Do you enjoy short hikes but crave a bit more excitement than just an easy walk through the woods? Trails like the Long Mountain Summit trail near Amherst and the Cascade Falls Loop Trail in Worcester don’t take long, but bring a little challenge to your walk. If you enjoyed these hikes and are looking for another highly-rated trail, check out the Stream and Esker Loop.

The Stream and Esker Loop is a 1.3-mile loop trail that can be found within Cold Spring Park in the Newton area of Massachusetts. The scenic hike takes most people under 30 minutes to complete, making it a great trail to walk if you only have a few free hours.

Cold Spring Park is conveniently located just outside of Boston but feels like it is miles away from urban life.

The trails here are open all year round.

The top-rated Stream and Esker Loop Trail may be short, but it is considered to be a moderately challenging route. Be prepared to have fun and also get a little muddy.

I highly recommend wearing a good pair of

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The trail follows woods, streams, wetlands, a field, and an esker.

Some portions of the trail may also require you to walk over planks. This can be fun but also a little bit tricky.

There are also some nice spots to sit and take a break or enjoy a snack.

Have you hiked the Stream and Esker Loop Trail? How did it compare to other short moderate trails in Massachusetts? More information about the Stream and Esker Loop Trail can be found on AllTrails. If you looking for more fantastic local hikes, please refer to our list of the 18 Best Hiking Trails in Massachusetts,