If exploring unusual or hidden places is your thing, then you’ll want to check out this amazing hike to an abandoned castle in Massachusetts. Located in Franklin Park near Boston, the ruins atop Schoolmaster Hill look like a decayed castle from another age. In addition to their beauty, these ruins have a fascinating history. Throw on your hiking boots and check out this amazing Massachusetts hike.

Yelp/Em B.
Schoolmaster Hill just outside of the city features one of the most scenic overlooks in the region. Located in Franklin Park, a beautiful 527-acre parkland that spans the Jamaica Plain, Roxbury and Dorchester neighborhoods of Boston, this hill is crowned with ruins that look distinctly castle-like.
Flickr/Ed Lyons
These ruins actually date back to before the creation of the park in 1882. One of Massachusetts’ most famous residents, Ralph Waldo Emerson, actually lived in a small cabin at the top of the hill. He was a local teacher at the time, so the hill adopted the moniker "Schoolmaster Hill." He spent two years living on the hill, during which time he wrote nature poetry and essays that would later serve as part of the foundation of transcendentalism.
Flickr/Ed Lyons
Though the ruins that now sit on the hill were never a real castle, they certainly look majestic. The structure atop the hill was part of the original design of the park and served as everything from a superintendent’s office to a golf course club. Visitors to the park could also hike up the hill for free hot water with which to make tea, and many came to enjoy the lovely views from the lofty vantage point.

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Flickr/Ed Lyons
Sadly, the historic building burned down in the 1930s. In the 1990s the ruins were partially restored to their current state, which is very rustic.
Flickr/Ed Lyons
Hiking up to these castle-like ruins is a treat for the body and mind. It’s a trek that is suitable for kids and will take you over lush green fields and beneath shady, ancient trees. Pack some sunscreen and a sturdy pair of boots and go enjoy this gorgeous spot.
Flickr/Ed Lyons
Learn more on the official website of Franklin Park.

You can access parking along Circuit Drive. Bathrooms are available at the William J. Devine Golf Clubhouse. Have you ever been on this hike to an abandoned castle in Massachusetts? Share your experience in the comments! To learn more about other deserted places in Massachusetts, check out our list of abandoned spots across the state.

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hike to an abandoned castle in massachusetts

Beth Price-Williams | October 24, 2020

What are the most beautiful hikes in Massachusetts?

Mount Greylock might be the most beautiful and the most unique hike in Massachusetts. Follow the Stony Ledge Trail that spans just under four miles roundtrip. If you’re not in a hurry, you can complete the picturesque hiking trail in between two and three hours. Wear comfy and sturdy hiking boots for your trek through the forest, particularly pretty during the fall. The trail is kid-friendly and dog-friendly, although pups must remain on a leash at all times. Once you reach Stony Ledge, you’ll be rewarded with sensational views that seem endless.

Which hikes in Massachusetts are short and sweet?

Short and sweet Massachusetts hikes are easy to find, if you know where to look. Some of those hikes, in fact, are perfect if you want to bring the little ones along, too. At just a half of a mile, the Chapel Brook Falls Trail in Ashfield leads straight to a tumbling waterfall. You might even want to bring a picnic along, so you can relax and enjoy the views. If you’re up for a bit of a longer hike, the one-mile Parker River National Wildlife Refuge in Newbury is like a walk on the beach with seagulls circling overhead.

What are the best hikes with a view in Massachusetts?

Hiking trails in Massachusetts offer something for everyone. If you’re looking for low keys hikes with an amazing payoff, you’ll quite a few dotting the state. For a really short hike that clocks in at just a quarter of a mile, follow the All Persons Trail at Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary in Natick. While it may be a short trail, it packs a huge punch of scenic beauty – from lush forests to a beautiful waterfall. If you’d prefer a longer hiking trail, you can’t go wrong with a journey along the nine-mile Battle Road Trail in Concord.

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