The 13 Most Incredible Natural Attractions In Massachusetts That Everyone Should Visit
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Sophia
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Massachusetts is full of natural splendor. From the rolling hills and mountains of Western Mass. to the dreamy beaches of the coast, it seems like there’s always somewhere beautiful right around the corner. Here are some of our favorite natural spots that we think everyone should visit at least once.
The Atlantic White Cedar Swamp in Wellfleet is a truly stunning spot that feels like something out of a fantasy world. Depending on the season, you'll be treated to stunning golden foliage, bright green moss and a chorus of songbirds. This swamp trail winds through groves of beautiful white cedars on an elevated wooden boardwalk and will make you feel miles away from the everyday.
Click here for more information and directions.
Click here for more information and directions.
This beautiful woodland ravine is a perfect hiking destination. Located in the woods of Sheffield along the Appalachian Trail, this dramatic canyon area is filled with waterfalls and lush greenery. There are plenty of rocks to scramble over and spots to stop and admire the cascades as they wind their way through the ravine.
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Click here for more information and directions.
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If you're always wishing that those beach days could last just a little longer, then you'll love this seaside campground. Horseneck Beach State Reservation in Westport is one of the prettiest coastal spots in the state, and it also allows overnight camping right on the beach. You can pitch your tent and roast marshmallows within a stone's throw of the water before waking up to a brilliant ocean sunrise.
Click here for more information and directions.
Click here for more information and directions.
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Onota Lake is a sparkling sapphire swimming hole in Pittsfield. It offers 617 acres of pristine water surrounded by lush greenery and shady walking paths. This is a great destination for anyone who wants to spend the day enjoying the outdoors, or simply kicking back and relaxing.
Click here for more information and directions.
Click here for more information and directions.
Can't decide between an afternoon at the park or a beach day? You can have both with a visit to the Coolidge Reservation in Manchester-by-the-Sea. This seaside natural reserve features shady woods, lush fields and dramatic views of the ocean. You can luxuriate in the aroma of beach rose bushes carried on salty sea breezes.
Click here for more information and directions.
Click here for more information and directions.
A visit to the Provincetown dunes will make you feel like you've landed on another planet. Far from the simple rows of dunes that you see on the beach, these dunes stretch out as far as the eye can see and resemble a seaside desert. Grab a spot on a tour through Art's Dune Tours for a fully guided adventure through this surreal landscape.
Click here for more information and directions.
Click here for more information and directions.
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This aerial adventure park is the perfect way to spend an afternoon outdoors and make some really unique memories. Located at Heritage Museum & Gardens in Sandwich, the adventure park will take you up into the trees to tackle crazy fun obstacle courses. You'll be securely harnessed the whole time, and will reach heights between 10 and 40 feet off the ground. Perfect for grownups and kids!
Click here for more information and directions.
Click here for more information and directions.
Miss the bright colors of spring? Need to escape the relentless summer heat?
Winter blues getting you down? The awesome greenhouses at Smith College are filled with beautiful blossoms all year long and make for a perfect indoor natural adventure. Visiting these greenhouses is free, so stop in again and again to see what's in bloom.
Click here for more information and directions.
Click here for more information and directions.
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Take a quick 0.2-mile hike to see these spectacular cascades. Gunn Brook Falls features over 35 feet of sparkling waterfalls that tumble down a rocky shelf into a gurgling forest stream. It's a scenic spot to set up a picnic or just relax to the sound of streaming water.
These bizarre geological marvels are strangely mesmerizing. The ancient glacial potholes that cover an area of the Deerfield River in Shelburne Falls were formed hundreds of millions of years ago, and now create small whirlpools that are fascinating to observe.
Click here for more information and directions.
Click here for more information and directions.
Don't spend all your money on tickets to a water park this summer! Just head to this natural woodland waterslide in Ashfield. Chapel Brook Falls allows you to glide over a smooth stone ledge into a crystal-clear pool, and is surrounded by verdant forest. It's a picture-perfect hiking destination with a great payoff.
Click here for more information and directions.
Click here for more information and directions.
Located between Chester and Middlefield, this stunning trail will take you past the historic Keystone Arch Bridges. These bridges were built in the 1840s and are held together with nothing but fitted blocks and their own weight. The 4.5-mile trail is one of the most scenic in the area and suitable for both beginners and more experienced hikers.
Click here for more information and directions.
Click here for more information and directions.
Mount Greylock is the state's tallest mountain and one of the most dramatic spots in Massachusetts. It's covered in amazing trails that will have you exploring for hours, but one of our favorites is the Stony Ledge trail. This path will take you to scenic Stony Ledge and offers panoramic views of the landscape below.
Click here for more information and directions.
Click here for more information and directions.
Have you visited any of these spots? What are your favorite natural places to explore in Massachusetts? Let us know!
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