Hiking is one of the best ways to get some fresh air and exercise while taking in some of the impressive scenery in The Bay State. Since there are many scenic hikes in Massachusetts, it’s understandable if you find it hard to decide which trails to hit. To make it easy for you, take a look at the following list of some of the best trails in Massachusetts. After reviewing them, feel free to plan a hike (or two) during any month of the year!
- January - Mahican-Mohawk Trail to Indian Trail Loop, Mohawk Trail State Forest
Sif Ferranti/AllTrails Start off the new year by exploring the Mohawk Trail State Forest which turns into a wonderland come wintertime. If there’s snow on the ground and you have snowshoes, feel free to bring those and hit the trails. While there are several trails in this state forest, the 4.7-mile Mahican-Mohawk Trail to Indian Trail Loop is a good choice. Learn more about why this is one of the best scenic hikes in Massachusetts to do in the winter. Mohawk Trail State Forest, Cold River Rd, Charlemont, MA 01339, USA
- February - Notchview Reservation
Wendy Foster/AllTrails Valentine’s Day is in February so why not take one of the best hikes in Massachusetts through a romantic setting? Notchview Reservation in Windsor is known for snowshoeing and Nordic skiing but it also has a 1.9-mile loop trail to explore the gorgeous property. Go for a walk or perhaps go snowshoeing with your loved ones when you explore this hiking trail in the Bay State. Notchview | The Trustees of Reservations, 83 Old Rte 9, Windsor, MA 01270, USA
- March - Royalston Falls via Tully Trail, Royalston State Forest
Bob Gagnon/AllTrails With any luck come March, the snow will start to melt and waterfalls will begin to flow. This month may be a good time to take a hike to see the impressive falls at Royalston State Forest. Take the moderate 2.7.-mile Tully Trail with 524 feet of overall elevation gain. You may encounter roots and rocks along this trail so make sure that you are wearing a good pair of hiking boots! Learn more about these Massachusetts hiking trails before you set out on your adventure. Royalston State Forest, Royalston, MA 01368, USA
- April - Tower Hill Botanic Garden Loop Trail
Josh Gibbs/AllTrails Spring brings flowers and what better place to see flowers in bloom than at Tower Hill Botanic Garden? Bring the family and take a picturesque one-mile loop trail along the property. During these picturesque Massachusetts hiking trails, you’ll encounter plenty of flowers and wildlife. New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill, 11 French Dr, Boylston, MA 01505, USA
- May - Bash Bish Falls Trail, Bash Bish Falls State Park
Changju Lee/AllTrails Bash Bish Falls State Park is located close to Mount Washington. You’ll be able to take a gorgeous 2.1-mile trail with an overlook as you enjoy this hike. As you explore one of the best scenic hikes in Massachusetts, you’ll come across twin waterfalls that cascade into a pool below. Remember to bring your camera since this is such a stunning trail. Bash Bish Falls State Park, Falls Rd, Mt Washington, MA 01258, USA
- June - Sandwich Boardwalk
Sydney Snaider/AllTrails As summertime approaches, it’s time to head to the coast to one of the most spectacular Massachusetts hiking trails! Located on the Cape, the Sandwich Boardwalk is 1,350 feet long and spans across Mill Creek as it leads hikers to the beach. This is one of the most beautiful hikes in The Bay State. Boardwalk Road, Boardwalk Rd, Sandwich, MA 02563, USA
- July - World’s End Trail, Hingham
Christy B/AllTrails Located on a 251-acre peninsula in Hingham, World’s End offers a serene escape from the city. Walk through this rolling landscape and along the shore while taking in some of the most stunning views of Boston in the distance while you enjoy one of the most scenic hikes in Massachusetts. World’s End, Hingham, MA 02043, USA
- August - Great Island Trail and The Gut, Wellfleet
Stefanie Hale/AllTrails Beaches can get rather crowded in the summer but not at Great Island in Wellfleet. The only catch is, you have to hike to get there. Follow the 1.9-mile out-and-back trail to this unspoiled beach along Cape Cod Bay. Once you arrive at this stunning location, you’ll be treated to breathtaking scenery along the way. Of course, the sunsets make this hike one of the best trails in Massachusetts too. Great Island, Wellfleet, MA 02667, USA
- September - The Knob at Quisset Harbor Trail, Falmouth
Chris Kailher/AllTrails One of the most breathtaking Massachusetts hiking trails is The Knob in Falmouth. Located in the Cornelia Carey Sanctuary, you’ll take the easy 0.9-mile Quisset Harbor Loop Trail to get there. This is another location that offers spectacular sunsets, so plan your trek out here accordingly. Read our previous coverage about one of the best trails in Massachusetts. The Knob, Falmouth, MA 02543, USA
- October - Fitch Trail to RRR Brooks Trail, Taconic Trail State Park
David Keiser-Clark/AllTrails October is the perfect time for leaf-peeping around The Bay State, and what better way to see the leaves in all their colorful glory than to head to the mountains! Located in Taconic Trail State Park, the Fitch and RRR Brooks Trails create a 4.2-mile loop that will take you past a river and to areas where you can view the area’s sea of colorful leaves. Like these Massachusetts hiking trails offer stunning views too. Taconic Trail State Park, Williamstown, MA 01267, USA
- November - Skyline Outer Reservoir Loop, Middlesex Fells Reservation
Andrew Messier/AllTrails Located in Stoneham, the Skyline Outer Reservoir Loop is an 8.1-mile trail that takes hikers past a lake and to a viewpoint where you can see Boston in the distance. It’s one of the longer scenic hikes in Massachusetts but you don’t have to do the entire length to enjoy the views. Middlesex Fells Reservation, 4 Woodland Rd, Stoneham, MA 02180, USA
- December - Wells State Park, Sturbridge
Jean Conway/AllTrails The 1,400-acre Wells State Park in Sturbridge turns into a wonderland after it snows. You can take the North and South Trail, a 3.8-mile loop, through the tranquil forest and take in the natural scenery along the way to see why this is one of the best hikes in Massachusetts. Wells State Park Road, Wells State Park Rd, Sturbridge, MA 01566, USA
What do you think of this extensive list of scenic hikes in Massachusetts? Have you hiked any (or all) of them during the year? Are there any other Massachusetts hiking trails that you would suggest including on this list too? Let your fellow readers know in the following comments section.
Sif Ferranti/AllTrails
Start off the new year by exploring the Mohawk Trail State Forest which turns into a wonderland come wintertime. If there’s snow on the ground and you have snowshoes, feel free to bring those and hit the trails. While there are several trails in this state forest, the 4.7-mile Mahican-Mohawk Trail to Indian Trail Loop is a good choice. Learn more about why this is one of the best scenic hikes in Massachusetts to do in the winter.
Mohawk Trail State Forest, Cold River Rd, Charlemont, MA 01339, USA
Wendy Foster/AllTrails
Valentine’s Day is in February so why not take one of the best hikes in Massachusetts through a romantic setting? Notchview Reservation in Windsor is known for snowshoeing and Nordic skiing but it also has a 1.9-mile loop trail to explore the gorgeous property. Go for a walk or perhaps go snowshoeing with your loved ones when you explore this hiking trail in the Bay State.
Notchview | The Trustees of Reservations, 83 Old Rte 9, Windsor, MA 01270, USA
Bob Gagnon/AllTrails
With any luck come March, the snow will start to melt and waterfalls will begin to flow. This month may be a good time to take a hike to see the impressive falls at Royalston State Forest. Take the moderate 2.7.-mile Tully Trail with 524 feet of overall elevation gain. You may encounter roots and rocks along this trail so make sure that you are wearing a good pair of hiking boots! Learn more about these Massachusetts hiking trails before you set out on your adventure.
Royalston State Forest, Royalston, MA 01368, USA
Josh Gibbs/AllTrails
Spring brings flowers and what better place to see flowers in bloom than at Tower Hill Botanic Garden? Bring the family and take a picturesque one-mile loop trail along the property. During these picturesque Massachusetts hiking trails, you’ll encounter plenty of flowers and wildlife.
New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill, 11 French Dr, Boylston, MA 01505, USA
Changju Lee/AllTrails
Bash Bish Falls State Park is located close to Mount Washington. You’ll be able to take a gorgeous 2.1-mile trail with an overlook as you enjoy this hike. As you explore one of the best scenic hikes in Massachusetts, you’ll come across twin waterfalls that cascade into a pool below. Remember to bring your camera since this is such a stunning trail.
Bash Bish Falls State Park, Falls Rd, Mt Washington, MA 01258, USA
Sydney Snaider/AllTrails
As summertime approaches, it’s time to head to the coast to one of the most spectacular Massachusetts hiking trails! Located on the Cape, the Sandwich Boardwalk is 1,350 feet long and spans across Mill Creek as it leads hikers to the beach. This is one of the most beautiful hikes in The Bay State.
Boardwalk Road, Boardwalk Rd, Sandwich, MA 02563, USA
Christy B/AllTrails
Located on a 251-acre peninsula in Hingham, World’s End offers a serene escape from the city. Walk through this rolling landscape and along the shore while taking in some of the most stunning views of Boston in the distance while you enjoy one of the most scenic hikes in Massachusetts.
World’s End, Hingham, MA 02043, USA
Stefanie Hale/AllTrails
Beaches can get rather crowded in the summer but not at Great Island in Wellfleet. The only catch is, you have to hike to get there. Follow the 1.9-mile out-and-back trail to this unspoiled beach along Cape Cod Bay. Once you arrive at this stunning location, you’ll be treated to breathtaking scenery along the way. Of course, the sunsets make this hike one of the best trails in Massachusetts too.
Great Island, Wellfleet, MA 02667, USA
Chris Kailher/AllTrails
One of the most breathtaking Massachusetts hiking trails is The Knob in Falmouth. Located in the Cornelia Carey Sanctuary, you’ll take the easy 0.9-mile Quisset Harbor Loop Trail to get there. This is another location that offers spectacular sunsets, so plan your trek out here accordingly. Read our previous coverage about one of the best trails in Massachusetts.
The Knob, Falmouth, MA 02543, USA
David Keiser-Clark/AllTrails
October is the perfect time for leaf-peeping around The Bay State, and what better way to see the leaves in all their colorful glory than to head to the mountains! Located in Taconic Trail State Park, the Fitch and RRR Brooks Trails create a 4.2-mile loop that will take you past a river and to areas where you can view the area’s sea of colorful leaves. Like these Massachusetts hiking trails offer stunning views too.
Taconic Trail State Park, Williamstown, MA 01267, USA
Andrew Messier/AllTrails
Located in Stoneham, the Skyline Outer Reservoir Loop is an 8.1-mile trail that takes hikers past a lake and to a viewpoint where you can see Boston in the distance. It’s one of the longer scenic hikes in Massachusetts but you don’t have to do the entire length to enjoy the views.
Middlesex Fells Reservation, 4 Woodland Rd, Stoneham, MA 02180, USA
Jean Conway/AllTrails
The 1,400-acre Wells State Park in Sturbridge turns into a wonderland after it snows. You can take the North and South Trail, a 3.8-mile loop, through the tranquil forest and take in the natural scenery along the way to see why this is one of the best hikes in Massachusetts.
Wells State Park Road, Wells State Park Rd, Sturbridge, MA 01566, USA
For more hiking options that your entire family can enjoy together, check out these short and easy trails in Massachusetts too.
Happy hiking!
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Scenic Hikes in Massachusetts January 22, 2023 Marla S. What are some of the best hikes in Massachusetts leading to waterfalls? Some of the best hikes in Massachusetts leading to waterfalls include the following trails:
Bear’s Den Falls in New Salem Pawtucket Falls in Lowell Sanderson Brook Falls in Blandford Doane’s Falls in Royalston Race Brook Falls in Sheffield
This article has more information about some of the best hikes in Massachusetts leading to waterfalls. Take a look at these scenic hikes in Massachusetts that also lead to waterfalls. If you’re looking for a weekend adventure, check out this Massachusetts waterfall road trip too. What are some of the best trails in Massachusetts for children and families? Some of the best trails in Massachusetts for children in families consider these destinations:
Gates Pond Trail in Berlin The Ashuwillticook Rail Trail in Cheshire Winnekenni Park Conservation Area in Haverhill Bash Bish Falls Trail in Mount Washington Tucker Preserve Loop in Pembroke
Take a look at these best trails in Massachusetts to decide on where you’ll go with your family. What are the most popular Massachusetts hiking trails? Here are a few of the most popular Massachusetts hiking trails:
Moore State Park in Paxton Mount Greylock is the Stony Ledge in Adams Parker River National Wildlife Refuge in Newburyport Natural Bridge State Park in North Adams
Learn more about a few of the most popular Massachusetts hiking trails in our previous coverage.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Scenic Hikes in Massachusetts
January 22, 2023
Marla S.
What are some of the best hikes in Massachusetts leading to waterfalls? Some of the best hikes in Massachusetts leading to waterfalls include the following trails:
Bear’s Den Falls in New Salem Pawtucket Falls in Lowell Sanderson Brook Falls in Blandford Doane’s Falls in Royalston Race Brook Falls in Sheffield
This article has more information about some of the best hikes in Massachusetts leading to waterfalls. Take a look at these scenic hikes in Massachusetts that also lead to waterfalls. If you’re looking for a weekend adventure, check out this Massachusetts waterfall road trip too. What are some of the best trails in Massachusetts for children and families? Some of the best trails in Massachusetts for children in families consider these destinations:
Gates Pond Trail in Berlin The Ashuwillticook Rail Trail in Cheshire Winnekenni Park Conservation Area in Haverhill Bash Bish Falls Trail in Mount Washington Tucker Preserve Loop in Pembroke
Take a look at these best trails in Massachusetts to decide on where you’ll go with your family. What are the most popular Massachusetts hiking trails? Here are a few of the most popular Massachusetts hiking trails:
Moore State Park in Paxton Mount Greylock is the Stony Ledge in Adams Parker River National Wildlife Refuge in Newburyport Natural Bridge State Park in North Adams
Learn more about a few of the most popular Massachusetts hiking trails in our previous coverage.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Some of the best hikes in Massachusetts leading to waterfalls include the following trails:
- Bear’s Den Falls in New Salem
- Pawtucket Falls in Lowell
- Sanderson Brook Falls in Blandford
- Doane’s Falls in Royalston
- Race Brook Falls in Sheffield
This article has more information about some of the best hikes in Massachusetts leading to waterfalls. Take a look at these scenic hikes in Massachusetts that also lead to waterfalls.
If you’re looking for a weekend adventure, check out this Massachusetts waterfall road trip too.
What are some of the best trails in Massachusetts for children and families?
Some of the best trails in Massachusetts for children in families consider these destinations:
- Gates Pond Trail in Berlin
- The Ashuwillticook Rail Trail in Cheshire
- Winnekenni Park Conservation Area in Haverhill
- Bash Bish Falls Trail in Mount Washington
- Tucker Preserve Loop in Pembroke
Take a look at these best trails in Massachusetts to decide on where you’ll go with your family.
What are the most popular Massachusetts hiking trails?
Here are a few of the most popular Massachusetts hiking trails:
- Moore State Park in Paxton
- Mount Greylock is the Stony Ledge in Adams
- Parker River National Wildlife Refuge in Newburyport
- Natural Bridge State Park in North Adams
Learn more about a few of the most popular Massachusetts hiking trails in our previous coverage.
