3 Best Fall Picnic Spots at Hale
There’s something special about eating outside. Food just tastes better in the fresh air, accompanied by the sounds of nature, and the simple joy of slowing down. At Hale, you’ll find no shortage of places to enjoy a picnic. With more than 1,200 acres of ponds, trails, and forests, the challenge isn’t finding a spot; it’s choosing one. To help you decide, here are three of our favorite picnic destinations on the property.
Spots at Hale
- Andrew Cucchiara Learning Center — The Andrew Cucchiara Learning Center (ACLC) is where we host many of our events and is a delightful spot for a picnic. It’s located near the main entrance, just past Carby House and Hale’s main office, along the Storrow Pond Trail. Right next to the ACLC barn, you’ll find an orchard and butterfly garden. Monarch butterflies are fall migrants, so you might spy their familiar orange and black wings among the flowers.
- North Beach — For a little taste of adventure with your lunch, take the short and easy Split Rock Trail to North Beach. Along the way, you’ll pass wetlands that sing with frogs in spring and meadows that bloom with wildflowers in summer. The trail leads to the North Beach Pavilion, where picnic tables and a beautiful view above the trees are waiting for you. It’s a quick hike with a big reward. North Beach is one of the most scenic places to share a meal at Hale!
- Any Shady Patch Along the Trails — Sometimes the best picnic spots are the ones you stumble upon. Hale’s trails are dotted with grassy clearings and quiet nooks under tall pines and oaks — perfect for rolling out a blanket and listening to the sounds of the forest. You might hear chipmunks scurrying through the leaves, spot deer at dusk, or simply enjoy the stillness of being tucked away in nature. Bring your lunch or dinner, find your spot, and make it your own little hideaway.
Setting Up and Packing Up
Picnickers are welcome to use the picnic tables, pavilions, and grills around the property when they are not being used for programs. Wherever you decide to picnic, please remember to observe “Leave No Trace” principles at Hale. Note that campfires are not permitted, and grills need to be fully extinguished. Carry out your trash, respect the wildlife, and leave what you find, so that everyone can continue to enjoy these special places.
Ready to pack a basket and head out? Learn more about Hale’s trails, beaches, and programs, and plan your visit today, at hale.education/visit.
