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<\/span>Best Hiking in Massachusetts: Appalachian Trail<\/span><\/h2>\nNearly any hiker will confess a desire to traverse the entire 2,175-mile length of the Appalachian Trail from Georgia to Maine. Most hikers, though, will manage to tackle only a few sections of the trail.<\/p>\n
If you\u2019d like to log some miles on the Appalachian Trail, Massachusetts offers lots of opportunities for day-hiking the iconic path. There are some difficult sections of the Appalachian Trail in Massachusetts, but the hikes listed here are rated easy or moderate.<\/p>\n
Read on for a look at some of the best ways to experience the Appalachian Trail in Massachusetts.<\/p>\n![\"Egremont,](\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" "\\"The")
<\/a><\/figure>\nJug End Road to Mount Bushnell<\/h3>\n
Rated moderately challenging, this\u00a03.6-mile out-and-back hike near the town of Egremont<\/a>\u00a0in southwestern Massachusetts is nonetheless a great day hike. Plan to spend a little more than two hours on the trail, with the reward of sweeping green vistas from atop Mount Bushnell.<\/p>\nYou\u2019ll certainly do some uphill work on this section of the Appalachian Trail, which includes an elevation change of 1,100 feet. You\u2019ll likely have plenty of company during your hike, as Jug End Road to Mount Bushnell is popular with many runners.<\/p>\n
You should plan on using trekking poles on this hike, due to the rocky nature of some parts of the walk. You\u2019re welcome to bring your dog along, as long as he or she is leashed.<\/p>\n
Goose Pond Road to US Highway 20<\/h3>\n
A little farther up the Appalachian Trail, near Becket and Tyringham, is the\u00a04.5 mile section between Goose Pond Road and US Highway 20<\/a>.<\/p>\nTaking this easy 9-mile out-and-back adventure includes the reward of seeing Upper Goose Pond, where you can watch anglers trying their luck. Or, you can sample the waters of Upper Goose Pond yourself, enjoying its status as an old-fashioned swimming hole.<\/p>\n
Be aware, though, that there is no restroom or other place at the pond to change into a swimsuit, so plan accordingly. Camping is allowed on this part of the trail, but only at Upper Goose Pond Cabin.<\/p>\n
Lee to Tyringham<\/h3>\n
If you\u2019d like a bit more of a challenge for hiking the AT in Massachusetts, check out the\u00a09.5 miles between Lee and Tyringham<\/a>. Also featuring Upper Goose Pond, this route is rated moderately challenging.<\/p>\nYou should plan on spending about 5 hours on the trail to complete this hike. There are some steep sections, particularly as you come into or leave Tyringham.<\/p>\n
\n<\/span>Best Hiking in Massachusetts: Eastern<\/span><\/h2>\nWhen you\u2019re talking about leisure time in eastern Massachusetts, you\u2019re talking about seeing cities like Plymouth and Boston, or enjoying the Cape Cod seashore. But for hikers, whether novice or experienced, there are plenty of other ways to experience this part of the state.<\/p>\n
Read on for a look at opportunities for hiking in Massachusetts centered around the eastern part of the state.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/figure>\nHead of the Meadow Trail<\/h3>\n
Located between Truro and Provincetown within the Cape Cod National Seashore, the\u00a0Head of the Meadow Trail<\/a>\u00a0is an easy 2-mile paved trail. Running between High Head Road and Head of the Meadow Beach, the trail is shared among pedestrians, bicyclists and skaters.<\/p>\nOf particular interest on this trail is the site of a freshwater spring \u2014 now dry \u2014 discovered by the Pilgrims in 1620. The location is identified with a historical marker set into a piece of granite.<\/p>\n
At the end of the trail, you can enjoy Head of the Meadow Beach, although there is a charge for visiting the beach. There is a bathhouse on site for your convenience.<\/p>\n
Getting to the trail for this experience in hiking in Massachusetts may be a bit of a challenge. High Head Road, which leads to the trail parking lot, is filled with potholes. So, be prepared for a bumpy and slow ride before your walk. Parking is limited to two hours.<\/p>\n
Middlesex Fells Reservation<\/h3>\n
A short distance from Boston is\u00a0Middlesex Fells Reservation<\/a>, a 2,200-acre public recreation area. A perfect diversion from time in the city, Middlesex Fells Reservation \u2014 or, just \u201cthe Fells\u201d \u2014 offers 100 miles of various mixed-use trails.<\/p>\nThere is no camping at the Fells, so you\u2019ll need to use it as a day trip to fulfill your hiking needs. If you\u2019re interested in birdwatching, the 6-mile West Middlesex Fells Reservoir Trail will be a good bet for you. If you just want to stretch your legs a bit, try the 1.5-mile Cross Fells Trail to Spot Pond.<\/p>\n
Other great hikes include the 4.2-mile East Middlesex Fells Reservation Loop Trail, featuring vistas of the Boston skyline. There\u2019s also the 6.6-mile out-and-back Two Towers Trail, which features two observation towers for surveying the Fells and points beyond.<\/p>\n
Bridle Trail<\/h3>\n
Located in the town of Marshfield on the South Shore, the\u00a0Bridle Trail<\/a>\u00a0is a great example of hiking along old railroad beds in the state. The tree-lined 3-mile trail offers an interesting way to experience small-town life in Massachusetts.<\/p>\nBeginning in Marshfield\u2019s Dandelion Park, the Bridle Trail ends amid an array of the town\u2019s shops and restaurants. If you\u2019re lucky, your visit to the Bridle Trail might coincide with some live music or other celebration to immerse yourself into the town.<\/p>\n
Otherwise, nearby beaches can help round out your time enjoying the Bridle Trail.<\/p>\n
\n<\/span>Best Hiking in Massachusetts: Central<\/span><\/h2>\nThere are walks through history in the eastern part of Massachusetts, and the western part includes the Appalachian Trail. So it might be easy to conclude that hiking in Massachusetts doesn\u2019t include the center of the state. Easy, but wrong.<\/p>\n
Read on for a look at just a few of the hiking opportunities in central Massachusetts.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/figure>\nSouthern New England Trunkline Trail<\/h3>\n
Covering 22 miles from the Connecticut state line to the Franklin State Forest, the\u00a0Southern New England Trunkline Trail (SNETT)<\/a>\u00a0passes through six cities. Those natural stopping points make the SNETT perfect for planning an out-and-back day hike or two or three.<\/p>\nBuilt on part of a former railroad right of way, the SNETT runs along a southern central border of Massachusetts. It includes the cities of Bellingham, Blackstone, Millville, Uxbridge and Douglas before ending in Thompson, Conn.<\/p>\n
While the SNETT offers lots of scenic wonders, hikes should be aware that many parts of the route are unimproved. Also, there are a few breaks in the trail, and you\u2019ll have to be careful navigating them to ensure you remain on the SNETT.<\/p>\n
There are a number of places to access the SNETT where it crosses roads. Among the best places to access the trail are Grove Street in Franklin, Route 96 in Douglas, or Canal Street in Uxbridge.<\/p>\n
Tully Trail<\/h3>\n
A 22-mile loop encircling the near-unspoiled Tully Valley near Royalston, the\u00a0Tully Trail<\/a>\u00a0is a prime spot for hiking in Massachusetts. Camping is allowed, but only at designated locations along the trail.<\/p>\nBeginning at Tully Lake Campground, the Tully Trail almost immediately offers a mix of ridgeline views and waterfalls. Flat rock slabs along the trail offer perfect spots for relaxing picnic lunches.<\/p>\n
The Tully Trail includes a winding route through densely forested land. It passes through parts of both the Royalston State Forest and the Warwick State Forest, including their wetland areas.<\/p>\n
A shelter along the trail for camping, which can accommodate a dozen people or more, gets high marks from hikers who have used it.<\/p>\n
Midstate Trail<\/h3>\n
Spanning 92 miles, the\u00a0Midstate Trail<\/a>\u00a0offers some great hiking in Massachusetts, spanning from the Rhode Island border to the New Hampshire border. Located 45 miles west of Boston, the Midstate Trail is touted as an easy hiking opportunity that is also readily accessible.<\/p>\nTraversing forestland, historic sites and state parks, the Midstate Trail immerses hikers in the natural beauty of the state. It is possible to through-hike the entire 92-mile trail, with shelters along the way. However, through-hikers are advised to bring a tent for this foray into hiking in Massachusetts.<\/p>\n
Long-distance hikers should also plan to stay in campgrounds, hostels or other accommodations near the trail rather than on the trail itself.<\/p>\n
For day hikers, a 4-mile trek to the summit of Mount Watatic is recommended. More ambitious hikers might want to try an 11-mile out-and-back hike between Wallum Lake and the southern end of the Midstate Trail.<\/p>\n
\n<\/span>Best Hiking in Massachusetts: Western<\/span><\/h2>\nOf course, the Appalachian Trail is always calling out to hikers in western Massachusetts. But the AT is not the only way to sample the natural attractions of the state. Read on to discover some of the other ways to enjoy a walk in the woods in the western reaches of the Bay State.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/figure>\nAshuwillticook Rail Trail<\/h3>\n
The\u00a0Ashuwillticook Rail Trail<\/a>, running 13 miles through Cheshire, Lanesborough and Adams, is one of the many abandoned railroad beds now used for hiking in Massachusetts. With views of the Cheshire Reservoir and Hoosic River, the trail is a great way to see area wildlife.<\/p>\nOpen daily from dawn to dusk, the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail\u2019s amenities include a visitor center and picnic areas. The trail\u2019s paved and leveled surface makes it a perfect way to experience a mile or two, or even more, of Massachusetts.<\/p>\n
The Ashuwillticook Rail Trail is a particular treat during the fall, when autumn foliage is in its full-colored spendor. In winter, the trail is an ideal venue for snowshoeing.<\/p>\n
The trail crosses a number of roads on its route, so take extra care when moving through those areas.<\/p>\n
Monument Mountain<\/h3>\n
Covering nearly 4 miles near Great Barrington, the\u00a0Monument Mountain Summit Trail<\/a>\u00a0is a moderately difficult out-and-back route. Open year-round, this opportunity for hiking in Massachusetts is a particularly splendid walk in June, when mountain laurel and other wildflowers are in bloom.<\/p>\nAlso along the trail, brooks and waterfalls abound as another visual treat from the natural world. From the top of Monument Mountain, hikers are rewarded with majestic views of the Housatonic River Valley.<\/p>\n
The trail is open year-round from sunrise to sunset, with ample paid parking available.<\/p>\n
Robert Frost Trail<\/h3>\n
<\/a><\/figure>\nJug End Road to Mount Bushnell<\/h3>\n
Rated moderately challenging, this\u00a03.6-mile out-and-back hike near the town of Egremont<\/a>\u00a0in southwestern Massachusetts is nonetheless a great day hike. Plan to spend a little more than two hours on the trail, with the reward of sweeping green vistas from atop Mount Bushnell.<\/p>\n You\u2019ll certainly do some uphill work on this section of the Appalachian Trail, which includes an elevation change of 1,100 feet. You\u2019ll likely have plenty of company during your hike, as Jug End Road to Mount Bushnell is popular with many runners.<\/p>\n You should plan on using trekking poles on this hike, due to the rocky nature of some parts of the walk. You\u2019re welcome to bring your dog along, as long as he or she is leashed.<\/p>\n A little farther up the Appalachian Trail, near Becket and Tyringham, is the\u00a04.5 mile section between Goose Pond Road and US Highway 20<\/a>.<\/p>\n Taking this easy 9-mile out-and-back adventure includes the reward of seeing Upper Goose Pond, where you can watch anglers trying their luck. Or, you can sample the waters of Upper Goose Pond yourself, enjoying its status as an old-fashioned swimming hole.<\/p>\n Be aware, though, that there is no restroom or other place at the pond to change into a swimsuit, so plan accordingly. Camping is allowed on this part of the trail, but only at Upper Goose Pond Cabin.<\/p>\n If you\u2019d like a bit more of a challenge for hiking the AT in Massachusetts, check out the\u00a09.5 miles between Lee and Tyringham<\/a>. Also featuring Upper Goose Pond, this route is rated moderately challenging.<\/p>\n You should plan on spending about 5 hours on the trail to complete this hike. There are some steep sections, particularly as you come into or leave Tyringham.<\/p>\n When you\u2019re talking about leisure time in eastern Massachusetts, you\u2019re talking about seeing cities like Plymouth and Boston, or enjoying the Cape Cod seashore. But for hikers, whether novice or experienced, there are plenty of other ways to experience this part of the state.<\/p>\n Read on for a look at opportunities for hiking in Massachusetts centered around the eastern part of the state.<\/p>\n Located between Truro and Provincetown within the Cape Cod National Seashore, the\u00a0Head of the Meadow Trail<\/a>\u00a0is an easy 2-mile paved trail. Running between High Head Road and Head of the Meadow Beach, the trail is shared among pedestrians, bicyclists and skaters.<\/p>\n Of particular interest on this trail is the site of a freshwater spring \u2014 now dry \u2014 discovered by the Pilgrims in 1620. The location is identified with a historical marker set into a piece of granite.<\/p>\n At the end of the trail, you can enjoy Head of the Meadow Beach, although there is a charge for visiting the beach. There is a bathhouse on site for your convenience.<\/p>\n Getting to the trail for this experience in hiking in Massachusetts may be a bit of a challenge. High Head Road, which leads to the trail parking lot, is filled with potholes. So, be prepared for a bumpy and slow ride before your walk. Parking is limited to two hours.<\/p>\n A short distance from Boston is\u00a0Middlesex Fells Reservation<\/a>, a 2,200-acre public recreation area. A perfect diversion from time in the city, Middlesex Fells Reservation \u2014 or, just \u201cthe Fells\u201d \u2014 offers 100 miles of various mixed-use trails.<\/p>\n There is no camping at the Fells, so you\u2019ll need to use it as a day trip to fulfill your hiking needs. If you\u2019re interested in birdwatching, the 6-mile West Middlesex Fells Reservoir Trail will be a good bet for you. If you just want to stretch your legs a bit, try the 1.5-mile Cross Fells Trail to Spot Pond.<\/p>\n Other great hikes include the 4.2-mile East Middlesex Fells Reservation Loop Trail, featuring vistas of the Boston skyline. There\u2019s also the 6.6-mile out-and-back Two Towers Trail, which features two observation towers for surveying the Fells and points beyond.<\/p>\n Located in the town of Marshfield on the South Shore, the\u00a0Bridle Trail<\/a>\u00a0is a great example of hiking along old railroad beds in the state. The tree-lined 3-mile trail offers an interesting way to experience small-town life in Massachusetts.<\/p>\n Beginning in Marshfield\u2019s Dandelion Park, the Bridle Trail ends amid an array of the town\u2019s shops and restaurants. If you\u2019re lucky, your visit to the Bridle Trail might coincide with some live music or other celebration to immerse yourself into the town.<\/p>\n Otherwise, nearby beaches can help round out your time enjoying the Bridle Trail.<\/p>\n There are walks through history in the eastern part of Massachusetts, and the western part includes the Appalachian Trail. So it might be easy to conclude that hiking in Massachusetts doesn\u2019t include the center of the state. Easy, but wrong.<\/p>\n Read on for a look at just a few of the hiking opportunities in central Massachusetts.<\/p>\n Covering 22 miles from the Connecticut state line to the Franklin State Forest, the\u00a0Southern New England Trunkline Trail (SNETT)<\/a>\u00a0passes through six cities. Those natural stopping points make the SNETT perfect for planning an out-and-back day hike or two or three.<\/p>\n Built on part of a former railroad right of way, the SNETT runs along a southern central border of Massachusetts. It includes the cities of Bellingham, Blackstone, Millville, Uxbridge and Douglas before ending in Thompson, Conn.<\/p>\n While the SNETT offers lots of scenic wonders, hikes should be aware that many parts of the route are unimproved. Also, there are a few breaks in the trail, and you\u2019ll have to be careful navigating them to ensure you remain on the SNETT.<\/p>\n There are a number of places to access the SNETT where it crosses roads. Among the best places to access the trail are Grove Street in Franklin, Route 96 in Douglas, or Canal Street in Uxbridge.<\/p>\n A 22-mile loop encircling the near-unspoiled Tully Valley near Royalston, the\u00a0Tully Trail<\/a>\u00a0is a prime spot for hiking in Massachusetts. Camping is allowed, but only at designated locations along the trail.<\/p>\n Beginning at Tully Lake Campground, the Tully Trail almost immediately offers a mix of ridgeline views and waterfalls. Flat rock slabs along the trail offer perfect spots for relaxing picnic lunches.<\/p>\n The Tully Trail includes a winding route through densely forested land. It passes through parts of both the Royalston State Forest and the Warwick State Forest, including their wetland areas.<\/p>\n A shelter along the trail for camping, which can accommodate a dozen people or more, gets high marks from hikers who have used it.<\/p>\n Spanning 92 miles, the\u00a0Midstate Trail<\/a>\u00a0offers some great hiking in Massachusetts, spanning from the Rhode Island border to the New Hampshire border. Located 45 miles west of Boston, the Midstate Trail is touted as an easy hiking opportunity that is also readily accessible.<\/p>\n Traversing forestland, historic sites and state parks, the Midstate Trail immerses hikers in the natural beauty of the state. It is possible to through-hike the entire 92-mile trail, with shelters along the way. However, through-hikers are advised to bring a tent for this foray into hiking in Massachusetts.<\/p>\n Long-distance hikers should also plan to stay in campgrounds, hostels or other accommodations near the trail rather than on the trail itself.<\/p>\n For day hikers, a 4-mile trek to the summit of Mount Watatic is recommended. More ambitious hikers might want to try an 11-mile out-and-back hike between Wallum Lake and the southern end of the Midstate Trail.<\/p>\n Of course, the Appalachian Trail is always calling out to hikers in western Massachusetts. But the AT is not the only way to sample the natural attractions of the state. Read on to discover some of the other ways to enjoy a walk in the woods in the western reaches of the Bay State.<\/p>\n The\u00a0Ashuwillticook Rail Trail<\/a>, running 13 miles through Cheshire, Lanesborough and Adams, is one of the many abandoned railroad beds now used for hiking in Massachusetts. With views of the Cheshire Reservoir and Hoosic River, the trail is a great way to see area wildlife.<\/p>\n Open daily from dawn to dusk, the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail\u2019s amenities include a visitor center and picnic areas. The trail\u2019s paved and leveled surface makes it a perfect way to experience a mile or two, or even more, of Massachusetts.<\/p>\n The Ashuwillticook Rail Trail is a particular treat during the fall, when autumn foliage is in its full-colored spendor. In winter, the trail is an ideal venue for snowshoeing.<\/p>\n The trail crosses a number of roads on its route, so take extra care when moving through those areas.<\/p>\n Covering nearly 4 miles near Great Barrington, the\u00a0Monument Mountain Summit Trail<\/a>\u00a0is a moderately difficult out-and-back route. Open year-round, this opportunity for hiking in Massachusetts is a particularly splendid walk in June, when mountain laurel and other wildflowers are in bloom.<\/p>\n Also along the trail, brooks and waterfalls abound as another visual treat from the natural world. From the top of Monument Mountain, hikers are rewarded with majestic views of the Housatonic River Valley.<\/p>\n The trail is open year-round from sunrise to sunset, with ample paid parking available.<\/p>\nGoose Pond Road to US Highway 20<\/h3>\n
Lee to Tyringham<\/h3>\n
\n<\/span>Best Hiking in Massachusetts: Eastern<\/span><\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/figure>\nHead of the Meadow Trail<\/h3>\n
Middlesex Fells Reservation<\/h3>\n
Bridle Trail<\/h3>\n
\n<\/span>Best Hiking in Massachusetts: Central<\/span><\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/figure>\nSouthern New England Trunkline Trail<\/h3>\n
Tully Trail<\/h3>\n
Midstate Trail<\/h3>\n
\n<\/span>Best Hiking in Massachusetts: Western<\/span><\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/figure>\nAshuwillticook Rail Trail<\/h3>\n
Monument Mountain<\/h3>\n
Robert Frost Trail<\/h3>\n