Hiking is a great way to get outdoors, witness natural beauty and explore surroundings all the while clearing your mind and getting some great exercise. Hiking in Massachusetts offers exactly that with literally hundreds of hiking trails for every level available. There are great expanses of seashore in the east and the west is defined by numerous lakes and streams among the wooded areas of Berkshire Hills. There are lots of state parks and forests which offer fantastic hiking in Massachusetts. There are a lot of good times throughout the year for hiking in Massachusetts but summer and fall remain the favorites. Early spring and fall offer a respite from the summers heat and winter is quite cold and snowy.

There are many fantastic trails for hiking in Massachusetts, too many to mention! One of the best trails for hiking in Massachusetts is definitely the Appalachian National Scenic Trail where access is free. Some parking has a minimal fee and maximum stay at campsites is two nights. The trail is 2,155 miles long and runs from Georgia all the way to Maine while traversing through western Massachusetts along forests, fields and mountain tops. The Appalachian Trail continues for 90 miles through Massachusetts and runs along ridges and criss-crosses the valleys of Berkshire County. The trail is more than adequate for a day trip or long-distance hike. There is lodging along the trail for overnight as well as extended stays that includes cabins, a lodge, campsites with outhouses, shelters and tent platforms. Visitors should get a detailed map where trails and accommodations will be highlighted.

When planning on hiking Massachusetts visitors should also consider the Alander Mountain Loop located in the southwest corner of Massachusetts. Regarding hiking Massachusetts, this trail is one of the more demanding ones and requires a full day or an overnight loop. In springtime the mountain laurels and azaleas are in full bloom while in fall the colors are magnificent and visitors might spot animals such as wild turkeys, beavers and red efts. The most popular starting point is from the Mount Washington State Forest Headquarters in Massachusetts and ends at Columbia County highpoint at 2,110 feet. When planning on hiking Massachusetts note that this trail is for moderate to skilled hikers and does require some experience.

Massachusetts Map

There are some Massachusetts hiking trails fairly close to Boston as well. Blue Hills Reservation is only 10 miles south of downtown Boston and is comprised of 3 day hikes of different lengths and skill levels and ranges from easy to difficult, Attractions include observation towers, diverse forest area, scenic vistas, a historic weather station and wildlife sightings. Open from dawn to dusk there are tons of things to do here including rock climbing, mountain biking, picnicking, golf, horseback riding, fishing and boating just to name a few. In winter there is skiing at William F. Rogers Ski Slopes on Great Blue Hill.

Another of Massachusetts hiking trails is the Cape Cod National Seashore Beach Hike and can be found between Eastham and Race Point Beach in Provincetown. The national seashore unravels into a 25 mile path to explore while taking in the dazzling cape scenery. The trail passes through swimming and sunbathing areas and some nice natural areas as well. This is an easy and really enjoyable hike that takes limited skill and is especially nice if you love beaches. Some attractions that could be found along the way are nesting pipers, terns and plovers, pristine sand, wildlife sightings and beach combing. Note that collecting is forbidden along the trail.

When looking for Massachusetts hiking trails, grab a map and start exploring the many possibilities. There is a hiking trail in Massachusetts for every skill level and the views in the back country and mountains are some of the most beautiful to be found in Massachusetts.