8 Beautiful Hiking Areas Near Boston
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No matter where you travel within Massachusetts, you are bound to come across a fantastic park. Since moving to the Greater Boston metro, I have enjoyed access to so many beautiful parks – really this is the best part about living here in my opinion. While many complain about the cost of living, you really get a lot for your money with so many free cultural and recreational attractions. The Boston area is home to so many gorgeous secluded preserves and state parks – too many to count! Year-round recreational opportunities, from hiking and biking in the spring and summer months, to fall leaf peeping, to cross country skiing in the winter months, give you the unique opportunity to exercise and enjoy nature, whether it is 80 or 8 degrees.
This state is one of the most heavily forested US states (it’s 8th on the list with 62% of the state covered with spectacular forested lands), leading to endless places to get back to nature even close to the city. Even within a short radius of the city, you can still explore tremendous parks. No matter which part of the state you visit, whether inland, coastal, or near a big city, there is a big beautiful forest waiting for you.
Take a look at a few of my favorite hiking hotspots near the city. All these parks on my list are within a 2 hour drive at most.
1. Blue Hills Reservation
Blue Hills Reservation, one of the biggest and best parks in the Boston area, is my #1 place for year-round recreation. I really love this place and the fact that you can basically go on hiking here forever due to the massive space. Located just 20 miles outside of the city, Blue Hills is easy accessible to both locals and tourists. This is the place to escape the city without truly venturing that far away. This is one of the best urban recreation systems I’ve come across – where else can you be so close to a city, but feel so far away once you hit the trails?
Over 125 miles of beautiful hiking trails will keep you occupied all spring, summer, and fall – and even the winter if you like a brisk walk. If you are limited on time, I recommend the 3 mile Skyline Loop, an amazing uphill trail which leads you to a scenic observation tower. Here, you are treated to fabulous views of the city and beautiful forests of New England. During the hike, you will also pass the Blue Hill Weather Observatory, which happens to be the oldest weather recording station in the US.
On a side note, this place is gorgeous during the fall. We all know New England is such a gorgeous place to leaf peep and this reservation is just one of many great destinations to do so. One year they offered a chairlift ride for a few bucks which was pretty cool (check to see if they are offering anything similar this year). The colors are absolutely amazing whether you hike, bike, or take a chairlift. And, the views from the overlook are stunning! Don’t rule out a winter visit. If you are a skier, the Blue Hills Ski area is super convenient. It’s the closest skiing area to Boston and a great alternative to making the 3-4 hour trip to Vermont or New Hampshire.
2. Myles Standish State Forest
One of the state’s best parks lies about an hour south of Boston in beautiful Plymouth county. This expansive 15,000 acre park offers a serene, idyllic setting for hiking and biking. As one of the area’s largest parks, you can enjoy a diverse range of activities throughout the year.
Fall is the ideal time to visit Myles. This time of the year, the temps are absolutely perfect, the trees are alive with color, and scattered leaves cover the trails. That perfect New England fall feeling is in the air. The park’s many ponds provide a majestic setting for fall photography. I love seeing the colors reflect on the water.
Within the park, you will find an extensive trail system. 15 miles of beautiful pine tree lined hiking and biking trails will help you relax at the same time as you are getting in a quality workout. The setting is quiet and reflective. I really love the peaceful nature and hiking and biking through old pine forests. This time of year, I really like the East Reservoir Loop, a moderate 3 mile trek which winds around lakes and ponds.
Don’t rule out a winter visit. Myles Standish is one of the top spots in Southeast Massachusetts for cross country skiing and snowshoeing. The pines are beautiful when covered with snow. The icy lakes and ponds offer a quiet place to take photography. Although the weather will be brisk, the peacefulness of a wintertime stroll through one of the most scenic parks in the state just can’t be duplicated. Due to the low traffic and wintry setting, I almost feel like I am in Narnia this time of year. I’ll take no crowds in exchange for snow and peace/quiet.
3. Great Island Trail
11 gorgeous hiking trails make up the Cape Cod National Seashore trail system. The most beautiful of them all in my experience is the Great Island Trail, an amazing 8 mile loop which passes a variety of diverse landscapes, including: beaches, forests, marshes, and sand dunes. A secluded beach on the return route provides the ultimate solitary escape with barely a soul in site. I’ve never seen a more gorgeous and desolate beach. As you can see in the photo below. we were completely by ourselves on this trail almost as if we had an island to ourselves. To date, this was my favorite hiking experience in Cape Cod and really anywhere in southern Mass.
The feeling of being on your own on this trail is like nowhere else. Being surrounded by such beautiful landscapes in such a desolate setting helps you truly appreciate nature. This trail is never overpopulated especially during the slower spring and fall months. Taking a scenic hike like this through the unspoiled wilderness is the best way to truly appreciate the beauty of the Cape Cod area. If you are looking for something low-key and off-the-beaten path to do in this amazing area, this is my number 1 recommendation.
4. Middlesex Fells Reservation
Just a short 10 or 15 minute drive north of the city in the town of Medford, you will come across beautiful Middlesex Fells Reservation. Miles and miles of incredible trails are found within this gorgeous and convenient hiking oasis. You will be surrounded by pristine nature at every corner, so much so that it is easier to forget that you are anywhere near the city (a good thing after a few days out and about with the tourists).
That is until you reach the beautiful overlook on the Skyline Trail where you will experience some of the top views of Boston. It’s a hard hike and a bit long at 7 miles, but a great trek if you are up for a challenge. Don’t worry if you are not up for a big adventure, there are over 100 miles to choose from here. This is my favorite park to enjoy the skyline scenery. While it’s not the best skyline in the country, I’ll give it a few bonus points as I love the overall area.
Middlesex Fells offers a bit of everything: relaxation, healthy exercise opportunities, and of course excellent views! I recommend taking some time out of your busy schedule to relax and enjoy this rural escape.
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