Looking for hiking trails to explore the scenic views of Massachusetts? You’re in luck because there is so much great hiking in Massachusetts to choose from. Some of these trails offer relaxing hikes, while others offer more rigorous trails for advance hikers; there is something for everyone to enjoy. Embrace all Massachusetts has to offer by visiting some of these popular hiking trails:
The 7 Areas for Great Hiking in Massachusetts
Bash Bish Falls State Park
Located in Mt. Washington, Bash Bish Falls has become a popular venue. It is surrounded by beautiful scenery conveniently located to nearby parks and trails. At Bash Bish Falls State Park you will be able to experience the Bash Bish Falls waterfall as it cascades 60 feet below into pristine waters.
Conveniently located next to Bash Fish Falls is Mount Washington State Forest offering 30 miles of hiking trails. Down the road you will find South Taconic Trail which is a full service camping site located near Bash Bish Falls State Park. However nothing will compare to the beauty of Bash Bish Falls.
The parking lot for Bash Bish Falls is located on Falls Road in Mt. Washington (yes, that’s the name of the town). It is open from sunrise to sunset. There are no trash barrels or bathrooms in this area, so plan accordingly.
Wachusett Mountain State Reservation
Another great place for hiking in Massachusetts is Wachusett Mountain State Reservation located in Princeton. The 3,000 acre reservation offers over 17 miles of hiking! There are many trails that run up and around Wachusett Mountain, but for the best views, head to the summit. At the peak you can see all the way north to Mt. Monadnock, west to the Berkshires and east to Boston.
The road to the summit is seasonal. It is open from Memorial Day to the last weekend in October from 9AM to sunset. It is $2 to park. When venturing here in the winter months, you will have to park in the lots outside of the reservation and hike in. This area becomes a ski resort in the winter. The visitor’s center is located at 345 Mountain Road, Princeton, MA 01541.
Blue Hills Reservation
This massive reservation stretches over 7,000 acres, features 125 miles of trails and resides in 6 different towns (Braintree, Canton, Dedham, Quincy, Milton and Randolph). It has trails of varying difficulties from flat, walking trails to jagged, steep inclines. The Blue Hills Reservation is a popular spot for hiking in Massachusetts, because it caters to all skill levels.
The Skyline Trail beginning in Milton takes you all the way up to the observation tower at the top of the hill, where you get beautiful views of both the Boston skyline and stunning reservation land. You can start the Skyline Trail from the Reservation Headquarters at 695 Hillside Street, Milton, MA 02186.
Georgetown-Rowley State Forest
Come embrace the captivating adventures of nature at Georgetown-Rowley State Forest. Here you will find an array of activities to include: horseback riding, hunting, walking trails, mountain biking, and hiking. It’s a 1,000 acre forest with trails crisscrossing the length and features beautiful wetlands. Take caution when hiking here; hunting is allowed so wear bright colors.
The Georgetown-Rowley State Forest is located on Pingree Farm Road in Georgetown.
Cape Cod Rail Trail
Intensify the hiking experience by hiking the trails alongside the former railroads of Cape Cod Rail Trail. Conveniently situated in the town of Dennis this historical trail will travel through the towns of Harwich, Brewster, Eastham and Orleans. There is both a paved and unpaved trail that stretches a total of 22 miles. It’s perfect for bikers, horseback riders, runners and walkers.
The Cape Cod Rail Trail is one of the only spots for hiking in Massachusetts that offers convenient stop off points for historic sites. There are many great stopping points along the path such as the National Seashore and Nickerson State Park. The beginning of the Cape Cod Rail Trail is off of Route 134 in South Dennis.
Breakheart Reservation
Take on the trails of Breakheart Reservation located in Saugus and Wakefield. This park offers a 640 acre reservation showcasing rocky hills, 2 lakes and luscious forests. Climb up to the top of the hills to get great views of Boston and New Hampshire. The lakes offer both fishing and swimming, a great spot to take the family (or just relax with a significant other).
Breakheart Reservation is open-year round from dawn to dusk. The park entrance is located at 177 Forest Street, Saugus, MA 01906
Quabbin Reservoir – Gate 40
The Quabbin Reservoir was created back in the 1930’s. The government disincorporated several towns in central Massachusetts and then flooded the area to make a reservoir to feed water to the Boston area.
Today, some of the towns’ remnants remain, mostly that of Dana. Located around the Quabbin Reservoir are various gates. Gate 40 is the trail to Dana Common. It’s about a 2 mile hike and it brings you out to the former town center with a memorial stone dedicated to locals who gave up their homes. It’s eerie silence will make Quabbin Reservoir hiking a trip to remember. The turn off for gate 40 is located on Hardwick Road in Petersham.
Discover the history, views and landmarks by taking on these great trails for hiking in Massachusetts. These spots offer hiking trails for beginners, nature seekers, explorers, adventurers and let’s not forget the intense paths for the experienced hiker. Hiking in Massachusetts is available all year long. So take on these new and exciting hiking trails and experience all the beauty Massachusetts has to offer.
Looks like some wonderful areas of natural beauty. It must be great to hike around there.
I’m not much into hiking, but when I go, I’m always happy to do so. These trails look wonderful, and knowing that history is involved in some way makes it that much more enticing. Also this is a beautiful part of the world, so there’s that. 🙂
I don’t do a lot of “outdoorsy” stuff, but I do enjoy hiking in Massachusetts for its beautiful sites. Hope you get a chance to check them out sometime