The birds are chirping and nature is calling. For a fairly petite state (though the most populous in New England), Massachusetts has much to offer to nature enthusiasts. Looking for a few easy hikes in Massachusetts? There are plenty of amazing places to breathe some fresh air and admire the local landscape. These are a few favorite (and totally easy) hikes that will inspire you to get out there and explore.
This is one of the most beautiful trails on the Cape, if not in Massachusetts. It's a great choice for kids (the terrain is very flat) or for when you just feel like strolling through a gorgeous landscape rather than going for an intense hike. Plan to spend at least 45-60 minutes on this hike, including lounging at the top of the hill to watch the sunrise. You will find this magnificent hike at Cape Cod
National Seashore.
This is a great hiking spot for families or beginners. There are plenty of easy, quick trails that small kids or "lazy hikers" can tackle with no problem at all. The trails are well-marked, and the woods are lush and very quiet. The Pinehills, by the way, are an incredible collective of New England culture that you have to check out. Click here for their trail map.
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3. Wachusett Mountain West Side Trail, Wachusett Mountain
This is a quick and easy loop trail that is only 2.7 miles round trip. Located near Westminster, this hike features gorgeous fields of wild flowers and shady, quiet woodland groves. The trail is open year-round, and is particularly beautiful in the spring and fall. You'll find this slice of paradise in the Wachusett Mountain State Reservation.
This hike has an incredible end destination. The Solstice Stones are a cluster of rocks that fan out in a beautiful circle at the top of Holt Hill in the Ward Reservation. If you're willing to spend 30-45 minutes ambling up the hill, you'll get to gaze out over the countryside and picnic on the beautiful field surrounding the stones. With over 700 acres, it's no wonder so many love to hike in Ward Reservation.
This trail is definitely on the longer side (16.6 miles round-trip), but you can easily shorten it to fit your needs. The best part of this trail is the lovely lake that peeks through the foliage. The trail is dog-friendly, relatively flat, and is open from March until October. You'll love hiking through Harold Parker State Forest's 3,300 acres.
This spot is perfect for hikers who don't want to deal with too much rough terrain. The Bristol Blake State Reservation offers wooden boardwalks that wind along beautiful ponds and forest. You can even bring a stroller if you want to get the kids involved, or just strike out on your own for some well-deserved peace and quiet. Bristol Blake State Reservation does not allow pets, so you'll want to plan a separate incredible hike if you're looking to take Fido out.
This place is an extremely convenient place to explore nature. There's plenty of parking, and all the paths are colored and numbered so you won't get lost. Dogs are allowed on leash, and if you take the Peabody trail and head out towards Upper Mill Pond, you'll be rewarded with a beautiful view of the old Dover Iron Works mill site. With over 17 miles of hiking trails, this just might become your new favorite destination.
Chapel Brook Falls cascade gracefully over a large rock bed by the side of an easy, manicured trail. There's a small parking area that makes driving to this hike a breeze. If you feel like getting a bit more ambitious, you can also hike to the top of Pony Mountain or do some rock climbing in the surrounding area. After you're done admiring the falls, head to the Williamsburg General Store nearby for delicious baked treats. You'll never forget a trip to one of New England's loveliest waterfalls!
9. Silvio O Conte National Wildlife Refuge, Hadley
This is a perfect, 1.2-mile trail that is wheelchair accessible and dotted with benches along the way. It's a great way to experience nature in a way that isn't too strenuous or intimidating. There are plenty of lovely flowers and chirping birds to keep you company on the trail.
This place comes fully-loaded with a large amount of parking, a visitor center and a good variety of trails that range from very easy to moderately difficult. Try the quick loop around Silver Lake (about 2.5 miles) or tackle the more difficult Ridge Trail. With a total of 652 acres awaiting exploration, you'll find that there is much to see and do in this generations-old park.
Have you ever taken any of these easy hikes in Massachusetts? Which is your favorite? Tell us about it and share your most memorable hiking photos in the comments below!
Can’t get enough of the great outdoors? We don’t blame you one bit! For more easy Massachusetts hikes, try these 13 spots that are out of this world.
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More to Explore
Easy Hikes In Massachusetts
Nikki Rhoades|May 03, 2020
Are there any other easy hiking trails in Massachusetts?
The Bay State is an absolute haven for nature lovers. There’s simply so much to adore about our state, and though it has a miniscule 10,565 square miles to explore, you will find that there is much to discover. The best hikes in Massachusetts, you’ll find, are often the easiest. There are many short and sweet hikes worth taking, and many are under three miles.
What are the best kid-friendly hikes in Massachusetts?
There are so many incredible kid-friendly hikes in Massachusetts! Our state is full of incredible trails, and many of them are short, sweet, and paved… so you won’t encounter any tripping hazards! Check out some of the trails linked above to get active with the family.
What are the best short hikes in Massachusetts?
There are too many incredible short hikes in Massachusetts to count! However, we’ve narrowed it down to a handful of incredible hikes. Check them out in our easy hikes with amazing payoffs bucket list.
