8 Best Hiking Trails in Massachusetts (2022 Updated)
There are countless hiking trails throughout the state, but here are the 8 best. These areas are known for their diverse landscapes, varying in difficulty, and scenic beauty. The state’s renowned Blue Hills – Skyline Trail is one of the most popular. Other popular locations for hiking in Massachusetts include Purgatory Chasm State Reservation Sutton and the Mount Holyoke Range State Park Amherst.
Blue Hills – Skyline Trail Quincy
- Tel :+1 617-722-1188
Hiking enthusiasts from all over the world flock to the scenic Blue Hills – Skyline Trail in Quincy, Massachusetts, for its spectacular views. The trails wind through the park’s 7,000-acre preserve and offer a wide variety of terrain. Several overlooks dot the trail, which runs between Route 128/95/93 and Shea Rink in West Quincy. At the summit of Great Blue Hill, visitors can hike to the Eliot Tower, and visit the Blue Hill Meteorological Observatory, which was built by Abbott Rotch in 1885. This weather observatory is the oldest continuously operating meteorological station in the country.
The Blue Hills reserve is home to a diverse range of trees, including many that are over 100 years old. The area is home to scrub oak and pitch pine, which are important ecosystems and habitat for wildlife. Despite its unique environment, however, these trees face many threats, including periodic drought and invasive species. Overall, the forest’s diversity helps it resist environmental pressures and support a greener future.
Middlesex Fells Reservation Stoneham
- Tel 1 : +1 617-727-1199 ext. 406
- Tel 2 : +1 617-727-5380 ext. 406
- Hours of Operation : Everyday 7:30 am to 4:30 pm
If you’re a fan of nature and hiking, the Middlesex Fells Reservation in Stoneham is one of the best places to go. This 2200-acre forest covers a range of different landscapes, including forests, meadows, and even a waterfall. Hiking in the Middlesex Fells is a great way to spend a day or an entire weekend.
The Middlesex Fells Reservation, or Middlesex Fells, is a natural oasis north of Boston. The park features rocky hills, forests, and lakes. The free “Tree Walk” at the Middlesex Fells Reservation in Stoneham will introduce you to some of the park’s plants and animals. Harvard botanist Walter Kittredge will lead you on a tour of one of the hiking trails, the Dark Hollow Pond Trail, which passes through a forest seep community. You’ll also find pignut hickory and hop hornbeam trees, nestled in Pennsylvania sedge.
If you’re looking for a longer hike, Stoneham State Park’s Skyline Trail is a great option. This trail offers more than 100 miles of trails and has hiking trails for different levels of fitness. The most difficult trail is the Skyline Trail, which features seven miles of rough terrain and crosses over beautiful lakes. A tower overlooks the park and offers an awesome view of the park.
Mount Holyoke Range State Park Amherst
- Tel : +1 413-253-2883
- Hours of Operation : Everyday 6:30 am to 6:30 pm
Located in the Pioneer Valley of Massachusetts, Mount Holyoke Range State Park is a public recreation area owned by the state of Massachusetts. The park occupies the eastern half of the Holyoke Range. The park is adjacent to J. A. Skinner State Park, which occupies the western half. If you’re looking for some outdoor fun in Amherst, Massachusetts, you’ve come to the right place.
This area contains more rare species than any other region of the Connecticut River Valley. The park covers an area of more than 3,000 acres and is the largest block of forest left in Massachusetts. Thanks to its unusual east-west orientation and geologic history of volcanic activity, the region supports hundreds of species, including 27 rare and endangered species. Among the many species that live in the area are migratory birds, moose, and black bears.
The Mount Holyoke Range is home to several types of forest. The area is home to a diverse mix of microclimates that is unique to New England. The warm, dry upper ridges are dominated by chestnut oak and maple. Eastern red cedar grows on barren cliff edges. The cool, damp backslope plant community resembles that of the nearby Berkshire plateau.
Purgatory Chasm State Reservation Sutton
- Tel : +1 508-234-3733
- Email : [email protected]
- Hours of Operation : Everyday 6:30 am to 7:00 pm
If you’re looking for a great place to go hiking in Sutton, Massachusetts, consider visiting the Purgatory Chasm State Reservation. This protected state park is located in Blackstone Valley and is managed by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation. Whether you’re looking for a quiet place to hike or explore the beautiful natural beauty of this area, you’ll be pleased with the results.
Located on Route 146 in Sutton, Massachusetts, Purgatory Chasm is a state-owned geologic preserve and public recreation area. The park is known for its dramatic scenery, including a deep chasm of granite rocks. You can hike, bike, or picnic here and enjoy the breathtaking scenery. You can also attend one of the many educational programs offered by the state park.
Those who want to explore nature can explore Purgatory Chasm, a 100-acre park near Sutton, Massachusetts. The wintergreen tree, a staple of New England forests in the spring, is a great place to spot chipmunks and other wildlife. You can also go hiking, or go rock-climbing without a real challenge. The only thing you have to be aware of is that parking is limited. Parking fees can range anywhere from $5 for Massachusetts plates to $20 for out-of-state vehicles. If you want to see more of the area, visit Stone Mountain, a larger park nearby, which also has many attractions.
Split Rock Hiking Trail Bolton
To access the Split Rock Hiking Trail in Bolton, Massachusetts, turn north off Long Hill Road onto Annie Moore Road. The trailhead is located about a mile past the sharp bend, on the east side of the road. You’ll cross a perennial stream and hike through upland forest before reaching scenic ledges. There is street parking available. The trail is approximately five miles long and offers a variety of terrain.
The Split Rock Hiking Trail passes the Powderhouse, which was constructed in 1812 for ammunition storage. You’ll find plenty of boulder outcrops and ledges to scale as you go up the steep incline. The trail also passes Princeton Windmills. This trail is moderately populated, and the paved road that runs along Bolton Pond is easily accessible. The trail also connects to the Bolton Orchards.
If you are traveling by car, split Rock Hiking Trail is a short distance from the town’s town center. Park in the rear parking lot of town hall. If you prefer to hike on foot, you can access the trail from the corner of Golden Run Road and Sugar Road, though there’s no parking there. Another access point is at the beginning of Quail Run Road, but this route is closed in the springtime due to flooding conditions.
Blue Hills Reservation Milton
- Tel : +1 617-698-1802
- Email : [email protected]
- Hours of Operation : Everyday 6:30 am to 7:00 pm
The Blue Hills Reservation is a 7,000-acre state park in Norfolk County, Massachusetts. It is managed by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation. Several towns, including Milton, Quincy, Canton, Randolph, and Dedham, are part of the Blue Hills Reservation. Listed below are some of the best hiking trails to visit in the park. Once you get there, you’ll likely want to explore all of them.
Blue Hills Reservation offers 125 miles of trails to explore. Hikers will experience rolling hills, marshes, and wetlands while hiking here. Trail maps are available at Reservation Headquarters or at the Blue Hills Trailside Museum. You can also look for trail markers along the trail that have 4-digit numbers. Always check the weather and pack plenty of water before heading out on a hike. If you’re new to hiking, don’t forget to pack a camera.
Blue Hill Reservation Milton, MA is a 7,000-acre state park. It spans parts of Milton, Braintree, Randolph, and Canton. There are over a dozen hiking trails and a museum. The Blue Hill Observatory and Science Center offers public and guided tours, as well as weather archives and photo galleries. There is also a 30-minute mountain bike trail. Those looking for a more challenging hike can take the Blue Hill Observatory & Science Center’s Skyline Trail, which is marked with blue dots.
Breakheart Reservation Saugus
- Tel : +1 781-233-0834
- Hours of Operation : Everyday 7:30 am to 7:00 pm
On a recent Sunday, the Breakheart Reservation in Saugus, Massachusetts was the scene of a few brush fires. First responders and the DCR’s Fire District 5 Wildland Fire Crew worked to put out the blazes. These fires started when dried leaves ignited and quickly spread to nearby trees. The video below shows firefighters pouring water on the blazes. The blazes were quickly extinguished, but there was still considerable smoke.
A 640-acre public park and recreation area located near Saugus, Massachusetts, the Breakheart Reservation is a popular place for outdoor recreation. The park features two freshwater lakes and extensive hiking trails. The site also has a leash-free dog park and offers supervised swimming in the summer. Breakheart Reservation is a free resource for outdoor recreation and is a popular destination in Saugus, Massachusetts.
Borderland State Park North Easton
- Tel : +1 508-238-6566
- Email : [email protected]
- Hours of Operation : Everyday 8:00 am to 7:00 pm
If you’re interested in history, nature, and public recreation, you’ll want to head to the Borderland State Park in Sharon or Easton, Massachusetts. This 1,843-acre public park is home to the historic Ames Mansion. Visitors can explore the historic mansion, take a hike in the park, or just simply enjoy the surrounding natural beauty.
The state park is full of wooded trails for hikers of all levels. The Bay Circuit Trail is especially popular, with its many scenic ponds and waterfalls. The Quarry Loop Trail is also popular, and leads to the Moyles Quarry. The park’s trails also include ice skating and canoeing. If you’re looking for a place to play Frisbee golf, the park also has a number of ponds and wetlands.
The park is home to the historic Ames Mansion, built in 1910. The state has acquired the estate in 1971. The park is home to several ponds and lakes, and 20 miles of wooded trails. The park is home to several lakes, which make for excellent hiking terrain. It is also home to the prestigious Ames Mansion, which has been open to the public for tours. The Friends of Borderland have been involved in preserving the mansion and raising funds to improve the park’s overall quality.
Also Read:
