The best walks and hikes in Halibut Point State Park
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Hiking in Halibut Point State Park offers routes along a rocky coastline on the northern tip of Cape Ann. The park's landscape is defined by its 440-million-year-old granite slabs, a large, water-filled former quarry, and paths that lead to tide pools. The trails are generally short and have minimal elevation change, making them accessible for most ability levels.
Best hiking trails in Halibut Point State Park
- The most popular hiking route is Halibut Point State Park loop — Rockport, a 1.8 mile (2.9 km) trail that takes about 45 minutes to complete. This path circles the historic Babson Farm Quarry and offers views of the Atlantic Ocean.
- Another top favourite among local hiking enthusiasts is Babson Farm Quarry Pond – Ocean View Point loop from Halibut Point State Park, an easy 1.9 mile (3.0 km) path. This route provides access to the park's rocky shoreline and coastal viewpoints.
- Local hiking enthusiasts also love the Babson Farm Quarry Pond loop from Bearskin Neck, a 1.5 mile (2.4 km) trail leading through the park's main features, often completed in about 40 minutes.
- Hiking in Halibut Point State Park is defined by coastal paths, granite ledges, and views of the former quarry. The trail network provides short, accessible options suitable for different fitness levels.
- The routes in Halibut Point State Park are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.0 stars from 10 reviews. More than 100 hikers have used komoot to explore Halibut Point State Park's varied terrain.
Last updated: May 11, 2026
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Hike the easy 1.8-mile Halibut Point Loop Trail in Rockport, MA, featuring ocean views, a quarry pond, and tide pools.
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Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Hike the moderate 9.2-mile Dogtown North to South loop through historic Dogtown Woods, featuring Whale's Jaw and varied terrain.
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Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
The Halibut Point State Park Visitor Center is open year-round from 8 a.m. to sunset. Information about the park can be found at: https://www.thecollaborative.com/halibut-point-state-park-visitor-center/ https://www.mass.gov/locations/halibut-point-state-park
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After granite mining in the quarry ceased in 1929, The Trustees purchased a property on the east side in 1934 and established the Halibut Point Reservation. https://thetrustees.org/place/halibut-point-reservation/
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Halibut Point State Park is located on the site of the former Babson Farm Quarry on the Atlantic Ocean, where granite was mined for construction purposes from the mid-19th century until 1929. In the last years of World War II, the military used the quarry area. The park, which covers an area of 23 hectares, was founded in 1981. https://www.mass.gov/locations/halibut-point-state-park
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This is a granite boulder that was named “Whales Jaw” because it looked like an open whale's mouth when it was complete. It is one of many glacial erratics in the area. Be aware that the path leading up to this is a bit narrow, so be considerate of others on the trail.
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This area features a rocky coast with granite stones that were once part of a quarry. There are miles of trails, several lookout points, and great views of the ocean. The area served as a military defense area, and you can still find military structures scattered around.
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Although this area is perhaps better known for the Babson Boulders and their quirky phrases, Dogtown's history extends far past the Great Depression. Dogtown was originally known as the Common Settlement when it was settled in 1693. Within a few decades, there were about 60 to 80 homes in Dogtown, and by the mid-1700s through the American Revolution, there were as many as 100 families in Dogtown. Although none of these early homes remain, you can still make out cellar holes from this period in this area. Babson mapped and numbered these holes in the 1930s with caved rocks that you can see today.
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The Whales Jaw is a massive granite boulder that once resembled an open whale's mouth. Like the other massive boulders in Dogtown Woods, this boulder was deposited by retreating glaciers eons ago. Unfortunately, 1989, a piece of the Whales Jaw boulder broke off but the majority of it still stands as it has for centuries and is a popular destination for locals and visitors alike.
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The Whales Jaw is a massive granite boulder that once resembled an open whale's mouth. Like the other massive boulders in Dogtown Woods, this boulder was deposited by retreating glaciers eons ago. Unfortunately, 1989, a piece of the Whales Jaw boulder broke off but the majority of it still stands as it has for centuries and is a popular destination for locals and visitors alike.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are dogs allowed in Halibut Point State Park?
Yes, leashed dogs are welcome on the trails at Halibut Point State Park. Please ensure you keep your dog on a leash at all times and clean up after them to help preserve the park's natural environment.
Is there parking available at Halibut Point State Park and is there a fee?
Yes, there is a parking lot available for visitors. A daily parking fee is charged per vehicle, which is typically $5 for Massachusetts residents. The park is open year-round from sunrise to sunset.
Are there any easy, family-friendly hikes in the park?
The park is very family-friendly, with most trails being short and relatively flat. A great option is the View of the Rocky Coastline loop from Bearskin Neck, which is about a mile long and offers beautiful coastal scenery without much difficulty.
Can you swim in the Babson Farm Quarry?
No, swimming is not permitted in the Babson Farm Quarry. While the water-filled quarry is a stunning scenic feature of the park, it is closed to swimming and wading for safety reasons.
What is the best time of year to hike at Halibut Point?
Halibut Point State Park is a great destination year-round. Summer offers pleasant weather for exploring the tide pools and guided wildflower walks. Autumn brings beautiful foliage, while the winter months are excellent for birdwatching, especially for spotting seabirds along the coast.
What are the trail conditions like?
The trails are generally well-maintained and accessible for most abilities, consisting of gravel paths and some dirt sections. The main loop is relatively easy. However, the paths leading down to the rocky shoreline can be uneven and require more careful footing, especially when wet.
Can I explore tide pools at the park?
Yes, the park's rugged, craggy shoreline is an excellent place for tide pooling. At low tide, you can explore the pools among the granite slabs to find marine life such as snails, hermit crabs, and sea stars. Be sure to wear sturdy shoes as the rocks can be slippery.
What is the history of the large quarry in the park?
The large, water-filled quarry is the former Babson Farm Quarry, which was active from the 1840s. The high-quality granite extracted here, known as 'Rockport granite,' was used in major construction projects, including Boston's Longfellow Bridge. Today, it stands as a scenic reminder of Cape Ann's industrial heritage.
Is there a good spot for views or photography?
Absolutely. For panoramic views, climb the World War II fire-control tower, which now houses the visitor center. On a clear day, you can see from Crane Beach to the Isles of Shoals. The rocky coastline and the quarry itself also provide dramatic and popular subjects for photography.
What do other hikers think of the trails in Halibut Point State Park?
The trails in this area are well-regarded by the komoot community. Reviewers often praise the stunning ocean vistas, the unique scenery of the granite quarry, and the easy, accessible nature of the main paths that makes it suitable for a quick and rewarding outing.
How many hiking trails are in the Halibut Point area?
You can explore over 40 different hiking routes in and around Halibut Point State Park. While the park itself has 2.5 miles of official trails, the surrounding area offers many more paths, with the majority being easy routes suitable for all skill levels.
What is the significance of the tower in the park?
The 60-foot tower is a historic fire-control tower built during World War II. It was used as a submarine lookout to protect the coast. Today, it serves as the park's visitor center and an observation deck offering expansive views of the coastline.
Most popular routes in Halibut Point State Park
Most popular attractions in Halibut Point State Park
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