Massachusetts
Nature|Hiking

If You’re Itching For A Springtime Lake Hike, Buffumville Lake Loop In Massachusetts Is Spectacular

Buffumville Lake Loop in Charlton, Massachusetts, offers an enchanting and relaxing hike around a man-made lake created for flood control.

Updated Feb 24, 2024

Written by 

E Jamar

It’s easy to think that all of Massachusetts’ most beautiful nature spots were created naturally, but you’ll be surprised to find that one of our most relaxing lakes was created by man. This lake in Charlton is actually a flood control project and holds 5 billion gallons of water over 200 acres, but it doesn’t make it any less relaxing. Take an enchanting lake hike in Massachusetts through the trees and over a footbridge or two before reaching the glimmering Buffumville Lake. This hike is especially appealing in the spring, but no matter what time of year, Buffumville Lake Loop is absolutely spectacular. Grab your hiking gear and let’s trek one of the best spring hikes in Massachusetts.

Welcome to Buffumville Lake Loop!

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Chris Kanz/AllTrails

This enchanting lake hike is located in Charlton, and while it's just over 6-miles long, the terrain is fairly easy.

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Aisling Tiernan/AllTrails

As you trek through the trees, you'll find footbridges and a rushing creek, making for a truly enchanting atmosphere before you even reach the lake.

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Jennifer Buell/AllTrails

What's interesting about Buffumville Lake is it was actually created by the United States Army Corps of Engineers as a flood control lake project.

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Rachel Maryyanek/AllTrails

This lake holds over 5-billion gallons of water, making for an important body of water for the town of Charlton.

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Jennifer Buell/AllTrails

Despite being man-made, Buffumville Lake is absolutely beautiful and spans across 200-acres.

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Jennifer Buell/AllTrails

There's nothing more enchanting and rewarding than relaxing beside a lake after a long and relaxing hike.

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Cyndi Farber/AllTrails

For a truly enchanting lake hike in Massachusetts, you need to head to Charlton and take the Buffumville Lake Loop trail.

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Aryana H/AllTrails

Have you ever taken this enchanting lake hike in Charlton? Do you agree that it's one of the best spring hikes in Massachusetts? What other Massachusetts hidden gems do you love? We’d love to hear about your suggestions and experiences in the comments.

Before you leave for your next Massachusetts outdoor adventures, be sure to download the AllTrails+ app. Take advantage of the free trial where you’ll gain access to offline maps, trail and weather conditions, perks, and more.

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/massachusetts/iconic-hiking-trail-ma/

Also, if there’s a place you’re particularly fond of, tell us on our OIYS nomination page, and we may feature it in an upcoming article.

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Nature|Hiking

The One Loop Trail In Massachusetts That’s Perfect For A Short Day Hike, No Matter What Time Of Year

Weir Hill Reservation in Massachusetts offers a scenic 2.6-mile loop trail perfect for year-round hiking.

Updated Aug 9, 2024

Written by 

Melissa Mahoney

You don't have to wait until the weather is warm to enjoy a good hike. In fact, there are many trails around the Bay State that are perfect for hiking year-round. Head to the picturesque Weir Hill Reservation to take a scenic loop trail in Massachusetts for a short but sweet day hike. It's one of the best hikes in Massachusetts.

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Weir Hill Reservation in North Andover is 194 acres of woodlands that feature a lake, Merrimack Valley views, meadows, and a variety of fauna and flora, including several threatened plant species.

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Google Maps

Visiting Weir Hill is free and open to the public from sunrise until sunset daily. There are four miles of trails to explore the property and all it has to offer.

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Judy Rigano/AllTrails

Take the Weir Hill Reservation Trail, a 2.6-mile loop that will take you through the forest and to the lake. By the end of the hike, you'll have experienced 239 feet in overall elevation gain. The trail is marked by yellow blazes.

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Ika Champ/AllTrails

This is one of the prettiest hiking trails in MA.

No matter what time of year, a hike through the Weir Hill property promises scenery and wildlife as well as a wonderful escape out in nature.

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Liz Hu/AllTrails

Spring and summer are the most popular seasons to hike at Weir Hill Reservation. You'll find plenty of wildlife and birds during the warmer months, but that doesn't mean you can't enjoy it when the air starts to cool.

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Jonas Geyer/AllTrails

In the fall, you can enjoy the leaves as they transform from green into colorful hues of yellow, orange, and red. This is one of the best hikes in Massachusetts to take in the fall.

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Gabrielle Berthiaume/AllTrails

Then in the winter, Weir Hill Reservation Trail is just perfect for cold-weather hiking as well as cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. This property is certainly a wonderful slice of nature to enjoy throughout the year, no matter the season.

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Stephen Hinds/AllTrails

Have you been for a hike at Weir Hill Reservation, one of the best hikes in Massachusetts? What are your favorite loop trails in Massachusetts? Please let us know in the comments! To learn more about Weir Hill Reservation in North Andover, visit the Trustees website and head to AllTrails for more information on the Weir Hill Reservation Trail. You should also download the AllTrails+ app for any hike you plan on doing. It's an incredibly helpful tool!

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Nature|Hiking

This Beautiful Boardwalk Trail In Massachusetts Is The Most Unique Hike Around

Bass Hole Boardwalk at Gray's Beach in Yarmouth Port offers stunning coastal views and marine life sightings on Cape Cod.

Updated Aug 8, 2024

Written by 

Sophia

Cape Cod is known for its gorgeous coastline and this stunning boardwalk is one of the best ways to experience that beauty for yourself. Here's what you need to know about visiting the Bass Hole Boardwalk on Cape Cod for a boardwalk hike in Massachusetts.

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Bass Hole Boardwalk is located at Gray's Beach in Yarmouth Port and is a supremely stunning spot.

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YouTube/Christopher Seufert

In March of 2018, a fierce storm flooded and destroyed much of the beloved boardwalk, rendering it unusable.

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YouTube/Christopher Seufert

Thankfully, the town of Yarmouth Port pulled together and reopened this Massachusetts boardwalk trail a few months later.

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Tripadvisor/rxph9286

Today it’s one of the most scenic places on Cape Cod. In fact, it's one of the most beautiful hiking trails in Massachusetts.

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everyones-a-critic/TripAdvisor

The water beneath the boardwalk is cool, clear, and sparkling. You can usually see marine life moving beneath the rippling tide.

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Hongwei Zhou/AllTrails

If you want to experience one of the prettiest views in the state, head to the end of the boardwalk and spend a few moments soaking up the scenery from the observation deck.

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YouTube/Christopher Seufert

Visiting the boardwalk is free and the perfect way to experience the unique beauty of the Cape Cod shoreline.

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Hopefully, this special spot will be around to enjoy for many more years to come.

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YouTube/Christopher Seufert

Visit Google Maps to see the Bass Hole Boardwalk on a map and get driving directions. Check out the video below on this beautiful boardwalk hike in Massachusetts from YouTube user Christopher Seufert for an incredible aerial view of this spot. For more of the best hikes in Massachusetts, take a look at this list, and make sure that you download the AllTrails+ app as your guide on the trails.

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