This Rural Road Trip Will Lead You To Some Of The Best Countryside Hidden Gems In Massachusetts

While there are cities and beach towns throughout, the Bay State also has its fair share of rural areas. While many of us may not think about visiting the rural areas around our great state, they are certainly worth checking out. On our rural road trip in MA, we will lead you to some of the best hidden gems in the smallest towns.... and the best rural towns in Massachusetts while we're at it.

1. Kringle Candle, Bernardston

Make your way to Kringle Candle in Barnardston to start this rural road trip. This flagship store offers a wide variety of candles, barware, gifts, and more. It's an incredibly fun store to explore especially the fragrance library!

2. The Montague Bookmill, Montague

Inside a historic grist mill is a store that's filled to the brim with books. Not only that but there's a cafe inside! Spend some time perusing the shelves of the Montague Bookmill and grab a coffee and a bagel while you're here.

3. Silvio O. Conte National Fish & Wildlife Refuge, Hadley

This 260-acre nature preserve in Hadley is filled with forests, grasslands, and even a river. Go for a hike and view several of the bird and wildlife species that call this refuge home.

4. Keystone Arch Bridges, Chester

The Keystone Arch Bridges are located within the 900-acre Walnut Hill Wildlife Management Area. Here you will find two stunning arched bridges made of stone. Historically, these bridges are part of the country's first railroad mountain pass.

5. Monument Mountain Reservation, Great Barrington

Monument Mountain Reservation is a gorgeous 503-acre area of Great Barrington. Here you will find the 1,642-foot Monument Mountain with a summit that overlooks the magnificent Housatonic River Valley.

6. Race Brook Falls, Sheffield

Just off Route 41 in Sheffield is a trail that will take you to not just one but five waterfalls! Race Brook Falls is quite a hidden gem in rural Massachusetts.

7. Ashintully Gardens, Tyringham

Ashintully Gardens is the type of place that inspires fairy tales. Ruins of an estate, along with sculptures, dot the idyllic landscape. You won't help but become enchanted as you take a stroll.

Have you ever been to any of the destinations on our rural road trip in Massachusetts? If so, tell us in the comments! For directions, use our interactive Google Maps link.

For those of you who are looking for additional road trip ideas, check out these unforgettable road trips in Massachusetts.