Rules & Regulations
What DCR allows, and what it doesn't
The rules at Borderland State Park are set by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR). The ones visitors most often need: dogs on a leash of 10 feet or less, no alcohol, propane grills only, and no bikes or horses on the Pond Edge, Swamp and Quiet Woods trails. Motor vehicles are banned on trails, hunting and trapping are banned in the park, and you carry out whatever you carry in. The posted rules at the park and DCR's state parks regulations (302 CMR 12.00) are the final word; this page summarizes them.
Dogs
Dogs are allowed on a leash no longer than 10 feet and under control at all times. Clean up after your dog and dispose of the waste outside the park. Commercial dog walkers need a DCR permit. Details on the dogs page.
Alcohol, Food and Grills
- No alcohol anywhere in the park.
- Picnicking is welcome; there are tables south of the visitor center.
- Grilling with propane only, and you bring your own grill.
- Carry in, carry out. Take all trash home.
Trails
- Stay on designated trails and roads, and follow the painted blazes.
- No mountain bikes or horses on the Pond Edge, Swamp or Quiet Woods trails.
- Motorized vehicles are prohibited on trails.
- Hikers let bikes and horses pass; cyclists control their speed, don't skid, and call out before passing; riders keep their horses under control.
- Keep groups to 12 or fewer, as DCR suggests.
The full trail list and which uses each one allows are on the trail map page.
Water
- Fishing is allowed. Anglers 15 and older need a Massachusetts freshwater fishing license, and statewide limits apply.
- Boats must be non-motorized and small enough to carry on a car (cartop only). Bring your own; there are no rentals.
- DCR doesn't list swimming among Borderland's activities, and there is no beach or lifeguard.
- Please stay off the dams and dikes. DCR says foot traffic to the water's edge erodes them; this is advice, not a posted rule.
Hunting
DCR's management plan says state park rules (302 CMR 12.11(3)) prohibit hunting and trapping at Borderland. Surrounding lands may allow it in season, so DCR's general hiking advice to wear blaze orange in hunting season still makes sense on the park's edges.
Hours and Fees
The park is open 8 am to 6 pm daily (winter 8 am to 4 pm), and the lots are locked overnight. Parking is $5 for Massachusetts plates and $20 for others, year-round, with no cash accepted. See hours and parking.
Permits
- Weddings and special events need a DCR special use permit, applied for online through ePLACE. See weddings.
- Commercial photography needs a DCR photography permit ($45). See photography.
- Commercial dog walking needs a DCR permit.
The Mansion and Historic Sites
The Ames Mansion is open only on guided tours. The Smith and Wilbur farmhouses are leased to private curators under DCR's Historic Curatorship Program, and DCR's plan lists resident parking at both, so treat them as homes; respect their yards and fields. Leave stone walls, foundations and the William Dean Cemetery as you find them. See the mansion and history pages.
Questions and Reports
For anything not covered here, call the DCR park office at (508) 238-6566 or email borderland.park@state.ma.us. In an emergency, call 911. See contact.
