Massachusetts
Nature|Hiking

Hike Through Fascinating Remnants Of The Ice Age On Charley’s Loop Trail In Massachusetts

Charley's Loop Trail in Purgatory Chasm State Reservation offers a unique hiking experience with ancient rock formations dating back to the Ice Age.

Published Jan 11, 2020

Written by 

E Jamar

If you're an avid Massachusetts hiker, you've probably been to Purgatory Chasm State Park. This beautiful reservation is a unique national landmark, and within it is a short but sweet trail called Charley's Loop Trail. This area dates back to the Ice Age, and legend has it that glaciers left behind some of these beautiful rock formations that you'll find throughout the trail. While this hike won't take too much out of you, it'll take you through some of the most interesting, ancient rock formations in our state. Head over to Sutton to find Charley's Loop Trail, an incredible trail within Purgatory Chasm State Reservation.

Welcome to Charley's Loop Trail!

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Christopher LeBlanc/AllTrails

This 1.7-mile loop hike is located in Purgatory Chasm State Reservation. While this trail isn't too long, it can be quite strenuous at times, so make sure to wear proper hiking gear.

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Christopher LeBlanc/AllTrails

Purgatory Chasm in Sutton is an incredibly unique Massachusetts landmark. This reservation is filled with interesting rock formations that are said to date back 14,000 years to the Ice Age.

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May Luo/AllTrails

As you hike upon this trail, you'll find many rock formations including the one and only Purgatory Chasm. This quarter-mile long formation runs as high as 70 feet.

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Steve Kuras/AllTrails

There are plenty of other rock formations throughout the area, too, and they all have sweet names like Lover's Leap, Fat Man's Misery, and so much more.

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Anthony D/AllTrails

There's simply nothing like hiking upon remnants of the Ice Age, and the surrounding nature is breathtaking.

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As there are many different rocks and boulders to climb upon, please wear proper hiking shoes.

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Mark Jodoin/AllTrails

If you're looking for a breathtaking hike in Sutton, Charley's Loop Trail is one of the best hikes in Purgatory Chasm State Reservation.

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Roger Barthelet/AllTrails

For more information on Purgatory Chasm State Reservation, click here.

Have you ever taken Charley's Loop Trail within Purgatory Chasm? How cool were the ancient rock formations? We’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments, and don’t forget to then go share photos from your Massachusetts outdoor adventures with us in our Massachusetts Nature Lovers group on Facebook, or by tagging us at #onlyinmassachusetts on Instagram for a chance to be featured!

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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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