After almost 2 years of being in a seemingly never ending pandemic, for most it's time to spend a summer day on the many hiking trails that Massachusetts has to offer. For more seasoned hikers, they tend to flock towards the White Mountains or the Appalachian Trail to get their nature fix. However, for the novice, recreational hiker, the plentiful and beautiful hiking trails around Boston will definitely do the trick. Whether its climbing wooded nature preserves or exploring waterfront trails, these hiking paths are the perfect summer day getaway from Boston. We have compiled a list of some of the best hiking spots around the city of Boston, be sure to click on the name of the hiking spot for its website!
1. Blue Hills Reservation- 725 Hillside Street, Milton
Just a couple minutes outside of the city of Boston, there is a 7,000-acre reservation with 125 miles of amazing, but challenging hiking trails. Climb to the top of Blue Hills to witness one of the best views of the city skyline. Although, it gets very busy and crowded during the summer months, so make sure to bring a face mask!
2. Middlesex Fells Reservation- 4 Woodland Road, Stoneham
North of Boston, in the suburbs of Stoneham, Middlesex Fells Reservation is a 2,500 acre state park that offers over 100 miles of hikeable trails. This reservation has a trail for all experience levels. For the experienced hiker, the Skyline Trail is both the most challenging and the most popular. The Skyline Trail features more than 7 miles of rugged terrain passing over hills, through wooded forests and around beautiful lakes. Pro tip: climb the observation tower along the trail for stunning views.
3. World’s End- Martins Lane, Hingham
Even though this trail is on the smaller end, only 251 acres, the lush nature preserve is only 15 miles outside of the city. World’s End overlooks the stunning Hingham Harbor and offers 4.5 hiking trails for both the novice and experienced hikers. Visitors can climb through rolling hills, saltwater marshes, and shoreline all while still catching glimpses of the Boston skyline. Not only that, if you go deeper into the forest, you can spot the numerous different species of birds that call World’s End home.
4. Breakheart Reservation- 77 Forest Street, Saugus
This trail is a favorite for both hikers and mountain bikers. This beautiful state park showcases both easy, moderate, and hard trails. There are 7 hills within this reservation that spans from Saugus to Wakefeild. When hiking the many trails that Breakheart Reservation has to offer, you can catch breathtaking views of Boston, New Hampshire, and central Massachusetts. The Saugus River also cuts through the nature reservation and many of the trails follow along the river.
5. Mount Misery- 60 S Great Road, Lincoln
This hiking reservation might be the largest throughout the town of Lincoln. However, its name may be misleading. Mount Misery is actually more of a hill, perfect for the less experienced hikers. When exploring this reservation many hikers will encounter quaint wildlife, from chipmunks and squirrels, to birds and deer. At the peak of Mount Misery, you will see views of the Sudbury River and Fairhaven Bay.
6. Wachusett Mountain State Reservation- 345 Mountain Road, Princeton
Although Wachusett Mountain is a hotspot for skiers and snowboarders throughout the winter, hikers flock to the tallest mountain close to Boston throughout the warmer months. The surrounding nature reservation is the largest old growth forest in Massachusetts. It also has many ponds, streams, a raised bog and 17 miles of trails for all experience levels. The most popular trail, the Harrington Trail, is a 2.6-mile-long trail that leads to the mountain’s peak, offering views of the Boston skyline and New Hampshire's Mt. Monadnock.
7. Hopkinton State Park- 164 Cedar Street, Hopkinton
Hopkinton State Park has several trails running through its 1,500 acres of lush New England forest. There are hiking trails fit for all experience levels, the paths are also used for horseback riding as well. In the summer after a long hike, visitors can cool off in the Hopkinton State Park reservoir.
8. Brattle Road Trail- 174 Liberty Street, Concord
This stunning, 5-mile trail connects historic sites from Meriam’s Corner in Concord to the eastern boundary of Minute Man National Historical Park in Lexington. Brattle Trail Road is an easy, level trail that follows along the route that Minutemen took to the battle at Concord Bridge, where they prevented the British from seizing the Colonists’ weapons. There are informative markers along the walk and an educational presentation at the visitor center, so your hike can double as a history lesson.
If you are interested in buying a home that is in the same town as one of these beautiful nature reserves and trails, click here to see all of the stunning homes we have available in each of these towns!