpretive brochure with map available for free on-site at State Park Visitor Center.
Other Notes Halibut Point is cooperatively managed by The Trustees of Reservations and the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Management. The Trustees first acquired a reservation here in 1934, and an adjoining 54-acre state park was established in 1981.

 

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