Merrimac is a small town located in Essex County, Massachusetts. The town is located on the southeastern border of New Hampshire, just 10 miles from the Atlantic Ocean. Despite its rural feel, Merrimac is only a short drive from downtown Boston. The community is situated on the northern side of the Merrimack River, a 117-mile-long waterway that empties into the Gulf of Maine. According to the latest census, the area is home to just over 6,200 people. It's an ethnically diverse area with a residential feel.
English settlers first arrived in Merrimac in 1638. At the time, it was considered part of the nearby city of Salisbury, Massachusetts. The town eventually broke off from Salisbury and became a part of Amesbury. During this time, they referred to the area as Merrimacport. Its principal industries were shipbuilding, fishing, and agriculture. During the 1700s, the town became the focus of a border dispute between Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Eventually, the city was divided up between the states.
During the nineteenth century, Merrimac was a pivotal part of New England's industrial boom. The area's main export was horse-drawn carriages. Like many New England mill towns, Merrimac experienced an extended period of decline when the mills moved and shuttered. It's only now that the area has started to bounce back from its post-Industrial Revolution economic downturn.
During summer, many Greater Boston residents flock to Merrimac's Lake Attitash. This 360-acre waterway is the city's chief source of water. Swimming and boating are permitted. The park boasts several densely populated summer communities, beaches, and docks along the lake's shores. Merrimac Town Forest is another local spot where visitors can enjoy the splendors of nature. The 311-acre tract of land encompasses a large portion of the city's Cobbler Brook watershed. The park's old passage roads have been turned into wide walking paths that are perfect for bikes and strollers. Other nearby attractions include the Lexington Battle Green, Kingston State Park, and Lake Gardner.
Campgrounds Near Merrimac, Massachusetts
Peters Pond RV Resort is a top-rated RV camping spot in nearby Sandwich, Massachusetts. This Cape Cod resort has its own spring-fed pond, a softball field, horseshoe pits, and volleyball courts. Full hookup RV sites rent for as little as $83 per night. These sites feature grassy pads with gravel areas that can accommodate vehicles up to 45 feet long. All sites include 50-amp electric service, Wi-Fi, picnic tables, and fire pits.
Normandy Farms Family Camping Resort is another family-friendly RV park situated in the Greater Boston area. The Foxborough-based facility's sites rent for anywhere from $61 to $141 per night. The campground boasts an extensive lineup of onsite offerings, including a bike park, a creative arts center, a disc golf course, and a fitness center. Their premium offerings include premium RV sites, tent pitches, and luxury yurts. This centrally located RV park is just 30 miles from downtown Boston and 50 miles from Cape Cod.
Pine Acres Campground is another charming RV campground located in the heart of Massachusetts. The Oakham facility straddles 70-acre Lake Dean. It boasts a wide range of campsites, including lakeside big rig spots and sites with docking spaces. Rent one of the campground's boats or bring along a personal watercraft. The park's long list of onsite amenities makes camping here feel like an all-inclusive vacation. They even have a splash pad for young children. The onsite dog park and pet-washing station make camping with pets less complicated.
State Parks Near Merrimac, Massachusetts
Kingston State Park is a 44-acre nature preserve situated on the shores of Great Pond in Kingston, New Hampshire. The park serves as a scenic rest stop for travelers moving between Boston and Manchester. Camping is not permitted within the park, however, the day-use area features a large swimming beach and several public facilities. The park is a popular spot for boating and fishing. Don't worry if you don't have a personal watercraft as you can rent a boat on-site.
Hampton Beach State Park is a 50-acre oceanfront area located in southeast New Hampshire. This sandy stretch of protected land is popular with local visitors during summertime. There's an extensive stretch of shops, arcades, and eateries located on the opposite side of the street. Hampton Beach State Park's campground offers visitors a more rugged experience. The park is home to several miles of scenic trails. A limited number of campsites are available during peak tourist season.
Harold Parker State Forest is a 3,300-acre preserve situated in nearby Andover, Massachusetts. The area encompasses 35 miles of woodland trails and 11 freshwater ponds. The park and its dams were designed by the Civilian Conservation Corp. Hike the Yellow Diamond Trail to Salem Pond. Take the SKUG Reservation Trail to the site of an old quarry and soapstone mill. Go for a swim in Berry Pond, the park's most popular swimming hole. When you're done exploring the park, spend some time in downtown Andover. This charming village is home to some of New England's most beloved shops and eateries.
National Sites Near Merrimac, Massachusetts
Salem Maritime National Historic Site offers visitors an in-depth look into New England history. Learn about the American Revolution, the Salem Witch Trials, and the East India Company. This incredible park is situated along downtown Salem's waterfront. The grounds, trails, gardens, and wharf are always open. Visitors are welcome to tour the park's twelve historic structures during regular business hours.
Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site offers visitors a glimpse into the history of North America's first iron works. This historic site boasts a fully reconstructed ironworks facility, a museum, and a nature trail. Take a look at some of the technologies used by the iron forgers of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. Many of the museum's tools date back to the start of the American Industrial Revolution. The onsite nature trail takes visitors along a particularly scenic section of the Saugus River. While the waterway was once an integral part of the area's iron industry, it now offers visitors a peaceful reprieve from the park's domineering man-made wonders.
Lowell National Historic Park is a city-based public space that encompasses six miles of canals that were once used to power Lowell's textile mills. Visit this incredible living monument to learn more about the immigrant families that reinforced America's role in the Industrial Revolution. Learn about America's once-thriving streetcar industry at the nearby National Streetcar Museum. Check out the phenomenal textile creations at the New England Quilt Museum. Lowell's mill-lined downtown is home to a wide assortment of cultural landmarks, parks, and restaurants. It's also the site of the longest-running free folk festival in the United States.
National Forests Near Merrimac, Massachusetts
White Mountain National Forest is a stunning alpine area located in eastern New Hampshire and western Maine. This 800,000-acre swath of land is a popular spot for outdoor recreation. The forest boasts 23 campgrounds and over 300 trails. Mount Washington, the forest's highest peak, is over 6,000 feet tall. It boasts dozens of scenic trails, a car-friendly road, and a cog railway.
Green Mountain National Forest near Rutland, Vermont is a popular spot for scenic driving, hiking, alpine skiing, and leaf peeping. The 400,000-acre preserve is situated in southwestern and central Vermont. Make time for a handful of the park's seemingly countless swimming holes and waterfalls. Favorites include Warren Falls, Moss Glen Falls, and Buttermilk Falls. Smugglers Notch is one of the park's most visited areas. It boasts a handful of incredible hiking trails, a ski resort, and a scenic drive. Of course, Green Mountain National Forest is also home to some of Vermont's most beloved camping spots.
Finger Lakes National Forest is a gem of northwest New York. It's the second smallest National Forest in the United States. The 16,212-acre area is situated between Seneca Lake and Cayuga Lake. Popular area attractions include Watkins Glen State Park, Buttermilk Falls State Park, and the Corning Museum of Glass. This incredible space is easily accessed from Interstate 90, Interstate 81, and State Route 17.
