Halibut Point State Park
Geological History and Hiking Trails
From 1840 - 1929, what is now known as Halibut Point State Park used to be the location of a quarry. In fact, upon arriving to the overlook pictured above, Geologists (in-training) Crosier and Westphal remarked of its similarities to the Quincy Quarries. Eventually, in 1981, the state's Department of Conservation and Recreation bought the property, recognizing the site's geological value -- Cape Ann Granite, the rock found here, contains large and beautiful minerals such as Quartz and Feldspar-- as well as the potential for hiking activities. (1)
The 1.6 mile loop, which follows along the edge of the pond, is accessible to hikers of all abilities. Along the trail, you will be able to examine the granite which brought this area prosperity more than a century ago. Side trails lead to an overlook of the coast, as well as to the beach. We highly recommend exploring these! The hiking map is attached for reference to the left. (2)
Our Findings - May 28, 2021
Upon arriving at the park, it seemed like the DCR's re-modeling work was not too welcomed by neighbors. We, however, appreciated the state's efforts to make the park and trails more accessible to visitors.
A chilly Christian observing the site of the former quarry from above. Note the buff- to pink-colored Cape Ann Granite underlying the vegetation in the distance.
The view from the side-trail's overlook. In this picture, we are looking towards the East. Smoothed-over granite, weathered from wind and waves, is also visible.
A sample of Cape Ann Granite. In this picture, you can see the large minerals such as Quartz (larger than most of the granite crystals we've seen). This suggests that this type cooled very slowly in the magma chamber.
Another granite sample. This one, however, contains much more feldspar. Therefore, we predicted that this rock cooled in a different part of the magma chamber than the previous one.
In this third picture, you can see another sample of granite with different minerals. This one is more white and black: thus, we believe it to have a higher prevalence of quartz and biotite mica.
Granite extends all the way to the coast. Due to weathering, it has been smoothed over with winds, waves, and salt.
Wilder noticed darker granite along samples that regularly found themselves underwater. He predicted that the water brought in algae, mud, or other sediments, which eventually stuck to the rock and gave it a darker appearance.
This image looks west at the ocean overlook. Christian predicted that homo sapiens made this pile with the left-over granite boulders from the quarry.