Posted in Massachusetts Hiking, Nature August 14, 2020 by

10 Amazing Massachusetts Hikes Under 3 Miles You’ll Absolutely Love

There’s nothing like getting out into nature to clear your mind and refresh your body. Luckily, Massachusetts is full of hiking trails that offer gorgeous scenery without being too challenging. Here are some of the best short hikes in Massachusetts that are under three miles and totally gorgeous.

1. Fort Hill Trail, Eastham (1 mile)
Yelp/Ben Y.
If you're looking for a quick and easy trail that offers spectacular views, the Fort Hill Trail in Eastham is definitely a great option. Clocking in at just about a mile, this loop hike will take you through fields of beautiful wildflowers, through a scenic estuary and along the coast. It's open year-round and is also a good spot for birding. Visit the official website of Fort Hill Trail.
2. Easthead Loop, Myles Standish Forest, Carver (2.5 miles)
Flickr/Logan Ingalls
This is an easy 2.5-mile path that winds around the East Head Reservoir in the beautiful Myles Standish Forest. It's well-maintained, level and perfect for newbie hikers or those who are just looking for a relaxing stroll through the forest. Cyclists can also take advantage of the numerous scenic bike paths through the woods. For more information, visit the website of Myles Standish Forest.
3. Silver Lake Loop Trail, Breakheart Reservation, Saugus (2.5 miles)
Yelp/Jeff M.
This is one of the longer hikes on this list, but it's still totally easy and doable. The Breakheart Reservation is filled with awesome trails that range from super simple to a bit challenging. Stick to the scenic loop trail around Silver Lake, and you'll be treated to lovely waterfront views and the sounds of the forest. There are also plenty of paved paths to make your hike even easier. Find more information on the Breakheart Reservation.
4. Silvio O Conte National Wildlife Refuge, Hadley (1.2 miles)
Yelp/Susan R.
What if you want to go hiking with your little one, but she's not quite ready to walk the trails? This awesome path through the Silvio O Conte National Wildlife Refuge in Hadley is both stroller and wheelchair-friendly, making it a great pick for families and those with mobility issues. The level grade and wooden railings also make this a simple and easy hike. Check out the official website of Silvio O Conte National Wildlife Refuge.
5. Chapel Brook Falls Trail, Ashfield (0.5 miles)
Tripadvisor/Kamping Kitteh
This trail will give you the ultimate bang for your hiking buck. Just a short hike down a well-maintained trail, you'll come face to face with the beautiful Chapel Brook waterfall. There's parking right at the start of the trail and plenty of places to spread a picnic blanket near the falls. If you feel like continuing on, you can hike all the way up to the peak of Pony Mountain. Find more information on Chapel Brook Falls Trail.
6. Fern Trail, Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary, Easthampton (0.3 miles)
Tripadvisor/NPT1975
This trail is an easy stroll along the Mill River through a unique floodplain forest. There are wonderful views of the marsh, and you can access an observatory tower along the way. Keep your eye out for migrating warblers as you pass the Old Orchard area. Visit the official website of Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary.
7. Joe's Rock, Wrentham (1.5 miles)
Yelp/Rhonda -Lisa K.
Joe's Rock is a popular spot for easy climbing and hiking, and with good reason. For just over a mile's worth of walking, you can enjoy lovely views from the top of Joe's Rock. The trail can get slightly steep, but there are wooden rails to help you out and lovely picnic areas with benches to rest after your adventure. You can find the beginning of the trail off of West Street.
8. Bash Bish Falls, Bash Bish Falls State Park (2.1 miles)
Flickr/criana
If you're looking for a short hike with a spectacular destination, this is it. Bash Bish Falls is the highest waterfall in Massachusetts and one of the most beautiful natural spots in New England. Though you can't swim in the pool for safety reasons, feel free to kick off your hiking boots and enjoy the cool spray of the falls. For more information, check out the AllTrails page.
9. Parsons Reserve, Dartmouth (3 miles)
Tripadvisor/flyinggems
Springtime is daffodil time at this delightful nature reserve. During the season (April and May), you can catch a gorgeous bloom of daffodils at the entrance of the reservation and then go on to explore the three-mile trail winding through the area. (50 Horseneck Road, Dartmouth) Check out the official website of Parsons Reserve.
10. Wapack Trail, Mount Watatic, Ashby (2.2 miles)
Flickr/the SkyHum
If you're looking for a great short trail up north, this awesome forest hike is right on the Massachusetts-New Hampshire border. You can follow it to a dramatic cliff face and soak up some truly awe-inspiring views. If you can make it here during the spring season, the bright greenery and ferns are especially lovely. Stop by the official website of Friends of the Wapack.

What do you think are the best short hikes in Massachusetts? Let us know in the comments! If you’re looking for a good mix of shorter and longer trails, check out these hikes that you must take in Massachusetts if you love the outdoors.

Address: Fort Hill Rd, Eastham, MA 02642, USA
Address: 194 Cranberry Rd, Carver, MA 02330, USA
Address: Breakheart Reservation, 177 Forest St, Saugus, MA 01906, USA
Address: 5396 VT-105, Brunswick, VT 05905, USA
Address: Ashfield, MA, USA
Address: Mass Audubon Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary, 127 Combs Rd, Easthampton, MA 01027, USA
Address: 2055 West St, Wrentham, MA 02093, USA
Address: 30 Rockwell Rd, Lanesborough, MA 01237, USA
Address: Dartmouth, MA, USA
Address: Mt Watatic, Ashburnham, MA 01430, USA

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The OIYS Visitor Center

best short hikes in massachusetts

August 28, 2020
Beth Price-Williams

What are the best family-friendly hikes in Massachusetts?

Kids bored of all the video game playing and staying indoors? Fortunately, you’ll find a ton of kid-friendly hikes in Massachusetts. If the kiddos like waterfalls, set off on the half-mile Chapel Brook Falls Trail in Ashfield. The trail begins at the parking lot, and you might even want to bring a picnic along to make the most of your visit. Parker River National Wildlife Refuge in Newbury, on the other hand, features a one-mile boardwalk trail. Listen for the seagulls, and make your way to the beach on the picturesque trail.

Which hikes in Massachusetts are short and sweet?

You’ll find quite a few easy hikes in Massachusetts that you might even want to bring the kiddos along on. All Persons Trail at Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary in Natick, for example, is just a quarter of a mile long and features gorgeous natural scenery, including a waterfall, streams, and a boardwalk. Tucker Hill Loop at Blue Hills Reservation in Milton, on the other hand, spans .08 of a mile and will take you on a winding path flanked by lush trees. Other short and sweet hikes in Massachusetts include Gate’s Pond in Hudson and Bray Loop Trail in Holyoke.

What are the best outdoor adventures in Massachusetts?

Outdoor adventures in Massachusetts are easy to find, no matter what your interests. If you like soaring among the trees, you’re absolutely going to love a visit to Ramblewild’s Tree-to-Tree Adventure Park in Lanesborough. You’ll get to spend time among nature and get an adrenaline rush at the same time. The treetop adventure park features swinging bridges, rope ladders, and cargo nets. For more outdoor fun, head over to Catamount Aerial Adventure Park in Egremont, which offers fun outdoor adventures all year long. The park offers 12 challenge courses and three zipline courses, making it an ideal destination for outdoor adventures.

Address: Fort Hill Rd, Eastham, MA 02642, USA
Address: 194 Cranberry Rd, Carver, MA 02330, USA
Address: Breakheart Reservation, 177 Forest St, Saugus, MA 01906, USA
Address: 5396 VT-105, Brunswick, VT 05905, USA
Address: Ashfield, MA, USA
Address: Mass Audubon Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary, 127 Combs Rd, Easthampton, MA 01027, USA
Address: 2055 West St, Wrentham, MA 02093, USA
Address: 30 Rockwell Rd, Lanesborough, MA 01237, USA
Address: Dartmouth, MA, USA
Address: Mt Watatic, Ashburnham, MA 01430, USA

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.