Posted in Massachusetts August 03, 2017 by

If There Are Only 5 Hikes You Ever Do In Massachusetts, Make Them These

Massachusetts is covered with gorgeous hiking trails, but some stand out from the pack. From serene to spooky, we’ve picked a handful of trails that will absolutely wow you. Whether you’re looking for an easy afternoon activity or a more challenging hike, these five spots are unmissable hiking destinations.

We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/
1. Stony Ledge Route, Mount Greylock
Flickr/Jack Amick
Tripadvisor/ladyme1
Mount Greylock is the tallest mountain in Massachusetts and filled with gorgeous trails, but the Stony Ledge Route is something special. You'll hike 3.7 miles round trip up the mountain, but the path isn't too steep. At the end, you'll be deposited on Stony Ledge for an absolutely jaw-dropping view. We think this may be the most beautiful trail in Massachusetts, so you should definitely check it out.

More info and directions here
2. Sages Ravine, Sheffield
Flickr/Charles Wohlers
Flickr/Edward Faulkner
This hike in Sheffield is one of the most surreally beautiful hikes in the state. This trail will take you into Sages Ravine, a spectacular small canyon filled with babbling brooks and massive stones. The hike to the ravine is only about 20 to 30 minutes, but the beauty of the landscape will make you feel worlds away from the everyday.

More info and directions here
3. Parker River National Wildlife Refuge Boardwalk Trail
Flickr/Jesse Marks
Flickr/US Fish & Wildlife
This is a hike that is beautiful in all four seasons. Located on the North Shore, the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge offers stunning views of the water and inland landscapes such as sandy beaches, cranberry bogs, maritime forests and freshwater marsh. The trail is well-maintained and features a smooth wooden boardwalk. It's a loop trail and only about a mile long.

More info and directions here
4. Natural Bridge State Park, North Adams
Flickr/Kim Carpenter
Flickr/Michael Femis
Want to explore a cave but don't want to dive deep underground? You can actually hike to an aboveground cave at Natural Bridge State Park in North Adams. This trail will lead you over a footbridge into a beautiful state park that contains the only natural white marble arch in North America. From there, you'll explore Hudson Cave, a lovely aboveground labyrinth of shining marble and cascading waterfalls.

More info and directions here
5. Witches Wood Trail, Beverly
Facebook/Greenbelt - Essex County's Land Trust
Here's one for the spook-seekers out there. While everyone agrees walking in the woods can sometimes make you jumpy, this haunted hike will take that feeling to a whole new level. Witches Woods in Beverly are so called due to some seriously spooky local legends. Historians say that people fleeing from the Salem witch trials of the 1690s took shelter in these woods and that the forest is still filled with haunted happenings today. The terrain here ranges from smooth to rocky, so it's the perfect spot for all ages and ability levels.

More info and directions here

If you want to see more of the best hikes in the state, check out these 10 hikes that you should add to your outdoor bucket list immediately.