Massachusetts / Worcester County / Barre / Ware River Watershed / Barre Falls Project Area

Barre Falls Dam Picnic Shelter

Closed — Closed for the winter season. The picnic shelter operates seasonally, typically spring through fall. Reservations available through Recreation.gov.

About

The Barre Falls Dam Picnic Shelter is a reservable group facility located within the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Barre Falls Dam recreation area in central Massachusetts. This flood control project, completed in 1958, sits on the Ware River and is nestled within the 22,000-acre Ware River Watershed managed by the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority. The 557 acres of federal public land offer diverse habitats including wetlands, mixed hardwood and pine forests, open fields, and river corridors that support moose, white-tailed deer, wild turkey, waterfowl, and numerous bird species. The picnic shelter provides covered seating with tables suitable for larger groups, while the surrounding picnic area includes approximately twelve individual sites with tables and fireplaces. The recreation area offers year-round activities including hiking on the Mid-State Hiking Trail and other marked trails, disc golf, fishing, canoeing, hunting, horseback riding on dirt roads, cross-country skiing, geocaching, and wildlife observation. The area features historical elements including old stone walls and mill foundations. This is a day-use facility only. Camping, swimming, and wading are not permitted at Barre Falls Dam. The recreation area is maintained by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New England District, and provides basic amenities including vault toilets and ample parking. The shelter can be reserved through Recreation.gov for group gatherings and picnics.

Directions

From Boston: Take I-93 N to MA-16 W in Medford (exit 31), continue to Acton, then follow MA-2 W to MA-140 S/MA-2A W in Westminster (exit 25). Take South St, New Westminster Rd, and Barre Rd to Coldbrook Rd in Barre. The recreation area entrance will be on Coldbrook Rd.

Nearby Campgrounds