6 Out-of-This World Hikes In Massachusetts That Lead To Fairytale Foot Bridges
Is there any better state than Massachusetts for hiking? It’s got a little bit of everything. Looking for sandy beaches? Challenging mountain trails? Quiet lakeside paths? Shady forest groves to explore? Check, check, check, check. We’ve got it all. If you’re looking for some extra-charming hikes to add to your to-do list, we’ve gathered a few for you today that are quite unique. They are located in some of the prettiest natural spots in the state, and they also feature charming footbridges. These are perfect fodder for your next social media post!
You may hear this one referred to simply as "The Fells." This gorgeous reservation is the perfect fairy tale location for urbanites. Its convenient proximity to Boston means that you can walk the charming paths and trails of Middlesex Fells and still be home in time to beat rush hour. The little bridge above even crosses over an 18th-century dam on Spot Pond Brook! The trails here are stunning, and the preserve is one of the most gorgeous places in Massachusetts.
Middlesex Fells, Medford, MA 02155, USA
2. Minute Man National Historic Park: 250 N Great Rd, Lincoln, MA 01773
This historic park is home to Old North Bridge. You likely recognize it: it's one of the prettiest and most iconic bridges in all of New England. This park once played host to the first battle of the American Revolutionary War. History aside, it's an amazing place for a stroll through the greenery. You can simply take your time meandering over the bridge and admiring the scenery, or visit the visitor's center if you'd like to learn more about the area. Not many places combine education and natural beauty so perfectly!
Minute Man National Historical Park, 250 N Great Rd, Lincoln, MA 01773, USA
3. Douglas State Forest: 107 Wallum Lake Rd, Douglas, MA 01516
This stunning state forest is actually home to a number of small footbridges. Most of them are incredibly scenic, passing over gorgeous sparkling brooks. The hiking trails here vary in difficulty. You can choose paths that will get your pulse racing just a bit, or pick treks that are pretty much completely flat. There's plenty of shallow ponds and grassy groves to check out. The park borders both Connecticut and Rhode Island and has a diverse range of ecosystems.
Douglas State Forest, 107 Wallum Lake Rd, Douglas, MA 01516, USA
This series of small waterfalls is a perfectly picturesque spot in Royalston. The cascades an be reached via a half-mile trail down one side of Lawrence Brook. Despite its short length, the hike can be a little strenuous, so come prepared with sturdy shoes. Bring snacks to enjoy once you reach the falls. There's a lovely bridge just beside them that's a perfect picture-taking spot. It's one of our favorite kid-friendly hikes in Massachusetts.
Doane's Falls, Royalston, MA 01331, USA
5. Trap Falls: 599 Main St, West Townsend, MA 01474
You really couldn't ask for a prettier hiking spot than Trap Falls in Ashby. It's got a lovely wooded setting featuring a waterfall, and the scenic bridge is just the icing on the cake. This is a great spot to soak your feet in the cool water, or snap a few pictures. The walk to the bridge is short and easy, so this is another one that's a great option for the whole family. This is such a scenic place in Massachusetts!
Trap Falls, 599 Main St, West Townsend, MA 01474, USA
In the mood for a beautiful walk but don't want to make it an actual hike? Elm Park in Worcester is a great option. This was one of the first designated municipal parks in the country. It's a beautiful grassy haven featuring a picturesque footbridge. If you'd like to relax, there are plenty of spots to lay down in the sunshine or in the shade. It's located near plenty of great city attractions, so it makes for an excellent day trip.
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Scenic Hikes In Massachusetts
March 31, 2022
Lisa Sammons
What are some great waterfall hikes in Massachusetts?
Thanks to our diverse habitats, we've got a number of great waterfalls in Massachusetts. One of the prettiest is in Sage's Ravine: it looks like a babbling brook straight out of a fairy tale! We've got plenty of other great waterfall hikes in Massachusetts that are worth exploring.
Does Massachusetts have any canopy walks?
If you're a real daredevil looking for above-the-trees adventure, it doesn't get much better than Ramblewild. This place bills itself as a tree-to-tree adventure park, and it's got so many great courses to explore!
What are some of the most beautiful places in Massachusetts?
We're quite partial to the darkly-named Purgatory Chasm. One of the great things about Massachusetts is how much variety there is in our scenery. We've got beaches, rocky cliffs, and beautiful forests. There's so much to see here!
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