5 Best Day Hikes Near Boston

For those days when you just want to slow down and get away from the fast-paced city, escape into nature by checking out some of these beautiful hiking areas surrounding Boston.

1. Middlesex Fells Skyline Trail

This 6.9 mile loop takes about 1-3 hours to complete. The trail takes you around the perimeter of the Middlesex Fells Reservation primarily through woods with several rocky viewpoints of the city. The Middlesex Fells Skyline Trail is considered the most difficult on the western side of the reservation and is designated only for hikers. Feel free to bring your dog!

2. Breakheart Reservation Trail

Only 8.8 miles from Boston, the trails here at Breakheart Reservation are generally pretty easy. The trials criss-cross and connect in a 4.3 mile loop around the 640 acre reservation. There is also a beach nearby where the whole family can hang out and relax after a fun hike through the woods.  

3. Blue Hills Skyline Loop

The Blue Hills Reservation is located in Milton, just 20 minutes outside Boston and covers 7,000 acres of land. The Skyline Loop is a 2.6 mile route with fairly steep sections mixed in with some flat parts.  When you reach Eliot Tower you’ll be rewarded with beautiful views of the city skyline. 

4. Waconah Falls State Park

This one is 137 miles from Boston but well worth the drive. The Waconah Falls State Park is named after the breathtaking 140 ft. waterfall situated in the center of the park. There is a moderately difficult half mile long trail that takes you right to the waterfall. This is a great day trip to walk around and have a picnic or even go fishing. 

5. Reformatory Branch Trail

This 4 mile trail takes you through Elm Brook Conservation Area, the Mary Putnam Webber Wildlife Preserve and Great Meadows Natural Wildlife Refuge. Reformatory Branch Trail has a variety of rugged terrain but is a nice route to see all the wildlife in the area. 

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Alan Perlman

Lead Adventurer at Nerve Rush

For three years, Alan traveled to 60+ countries as an international cost-of-living surveyor. Back in New York City, when he's not running, rock climbing or geeking out about UAV drones, Alan runs a marketing agency that helps companies generate more sales-ready leads using inbound marketing techniques.

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