15 Best Hikes In Massachusetts To Experience - Hand Luggage Only

Nestled on the east coast, Massachusetts is a quintessential New England state that’s so lovely and completely historic to discover. From the beautiful places in Boston to little gems like Martha’s Winery and Cape Cod, it’s one of the epic places in the USA to visit. That is very true in the event you love the outside, with a number of the greatest hikes in Massachusetts dotted all throughout the state.

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We had the perfect time exploring Massachusetts! Between our love of Boston, gorging on all of the recent lobster (that’s so scrumptious in Massachusetts) and exploring the state by foot, it’s shortly develop into considered one of our favorite spots to revisit. I imply, wherever with lobster and views is a win for us!

You see, Massachusetts is fairly numerous (for a comparatively small state) and you may simply discover numerous the state by way of the established trails that criss-cross the areas. So, to make issues a bit of simpler, I’ve popped a couple of of the perfect hikes in Massachusetts that we completely love.

A few of our hikes are a complete stroll, while others will make you sweat and earn your pudding! So, be sure you select the proper hike that matches your expertise and health ranges. Oh, and all the time hike with care!

Have a look, under, at the perfect hikes in Massachusetts. Have essentially the most epic journey!

1.) Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary, Topsfield

Positioned in Topsfield (round 40-minutes drive from Boston), there are over twelve miles of trails unfold out over this sanctuary to discover.

Most, if not all are comparatively straightforward hikes and a few are thought-about extra of a protracted stroll that’s appropriate for the entire household! For example, the Rockery Path will take round 45-minutes to stroll and is nearly completely flat and straightforward to get pleasure from. In the event you fancy an extended stroll, head on the South Esker Loop path that’s simply over 2-miles in size.

That is a fully unimaginable alternative in the event you love recognizing wildlife, too. Right here, you’ll catch a glimpse of river otters, turtles, wetland birds and even the occasional deer! Within the summertime, this is a wonderful place to canoe or kayak as properly and very easy to go to from Boston for a day galavant from the town.

2.) Mount Norwottuck, Mount Holyoke State Park

Positioned in Mount Holyoke State Park, it is a pretty strenuous hike that’s simply over three miles lengthy. It’s probably the greatest hikes in Massachusetts in the event you fancy one thing that’ll work up a sweat, however gained’t have you ever crawling again down the mountain!

You’ll ascend to the summit of Mount Norwottuck, which stands over 1,100 ft tall, and from the summit, you’ll get a glimpse of the breathtaking view of the Connecticut River Valley; simply gorgeous!

That being stated, the actual spotlight of the stroll comes on the return journey, the place you possibly can go to the Horse Caves. These caves, that are in actuality nearer to overhangs, are wealthy in historical past, having been utilized by the rebels throughout Shay’s Rebel.

3.) The Skyline Path Loop, Middlesex Fells Reservation

Incorporating over 6,000 acres of land that’s managed by the Division of Conservation and Recreation that’s a complete beaut to go to.

The skyline path is essentially the most well-known hike on this state park, identified for its spectacular view of the Boston skyline on the summit.

This can be a uniquely lovely spot to relaxation and refuel earlier than starting the descent. The average path is roughly 9 miles lengthy and takes wherever from 4 to 6 hours to finish.

Now, simply do not forget that these trails can get tremendous busy on the weekends. In the event you want parking, arrive early as spots refill quick.

4.) The Freedom Path, Boston

You may’t point out the perfect hikes in Massachusetts and never point out the Freedom Path.

Taking in all of the historical sites of Boston, the Freedom Path is a world-famous, easy-to-walk (2.5 mile) route that meanders Boston’s historic downtown. Alongside the best way, you’ll get to see a number of the most important locations within the historical past of colonial America and the event of Boston itself.

Stand on the star that marks the spot of the Boston Bloodbath, go to the Paul Revere Home and Faneuil Corridor, stroll the decks of the well-known battleship “Previous Ironsides” earlier than ending the hike by climbing the steps to the highest of Bunker Hill.

It’s as much as you the way you stroll this route; you possibly can both take part in a guided stroll or just observe the yellow bricks that mark the trail for a self-guided tour.

5.) Purgatory Chasm Trails, Purgatory Chasm State Reservation

That is an awesomely distinctive climbing expertise for all ages, with so many alternative trails to select from.

For a straightforward stroll, hop on the Purgatory Chasm Loop and Purgatory Brook Path. With over two miles of pretty straightforward to stroll pathways, you’ll get to wander via the area that’s fairly straightforward to navigate with the free downloadable parks map (see here).

Have the perfect time!

6.) Bish Bash Falls Path, Bish Bash Falls State Park

Right here, you’ll expertise the best single-drop waterfall in Massachusetts both by climbing from the highest down or within the reverse route.

In both occasion, the hike is centred across the iconic Bish Bash Falls, which most New Englanders (within the state) find out about. This can be a great choice for anybody who’s in search of a fast but scenic stroll, because the 2-mile lengthy path takes lower than an hour to finish.

Though a straightforward path, be additional cautious within the chillier months because the path can get icy and slippy!

7.) Harrington Path, Mount Wachusett

That is maybe the most well-liked (average) hikes on Mount Wachusett, which is the best level within the state east of the Connecticut River.

Round 3-mile hike is pretty straightforward for knowledgeable hikers, although you would possibly discover it a problem in the event you haven’t hiked earlier than.

Main you thru a lush inexperienced forest earlier than attaining the final word view on the mountain’s summit, you’ll shortly realise why this is likely one of the greatest hikes in Massachusetts to benefit from the nice outdoor.

Now, the hike itself is positioned within the city of Princeton, which is a superb place to cease for a well-deserved meal and tipple afterwards. Pop into the Mountain Barn, which has native craft beers coupled with a tasty dishes that’ll fill you up very quickly. Their sesame ginger tuna and peanut butter pie are each so good!

8.) Mount Greylock, Mount Greylock State Reservation

There are various completely different trails round Mount Greylock that’ll get you proper to the summit. Although, being the best level in all the state of Massachusetts, it’s not all the time going to be the best of hikes.

For a tougher path, for the skilled hikers amongst us, head on the Bellows Pipe and Thunderbolt Path. It’s robust and actually is for these which might be skilled hikers.

For one thing a bit of simpler, head on the Chesire Harbour Path. Sure, it’s a tad longer however the inclines aren’t fairly as robust. Nonetheless, although, this isn’t for a “new to climbing” kinda individual.

On the high, you might be handled to a panoramic view of 5 states, a sight which is especially pleasant within the fall foliage.

9.) Robert Frost Path, Massachusetts

A colossal path spanning round 47-miles, the Robert Frost Path (downloadable free information, here) is likely one of the greatest hikes in Massachusetts that you could hop on or off wherever you might be. This all means you don’t have to finish the entire path in a single massive swoop!

This can be a beautiful stroll via the New England woods, but in direction of the top of your journey, you encounter a fireplace tower on the high of Mount Toby that gives majestic views which might be definitely worthy of the best poet!

In the event you do find yourself going within the chillier months, you will need to pop on some appropriate winter climbing footwear (and doubtlessly crampons) that’ll take care of the ice.

10.) Mount Holyoke, Mount Holyoke Vary State Park

This seven-mile-long path leads alongside the ridgeline of Mount Holyoke, which rises roughly 935 ft tall and is completely beautiful.

Apart from the spectacular views on the high, this hike is a superb alternative to view the fossilized footprints of dinosaurs, too! These treasures could be discovered all around the better Holyoke space. Maintain your eyes peeled!

Now, there are literally many trails to hitch round Mount Holyoke, so, relying in your expertise, select one which’s best for you. Check out the Parks’ path map, here.

11.) Salem Heritage Path, Salem

Most likely one of many extra well-known spots within the state, Salem is well-known for its notorious Witch Trials! This was a fairly ugly a part of colonial historical past through which many accused witches have been executed.

Right this moment, you possibly can stroll the legendary witch path both as a guided group or by your self following the Salem Heritage Trail.

Alongside the best way, you’ll take a gander across the Salem Witch Museum, the Broad Road Cemetery, the Witch Home in addition to Gallows Hill. It’s comparatively straightforward and an amazing stroll while exploring Salem.

Oh, and if starvation strikes pop into Turner’s Seafood or the Sea Stage Oyster Bar. Each are nice requires a few of that tasty Massachusetts seafood.

12.) Racebrook Falls and Mount Everett path, Mount Everett

This can be a very difficult hike, to say the least. At round 6-miles in size, it’s a path that ought to by no means be skilled by anybody aside from professional hikers that know precisely what they’re doing.

Taking in Race Brook Falls, a gaggle of waterfalls that’s completely staggering of their magnificence, you’ll discover numerous locations to cease and chill however it’s robust, be warned!

You’ll additionally get some gorgeous views of the world-famous Berkshire Mountain Vary from the summit, too. Attractive.

13.) Cape Cod Rail Path, Cape Cod

The Cape Cod Rail Path is a 22-mile stretch of pathway that connects via plenty of Cape Cod’s gorgeous cities to go to.

Suited both to walkers or bikers, it’s probably the greatest hikes in Massachusetts that doesn’t even really feel like a hike and extra of a stroll. Comparatively flat and straightforward, you can begin and cease wherever you please.

You may obtain the total path map (totally free), here.

14.) Martha’s Winery Trails, Martha’s Winery

There are many hikes and rambling routes on Martha’s Winery, with most taking you all throughout the island.

For a 3-hour, be part of the Menemsha Hills Reservation that’ll get you up fairly excessive (as heights on the island go). From right here, you’ll get to see all throughout the area and spot the Elizabeth Islands, too!

You’ll additionally discover some beautiful and unspoilt trails round Menemsha Hill and Nice Rock Bight Protect. Actually, they’re beautiful areas and it’s virtually not possible to get completely misplaced right here.

Lastly, obtain the Trails MV App that showcases a whopping 200-miles of trails and spots to see on Martha’s Winery.

15.) Appalachian Path, throughout states

Spanning hundreds of miles lengthy, the Appalachian Path goes straight via western Massachusetts and is fairly straightforward to hitch if you wish to full a New England part.

Going via Mount Greylock State Park, Clarksburg Forest, Goose Pond and Mount Wilcox, you’ll get to see a lot of the western fringes of the state. It’s simply probably the greatest hikes in Massachusetts in the event you’re up for an enormous one!