A Day at Mittineague Park: Hiking, Pickleball with Mig's

There are days that just seem to fall perfectly into place where the weather, the energy, and the company all align to create something special. That’s exactly how it felt when Miguel and I spent the day at Mittineague Park in West Springfield, MA.

The morning started with that perfect, not-too-hot, not-too-cool weather that makes you want to be outside. As soon as we arrived, I could feel the calm of the park seeping in the tall trees swaying gently, the smell of fresh earth, and the soft sound of the Westfield River flowing nearby. Miguel hopped out of the car with that excited bounce he gets when he knows adventure is ahead.

We set off on one of the hiking trails, and the beauty of the park unfolded around us. Mittineague is a mix of lush woodland, open grassy fields, and shaded river paths that make every turn feel like a new discovery. Miguel took the lead for most of the hike, pointing out everything from squirrel tracks to oddly shaped tree roots. We stopped to listen to woodpeckers tapping high in the trees, spotted a great blue heron standing still as a statue in the water, and even found a patch of wildflowers blooming along the path.

What I love about Mittineague Park is that it’s not just about hiking it’s a full playground for outdoor lovers. The park has spots for fishing, big open areas perfect for a frisbee toss, a playground for younger kids, and plenty of picnic tables where you can stop and enjoy a meal surrounded by nature. On summer weekends, you’ll often see families grilling, couples walking hand-in-hand, and kids racing each other across the fields. It’s one of those rare places that manages to be both peaceful and full of life at the same time.

After a good long hike and a quick snack break, we decided to keep the momentum going with something a little more high-energy pickleball. The park has well-kept courts, and if you’ve never played before, trust me, it’s worth trying. It’s a fun mix of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong, and it’s easy to pick up even if you’ve never held a paddle before. Miguel and I started off casually, just trying to get the ball over the net, but pretty soon we were in the middle of our own “championship match,” complete with dramatic dives, exaggerated victory dances, and a lot of laughing.

By the time we wrapped up, we were both happily exhausted the kind of tired you feel in your legs after a day well-spent outdoors. On the ride home, Miguel was still talking about his “winning shot” (which may or may not have actually happened), and I couldn’t help but smile. These are the moments I treasure the ones where it’s just us, no screens, no rush, no distractions, just shared joy and connection.

Mittineague Park gave us all of that and more. It’s a reminder that you don’t have to go far to find adventure. Sometimes, it’s right in your own backyard, waiting for you to take that first step down the trail.

If you’re in Western Massachusetts and looking for a place to hike, play, and reconnect whether with nature, your family, or yourself make the trip to Mittineague Park. Who knows? You might just find your own perfect day there.