Written by Nichole The Nomad @nicholethenomad
Although the mountains are a few hours away from Boston, the city still has many beautiful trails nearby. If you do not mind a drive north, you will have hundreds of miles of stunning hiking trails. But if you want to stay closer to home, there are plenty of hiking trails to enjoy. And the best part? Most of these areas have trails for all levels! You will not be disappointed with these fun hikes near Boston.
Blue Hills Reservation
Blue Hills Reservation is a stunning park just south of Boston with over 125 miles of hiking trails on its 7,000 acres. It is one of the best places to hike near the city!
All the trails are well-maintained and easy to follow, and the reservation has trails for all levels. Whether you want to enjoy a peaceful stroll through the park or get your heart pumping on a strenuous hike, Blue Hills Reservation has a trail for everyone.
Here are some of the best trails:
- Wolcott Hill Loop – 2 miles
- Great Blue Hill – 1 mile
- Buck Hill Loop – 3.5 miles
- Skyline Loop – 3 miles
Middlesex Fells Reservation
Middlesex Fells Reservation is just north of Boston, with over 2,500 acres and 100 miles of hiking trails. The hiking trails are beautiful, traveling through a wooded landscape, around a reservoir, and to the top of hills with views of Boston.
Here are some of the best trails:
- Crystal Spring Trail – 1.4 miles
- Reservoir Trail – 5.2 miles
- Skyline Trail – 7 miles
- Rock Circuit Trail – 3.7 miles
Breakheart Reservation
Another great place to hike is Breakheart Reservation! The 650-acre park is north of Boston, offering two lakes and a large forest with hiking trails. In the summer, you can enjoy hiking along its trails then swimming in the lake.
Here are some of the best trails:
- Ridge Trail and Sugus River Trail Loop – 4 miles
- Pearce Lake Trail – 2.4 miles
- Breakheart Reservation Loop – 2 miles
World’s End
Although World’s End is not as large as the two parks mentioned above, it does not lack beautiful views and hiking trails! The 251-acre park is south of Boston on a beautiful peninsula in Hingham.
World’s End has a 4-mile hiking trail, traveling its rolling hills and along the shoreline. As you get to the tip of the peninsula, the trail offers beautiful views of the Boston skyline. It is a fun hike for the entire family to enjoy.
Wachusett Mountain State Reservation
Although Wachusett Mountain is known for its fun ski trails, it is also a great place to hike! Wachusett Mountain State Reservation is above an hour north of Boston and has over 3,000 acres with many miles of trails.
If you want to hike to the summit of Wachusett Mountain, you are in for a treat! Although the trails are not easy, the views from the top are worth the effort. And if you are not up for summiting the mountain, the park has a few easy trails you can enjoy.
Here are some of the best trails:
- Balance Rock – 0.8 miles
- Echo Lake – 1.5 miles
- Pine Hill Trail – 1.5 miles
- Old Indian Trail – 4 miles