The Best Hikes Near Boston – Your Guide To Local Trails

Take A Step Away From Your Screen And Enjoy 9 Hiking Trails Near Boston

Massachusetts is lucky enough to have four distinct seasons that offer a unique experience in the outdoors. Boston is a beautiful city filled with history, culture, walking trails, and is conveniently located only a couple hours away from some of the best hikes in new england. Whether it is hiking the trails of Charles River, the historic Freedom Trail, or walking through old streets immerse in restaurants, bars, and public parks you’ll find yourself exploring new options in the city of Boston.

If the urban lifestyle isn’t for you, fear not! There are beautiful spots near the city of Boston to break away from the busy city life. Whether it be climbing mountains, hiking waterfront trails, or exploring many trails in the woodlands.

If you are interested in some longer hikes, and are willing to travel a bit further, you may be interested in our articles:
Best Hikes In New Hampshire
Best Easy Hikes New Hampshire
Best Hikes In New England

Below is a list of the best hiking trails in or near Boston or explore away from the city.

Before you hop in, you can see a map we created so you can see the distance of these hikes from Boston:

 

1. The Freedom Trail

•     Distance from Boston: In Boston
•     Town Located: Boston, MA
•     Length of Trail: 3 miles
•     Difficulty: Easy
•     Pet Friendly: Yes

Boston is known for being one of the best city walks throughout the U.S. One of the most famous trails in Boston is called “The Freedom Trail.” As you walk this 3-mile trail, you will follow many events leading up to the American Revolution. You start the trail in Boston Common and will witness the site of the infamous Boston Massacre, Old South Meeting House, and Old Granary Burying Grounds.

The trail will lead to Faneuil Hall and the Paul’s Revere towards the north end of Boston. Two ways to experience this trail with the option of doing it yourself with a brochure that has the map of The Freedom Trail or going on a tour with a professional guide.

Click Here For More Information on Hiking The Freedom Trail

 

2. Charles River Reservation

•     Distance from Boston: In Boston
•     Town Located: Boston, Ma
•     Length of Trail: 23 miles
•     Difficulty: Easy
•     Pet Friendly: Yes

With more than 20 miles on the Charles River trail, you will have various things to do. Whether you want to go for a walk, jog, bike, or take your pet for a walk. The Charles River itself connects from Newton to Boston. There are trails on each side of the Charles River, and certain sections of the river have bridges avoiding you to do a big loop of the trail.

You can start the famed Museum of Science in Boston and head into Cambridge or vice versa. While walking or biking on the trail, you’ll notice boats passing by, kayaking, and several other water sports activities along the way. The Charles River trails also offer benches and natural trees to rest or have a picnic and enjoy the views of Boston and the river.

Click Here For More Information on Hiking The Charles River

 

3. Emerald Necklace

•     Distance from Boston: 20min
•     Town Located: Brookline, MA
•     Length of Trail: 7miles
•     Difficulty: Easy
•     Pet Friendly: Yes

Over 100 years ago, designer Frederick Law Olmsted, Sr. had a goal to build a scenic green space connecting from Boston to the Suburbs covering over 1,100 acres of land. With this goal coming into fruition, this trail connects to six parks from different parts of Boston. Throughout the trail, you will pass few art museums, a beautiful rose garden, several ponds, the famous swan boats, Fenway Victory Gardens, zoo, and the Arnold Arboretum.

The trail begins at the famous Boston Common and Public Garden. You can walk the whole 7-mile trail or walk one of the many loops on the trail to circle back and follow the stops marked on the Emerald Necklace map.

Click Here For More Information on Hiking Emerald Necklace

 

4. Blue Hills Reservation

•     Distance from Boston: 20min
•     Town Located: Milton, Ma
•     Length of Trail: 125mil total from all the trails
•     Difficulty: Easy-Moderate
•     Pet Friendly: Yes

If you are looking to step away from the city but not too far and go on a trail surrounded by amazing scenery visit Blue Hills Reservation. This park offers a 125-mile hike ranging from easy to moderate, making it friendly for different hiking experiences. Some trails lead to sites of old Native American grounds and early farms and quarries.

You can explore trails that pass marshes, ponds, and swamps. If you are looking for a challenge, then take the Skyline Loop which is a 6-mile hike, it can be strenuous going up and down including a 635-foot summit, but you’ll be rewarded with a beautiful view of the city at the top. Please be sure to get a map of what this fantastic trail has to offer.

Click Here For More Information on Hiking Blue Hills Reservation

 

5. Hopkinton State Park

•   Distance from Boston: 40min
•   Town Located: Hopkinton, MA
•   Length of Trail: 6mil loop
•   Difficulty: Easy
•   Pet Friendly: Yes

Hopkinton State Park is a pool of activities. Many trails run through its 1,500 acres of forest, giving hikers of all levels to enjoy these paths. If you are not up for a hike in the summer, the park offers rental for small boats, kayaks, and paddleboards. There are two sides to the park where you can go swimming in the reservoir to cool off in the summer or sit by and enjoy the view!

Click Here For More Information on Hiking Hopkinton State Park

 

6. World’s End

•     Distance from Boston: 40min
•     Town Located: Hingham, Ma
•     Length of Trail: 3.1mil loop
•     Difficulty: Easy-Moderate
•     Pet Friendly: Yes

Are you searching for a place to go remote? With just a mere 15 miles away from Boston, there is World’s End. Though nearby the city as you arrive there, it seems like you have been placed in a completely different setting. This area has many views to offer, with 251 acres of rolling countryside, a scene of the Boston skyline in the distance, and scenic shorelines.

The trails at World’s End range from easy to moderate, giving all types of hikers to experience routes that lead into forests and encountering different species of birds and plants. Aside from hiking, World’s End offers you the opportunity to go kayaking and horseback riding in warm weather. The Property is open year-round and if you’re looking to have the place to yourself, go off-season!

Click Here For More Information on Hiking World’s End

 

7. Halibut Point

•     Distance from Boston: 57min
•     Town Located: Rockport, Ma
•     Length of Trail: 1.6mil
•     Difficulty: Easy
•     Pet Friendly: Yes

Before making your to Halibut Point, you’ll be able to walk and enjoy a 2-mile scenic view along the shore and visiting the historic hotel The Emerson Inn. From here, the journey begins in Halibut State Park with 2.5 miles of trails. Here you will view more of the shore and quarry filled with springs. The views along the shoreline reach New Hampshire, Maine, and Ipswich Bay. Also, you can head down to the seashore and have a picnic, and enjoy the sunset!

Click Here For More Information on Hiking Halibut State Park

 

8. Wachusetts Mountain State Park

•     Distance from Boston: 1hr 11min
•     Town Located: Between Princeton – Westminster, Ma
•     Length of Trail: 17mil
•     Difficulty: Easy-Moderate
•     Pet Friendly: Yes

Wachusett Mountain State Reservation is perfect for those that want to get away into the mountain with a height of 2005′ rising above the surrounding forest, you will encounter many trails. During your hike in Wachusett, you will have 23-trails to explore, totaling 17 miles, and seeing many natural resources along such as forests, ponds, streams, and alpine meadows. If you reach the summit in Mount Wachusett on a clear day, you will be able to see Mt. Monadnock, the Boston skyline, and Berkshires.

If you want to take a break from hiking, there are recreational things to do, such as skiing, picnicking, and hawk watching. Also, dogs are welcomed but must be on a leash.

Click Here For More Information on Hiking Wachusetts Mountain State Park

 

 9. The Great Island Trail

•     Distance from Boston: 2hr
•     Town Located: Wellfeet, Ma
•     Length of Trail: 6.8mil
•     Difficulty: Moderate
•     Pet Friendly: Yes

The Great Island Trail isn’t a true island, but with its panoramic views of the ocean, the Great Island sure feels like one. The trail consists of a 6.8-mile loop that stretches from The Gut to Great Beach Hill. When you reach the higher elevated heights of The Great Island, you will walk into a pitch pine forest offering beautiful views of the cliffs overlooking Cape Cod Bay. From the forest, you will continue the trail onto the sandy dune leading to Great Beach Hill. Here you will enjoy the walk along the beach or perhaps enjoy a picnic with a view of the ocean!

Click Here For More Information on Hiking The Great Island Trail

 

Thank you for viewing! Before leaving, be sure to check out our guides for hiking, provided with in-depth information to make your experience easy!