Recently, the weather has been treating us like a crazy ex. Once you think they’ve finally left you alone you get a misspelled, gibberish text at 2 a.m. on a Saturday night. Like, go home winter, you’re drunk. It’s officially spring and I, for one, cannot wait until I can get outside and be active again. Here are some of the reservations and trails I can’t wait to explore this spring. Below are 10 places to hike around Boston!
Just a few miles outside of Boston you can get in touch with nature while enjoying the benefit of city views. There are 125 miles (yes, you read that correctly, 125!) of trails spanning through parts of Quincy, Braintree, Canton, Dedham, Milton, and Randolph. In addition to trails there are picnic areas, athletic fields, canoeing/kayaking, camping, grilling and so much more. Needless to say I will be dragging everyone and their mother there this spring and summer.
If you are looking for easy to moderate level hiking, head on over to Ward Reservation. There are three hills (Shrub, Boston, and Holt) that are linked by trails throughout the reservation. At the summit of Holt Hill you will see the “solstice stones,” which are a compass like arrangement of stones that mimic cardinal points of a compass (the points of the summer and winter solstices as well as the points of the spring and autumnal equinoxes). There are also a lot of botanical and geologic features to explore along the way.
Lynn Woods Reservation is the second largest municipal park in the United States, and offers over 30 miles of scenic trails for hiking. There are gorgeous ponds and reservoirs that are located throughout the reservation. On Saturdays, they offer three-hour guided walks where you can explore the Dungeon Rock Cave and the recently renovated stone tower. The best part? They’re free! The tours leave at 11 am and 1 pm. The dates are TBA.
Because of its beauty, many people say that World’s End is worth multiple visits. It is described to have a canopy of trees above it’s beautiful coastal trails and gorgeous views of the Boston Skyline. There are lots of open fields across the 250 acres with pockets of woodland. Although is it more of a walking path than a hiking trail, it is definitely worth checking out. It is a great space to disconnect, get outside, or clear your head.
If you are looking for another preserve with Boston’s skyline views, Noanet Woodland is your answer. What’s more is that it’s known for bird watching, if that is your thing. In the spring you can look out for warblers, thrushes, and other types of songbirds. For a more difficult trail you can walk up Noanet Peak and enjoy the other 17 miles of trails.
Located north of Boston, Maudslay State Park consists of 19th century gardens, large trees, and beautiful patches of mountain-laurel. Additionally, if you are there in the late spring you will see an abundance of azaleas and rhododendron. It is so beautiful, in fact, that many weddings take place there. Another plus is that it’s close to many restaurants in Newburyport that you can indulge in since you did just burn all of those calories walking. Unfortunately, nearby parking can be scarce, so beware of that if you make the trip.
Disappear into nature for a little while at Breakheart Reservation. Not only are you able to see views of Boston but you also can see views of New Hampshire and central Massachusetts. In addition to the views, the reservation also features a hardwood forest, two freshwater lakes, and is rich in history that dates as far back as the Paleo-Indians. There are both paved paths and non paved trails. It is excellent for walking, running, and biking which means that you won’t need to be cooped up in the gym to get your workout in.
The Massachusetts Audubon Society’s biggest wildlife sanctuary is 2,800 acres. If you love spending time in nature and getting away from the chaos of the city, this is a great place to unwind. Interestingly enough, the Sanctuary also taps their own Maple Syrup. You can go to a festival to learn about and sample their syrup. You are also able to rent canoes to take out on the Ipswich River, so, basically, I’m sold.
Not only does Spectacle Island offer five miles of hiking, it also offers a visitor center, a life guarded swimming pool, a beach, and a cafe. The highest point in the harbor allows for great views of the city as well as views of surrounding islands. You are able to get there via your own private watercraft if you wish, and for those of us who can’t afford a boat, there is a ferry available from Long Warf.
If you want to stay in the city, Emerald Necklace Conservatory is the obvious choice. Over a seven mile span from Back Bay to Dorchester, you are able to take walk, run, jog, or bike to different trails, parks and gardens. These include Back Bay Fens, The Riverway, Olmsted Park, Jamaica Pond, Arnold Arboretum, and lastly, Franklin Park.
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