For those of us who grew up in Massachusetts or have lived here for a while may think we know all there is to know about the state. However, there are most likely some places you have yet to discover, some hidden gems that are certainly worth finding. If you’re looking for something to do and want to discover a few new-to-you places, take this road trip to some of our favorite hidden gems in Massachusetts.

The trip covers 199 miles and is just over five hours of driving time. Feel free to use this interactive map to guide you and feel free to add your own stops along the way. Ready to hit the road? Gas up the car and grab some snacks, we’ve got some hidden gems to uncover.

Google Maps
1. Dogtown & Babson Boulder Trail, Gloucester
Dogtown & Babson Boulder Trail - Parking, Gloucester, MA 01930, USA
Ronald Martin/Google
Some ghost towns are downright creepy, but Dogtown in Gloucester is actually quite fascinating! One of the most unique places in Massachusetts, the area was settled in the late 1600s, but years after the War of 1812, it was gradually abandoned. During the Great Depression, the founder of Babson College, Robert Babson, commissioned inspirational messages to be carved on numerous boulders throughout the abandoned property. Today you can go hiking and discover all the wonderfully strange ruins and boulders in this 3,000-acre park.
2. Count Orlok's Nightmare Gallery, Salem
Count Orlok's Nightmare Gallery, 217 Essex St, Salem, MA 01970, USA
Count Orlok's Nightmare Gallery
The next stop on this hidden gems road trip is Count Orlok's Nightmare Gallery. When it comes to unique things to do in Massachusetts, it's hard to top Count Orlock's Nightmare Gallery. Here, you'll find an entire museum dedicated to monsters, sci-fi, and horror and it's right in the heart of Salem. You won't find another museum quite like this in the state.
3. Forest Hills Cemetery, Jamaica Plain
Forest Hills Cemetery, 95 Forest Hills Ave, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130, USA
Forest Hills Cemetery/Facebook
Forest Hills Cemetery may be the final resting place for thousands of people but it's absolutely beautiful and worthy of exploring. This 275-acre garden cemetery was founded in 1848 and has a park-like feel with plenty of art and sculptures as well as an arboretum when you walk the grounds.

Visit the Forest Hills Cemetery website to learn more.

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4. Ponyhenge, Lincoln
47 Old Sudbury Rd, Lincoln, MA 01773, USA
Robert Korpusik/Google
Ponyhenge in Lincoln is a bit of a mystery as no one really knows how it started or where all the abandoned rocking horses came from. But those who visit find this hidden gem in Massachusetts oddly fascinating. It's equal parts whimsical and eerie, and certainly not something you come across every day!
5. Author's Ridge at Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, Concord
248 Bedford St, Concord, MA 01742, USA
Bill Ilott/Flickr
Whether you're a history buff, a literary buff, or both, a trip to Concord's Sleepy Hollow Cemetery is a must. It's the final resting place for some of the most notable and influential authors in literary history. You'll find the graves of Nathaniel Hawthorne, Louisa May Alcott, Ralph Waldo Emerson, and Henry David Thoreau on the hilly Author's Ridge.

Visit the webpage to learn more about Author's Ridge.
6. Bancroft Castle, Groton
Lowell Road, Lowell Rd, Groton, MA 01450, USA
Ethan Fleming/Google
Atop Gibbet Hill in Groton is a set of abandoned ruins known as Bancroft Castle. What was once an estate built in 1906 was all but destroyed by fire in 1932. What was left has turned to ruin over the years, and is now slowly being reclaimed by Mother Nature. Today you can explore the gorgeous grounds and the crumbling structures that remain.
7. Glacial Potholes, Shelburne Falls
J726+W7 Shelburne, MA, USA
Levi Savaria/Google
While you may have heard of the Bridge of Flowers in Shelburne Falls, you may not have heard about its glacial potholes. These natural wonders were formed over 14,000 years ago in the Deerfield River and range in size from six inches to 39 feet in diameter. Nature lovers in particular should move this hidden gem to the top of their Massachusetts bucket list.
8. Natural Bridge State Park, North Adams
McAuley Road, McAuley Rd, North Adams, MA 01247, USA
Steven Anderson/AllTrails
The 48-acre Natural Bridge State Park. is home to a natural wonder: the only natural white marble bridge in North America. Take a hike, explore the area surrounding the bridge, and see a waterfall at the park's white marble dam. This is one spot in particular where you'll want to give yourself enough time to fully explore, so set aside at least two hours so you're not feeling rushed.

 

Are you ready to head out on a hidden gem road trip in Massachusetts? What are some of your favorite hidden gems around the state? Tell us in the comments! If you’re ready for more, check out this article for even more unique things to do in Massachusetts.

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