Inside Borderland State Park: History, Hiking & Hollywood Films

It was once the literal border between Massachusetts and the Wampanoag tribes, now the nearly 2,000 acre Borderland State Park in North Easton is a historic site perfect for connecting with nature.

With over 20 miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding as well as ponds for fishing and canoeing, everyone will find a reason to want to visit Borderland State Park this fall.

You can even tour a historic home that was used as the set for several movies or visit the farmhouse of a famed "clairvoyant physician."

History of Borderland State Park

Today it might be hard to imagine the 1,843 acres of woodland in Borderland State Park as farmland, but back in the 1700s that is what dotted this beautiful land.

Soon Moyles Quarry as well as several mills developed on the land, helping to provide rocks for the historic Canton Viaduct and water for local ironworks.

Homes were built throughout the area as well and in the late 1880s, a "clairvoyant physician" built a home here, selecting the site for its peacefulness.

Holistic Healing in Nature

Dr. Asahel Smith was a man ahead of his time. Dr. Smith believed in treating patients with botanical remedies and healing through clairvoyance, making him one of the early believers in holistic medicine.

READ MORE:  A Hidden Gem of Healing in North Easton's Borderland State Park

Today his ideas of blending nature-based treatment with mental wellness are continued at his 1880 farmhouse that still stands in what is now Borderland State Park, with Tai Chi and yoga classes held in warmer months.

Year-Round Activities at Borderland State Park

It doesn't just have to be a warm, sunny day to visit this historic site however. There are activities to keep you out in nature throughout the entire year.

There are 20 miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking and cross-country skiing, a disc golf course that has hosted world championships, Leach and Puds Ponds for fishing and canoeing plus when it snows you can sled the hill behind the park's historic Ames Mansion.

READ MORE: Massachusetts Has New England's Largest Snow Tubing Park

Historic Ames Mansion

Perhaps the most popular spot in Borderland State Park is the three-story, 20-room stone mansion built in 1910. The Ames Mansion was designed by artist/activist/inventor Blanche Ames Ames, who wanted to make sure her home was fireproof.

Her massive stone design has not only stood the test of time, it has captured other artist's eyes. To date, this huge home has been featured in commercials, documentaries and major movies like Mermaids, Shutter Island, Ghostbusters and perhaps most famously, Knives Out.

Touring this impressive home is another one of the many things you can do on a visit to Borderland State Park in North Easton.

📍Borderland State Park 259 Massapoag Ave., North Easton, MA 02356