Moore State Park Day Trip

Welcome to Moore State Park in Paxton, Massachusetts

Rhododendron blooms at Moore State Park.

This post updates a previous MassDayTripping blog post, sharing images from my May 2023 day trip to see the annual spring colors that are popping now. Memorial Day weekend and the first two weeks of June are ideal for visiting this beautiful Massachusetts (MA) state park to see vibrant rhododendrons and azaleas.

How to get to Moore State Park |

Plot directions to One Sawmill Road in Paxton, MA here. Drive onto Sawmill Road and turn into the (free) paved parking lot on your left. There is a grassy area with a picnic table and porta potty.

What to see at Moore State Park

You can spend 30 minutes or a half day at Moore State Park exploring it’s diverse nature and networked trails, waterfalls, scenic views and mill buildings.

Moore State Park is suitable for all levels as there are a range of options from leisurely walks on mainly flat trails to longer hikes on wooded trails and through a field. Use this Moore State Park trail map to plan your visit.

The best way to see the vibrant spring colors is to walk down the paved road where a variety of rhododendrons line both sides. You’ll see Eames Pond on your right and the first waterfall right under the restored overlook.

Rhododendron blooms by waterfall at Eames Pond.

Tip: You can get beautiful photographs of the first waterfall by walking up close to either side of the drop.

One of my favorite views is directly across from the first waterfall where you can see the water flowing down to the second waterfall framed by beautiful spring colors on both sides.

Water flowing from Eames Pond in between banks lined with spring colors.

Continue on the paved path as it curves down to the left, and you’ll reach a footbridge by the sawmill building. There you’ll see the second waterfall; this one is the most photographed (it’s in the IG feed for this site).

Walking on the footbridge by the sawmill to see the waterfall.

Tip: There is a large grassy area with benches on the right side of the paved road (walking down from the first waterfall) across from the footbridge where you can picnic under tall trees.

I also like to see the spring colors reflecting in the small pool right above the second waterfall drop. One of the best things about visiting Moore State Park is there are so many opportunities to pause and take in the nature views along the paved road.

Crossing the footbridge leads to hiking on the Azalea Path (there is a big sign on the footbridge) that takes you into the woods behind the mill. This mainly flat, dirt trail (there are a few gradual slopes) is lined with azalea bushes on both sides and connects with other networked trails for a longer, scenic hike in the woods.

As you just about reach the end of azalea rows, you’ll see a cut off path to the right leading down a slope where you can pause at a small, hidden overlook to see the back of the mill (not pictured here).

Moore State Park Azalea Path blooms.

Moore State Park is beautiful in all seasons and with the rows upon rows of blooms, it is a must see in spring. Whether you are a solo or family hiker, bird watcher, dog walker or a photographer, or take your family on picnics, this state park is a bucket list Central MA day trip destination.

Tip: Arrive early in the morning or in the late afternoon to avoid the big crowds. If you enjoy family picnics or are visiting with young kids, try to grab the seats at the restored overlook by Eames Pond.

Have you visited Moore State Park; what’s your favorite thing to see or do here?

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