Cutler Park (Needham, MA)

If you think all state parks are the same, with all the standard fare, you’ve obviously never been to Cutler Park.

Named for the State legislator, Leslie B. Cutler, who helped the Department of Conservation and Recreation of Massachusetts acquire the land, Cutler Park is majestic in its beauty.

You are sure to find something to like about Cutler Park.

Whether it is the rolling hills,

Transparent water

Or abundant wildlife, such as these robins, chipmunks, moths and even canines…you won’t regret the time you spend there.

Master of camouflage.  Can you spot him?

Ever the comedian, Layla stuck her tongue out when I took her photo

Ladybug was wet from her swim in Cutler Pond.

Bodi was a good subject.  Too bad I had my telephoto lens on.

Bella decided to cool off while I took her photo

England gave me a big smile when I shot her photo

The 600 acre Cutler Park also boasts an array of colorful plants and flowers.  Such as cat tails, chrysanthemums and loose strife just to name a few.

Cutler Park’s trails vary from dirt trails, makeshift narrow rocky trails and wood bridges over the marshy land.  The tall trees provide good shade and shelter from the elements.  It’s easy to get off the beaten path, literally.  But, be cognizant of where you are, Cutler Park is a huge park and one could easily find oneself lost or turned around.  Not that I would be speaking from experience or anything.

One thing I noticed that I had not remember seeing before was the clouds reflecting on the shimmering waters of Cutler Park.

Kayakers are prevalent at Cutler Park

People weren’t the only ones having fun in the water.  Ducks were dunking and Roscoe was fetching.

Also, off the beaten path you can find a tunnel, presumably once used when the state park was used as a water supplier.  Now, it carries graffiti and memories.  If tunnels could tell stories.

A rickety staircase leads to some rail road tracks. Weirdly, the MBTA’s Commuter Rail runs through Cutler Park.  Granted, it is off the main paths, but it still out of place.  At least some people have a pretty view on their way home.

As inviting as public transportation can be, I decided to drive to Cutler Park.  But, whether it is by plane, train or automobile, you should visit as well.