There’s a lot to love about Boston, from the history along The Freedom Trail to the amazing Boston Symphony Orchestra to dinners in the North End that you’ll never forget.
But perhaps the best thing about Boston is you can enjoy the advantages of city life and still get to great hiking trails in less than an hour.
Boston has some fantastic hikes that are just a short (shockingly short, for some) trip from the city. Here are some of the best hikes near Boston.
Blue Hills Reservation
It’s hard to believe that such a sprawling reservation with 125 miles of varied and challenging trails can be so close to Boston. This reservation south of Boston features more than 7,000 acres stretching across four towns. The highest point is Great Blue Hill, which at 635 feet is the tallest of the 22 hills that make up the Blue Hills. The reservation is home to a huge network of trails, with something for all abilities. Perhaps the best trail for hikers is the Skyline Trail, which stretches roughly seven miles from one end of the reservation to the other. Although the hills aren’t tall, the terrain is deceptively challenging, with tons of ups and downs over roots and rocky terrain. But along the way hikers can enjoy breathtaking views of the city.
Middlesex Fells Reservation
This park is kind of the northern sibling to the Blue Hills. This large reservation features roughly 2,200 acres. It also has its own Skyline Trail, a 6.9-mile trail that follows the outer perimeter of the western Fells and provides hikers with wonderful views of the city. Like its namesake to the south, this Skyline Trail is also a challenging hike with steep ascents.
Noanet Woodlands
Noanet Woods is a Trustees of Reservations property in the western suburb of Dover that is wildly popular among locals, but not well known outside of the immediate area. This park in Metrowest is just under 600 acres and features a large network of interesting hiking trails. Connecting several trails, hikers can create a fun hike that is several miles long and features challenging climbs and beautiful woodlands. But however you piece together your hike, be sure to include a stop at Noanet Peak, which has incredible views of the city.
Wilson Mountain Reservation
Not far from Noanet Woodlands, Wilson Mountain is only 207 acres. But what it lacks in size compared to other places on this list it makes up for with beautiful trails and scenery. The trails include a roughly two-mile loop and feature varied woodlands and large thickets of rhododendrons. The highest point is a modest 295 feet. It is steep in some spots, but the view of the surrounding area and Great Blue Hill are worth it.
Wompatuck State Park
Another surprisingly large park close to Boston, Wompy — as it’s known to some — is home to more than 3,500 acres of forest, streams, and ponds. Roughly 40 miles of trails spiderweb throughout the park, giving hikers plenty of options for creating a hike that works for them. The park is also home to a 250-site campground, making it an ideal place to spend a few days exploring the park.