Halibut Point Reservation
Halibut Point Reservation is The Trustees of Reservations' 12-acre property on the shore at Halibut Point in Rockport, right beside DCR's Halibut Point State Park. It is the low granite shelf where the ledges and tide pools are. You reach it through the state park's entrance and lot at 4 Gott Avenue, and the two are walked as one place. The Trustees list about 2.5 miles of trails. The Trustees list it as open sunrise to sunset; Trustees members park free.
The Reservation at a Glance
State Park or Reservation?
Both. DCR runs the state park, which holds the entrance, the parking lot, the visitor center tower and the Babson Farm Quarry. The Trustees run the reservation next to it, with the ledges and tide pools. DCR's map also shows Sea Rocks, which belongs to the Town of Rockport, and some private land. The Rockport chamber describes the state park and the reservation as managed cooperatively by DCR and The Trustees.
For a visitor, the differences are hours, who parks free, and a few rules.
What's Different on the Trustees' Side
- Hours: The Trustees say sunrise to sunset. DCR's state park, which holds the entrance and lot, is open 8:00 am to sunset. See hours.
- Free parking for Trustees members: display your membership card on the dashboard with the member details visible.
- Fee season: The Trustees describe the nonmember parking fee as May through October. DCR, which runs the lot, posts exact dates; see parking.
- No hunting on the reservation.
- Portrait sessions: The Trustees ask professional portrait photographers or their clients to become Contributing Level members and request permission first.
What's the Same
The Trustees' regulations match DCR's almost word for word: dogs on a leash at all times, no swimming or entering the quarry, no alcohol, no fires or grills, no bikes, scooters or boards, no camping, no drones or metal detectors, and take nothing, including tide-pool animals, flowers, plants and rocks. Don't throw rocks. The Trustees add: check for ticks after your visit. Full list on rules.
What You'll Find There
The Trustees describe a low coastal shelf over dramatic surf, ledges scarred by wind and wave, and tide pools with snails, hermit crabs and sea stars. They recommend it for bird watchers. Their trails are part of Rockport's Atlantic Path along the shore. More on tide pools and hiking.
Parking and Getting There
The Trustees' directions send you to the state park's entrance and parking at 4 Gott Avenue, which they say holds 70 cars. From Memorial Day through Labor Day, a full lot closes for two hours and no waiting at the gate is allowed. The Trustees say entry is free for pedestrians and bicyclists. Directions on parking.
Maps and Brochures
The Trustees say one interpretive brochure with a map covers both the state park and the reservation, and it is free at the gatehouse and the visitor center while supplies last. Their own trail map is a PDF; links on trail map.
Contact The Trustees
The Trustees list 978-526-8687 and info@thetrustees.org for the reservation, and the Trustees' Halibut Point page has their latest notices. For the state park, its quarry and visitor center, call DCR at (978) 546-2997.
Reservation FAQ
What is the difference between Halibut Point State Park and Halibut Point Reservation?
They are side-by-side properties walked as one. DCR runs the state park (entrance, lot, quarry, tower). The Trustees run the 12-acre reservation next to it, with the ledges and tide pools.
Do Trustees members park free at Halibut Point?
Yes. The Trustees say members park free with the membership card displayed on the dashboard, member details visible.
How big is Halibut Point Reservation?
12 acres, according to The Trustees.
Is hunting allowed at Halibut Point Reservation?
No. The Trustees say hunting is not permitted on the reservation.
