Posted in Massachusetts
May 10, 2017
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 trails in the state that are under three miles and totally gorgeous.
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.
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.
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.
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.
This trail will give you the ultimate bang for you 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 3-mile trail winding through the area. (50 Horseneck Road, Dartmouth)
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.
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.
