For A Memorable Adventure, Hike To An Aboveground Cave At Natural Bridge State Park In Massachusetts
Sophia
Author
Always wanted to explore a cool cave, but aren’t interested in going miles below the earth and fumbling around in the dark? No problem! There’s a hike to a cave in Massachusetts that can satisfy your spelunking cravings with an easy and a fun hiking adventure!
Located in North Adams, Natural Bridge State Park is full of wonderful hidden treasures. This park contains the only natural white marble arch in North America! The marble of the “bridge” is thought to be over 550 million years old, and the form was carved by melting glacial water from the last Ice Age.
The park is reached by a charming footbridge that is the perfect spot for a few photographs. When you’re ready to get a bit more adventurous, head onward into the park itself. The hike is only about 0.4 miles, so it’s definitely one that everyone in your group can handle.
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Visitors willing to explore a little deeper into the park will come across a truly enchanting spot: Hudson Cave. Named for the stream that cascades down the shining marble maze of the surrounding rocks and right through the little cave, this stunning spot is actually featured in Nathaniel Hawthorne’s journal.
The cave is fully explorable, so be sure to bring sturdy shoes and a camera. The path through can get a bit narrow at times, and intrepid explorers need to be prepared to shimmy and scoot a bit. If you’d rather not try and squeeze through the narrower parts, there are plenty of places to peek into the cave without going too far in.
Because of the cool water running through the waterfall grotto, the area enjoys a natural “air-conditioning” effect. It’s the perfect cool and shady spot to sit and reflect.
Once you’re done exploring the cave and brook, try the wooded walking trail that runs through some of the most scenic areas of the park. There is also an abandoned marble quarry on the grounds of Natural Bridge State Park. North Adams once depended on the revenue from the quarry for much of the 19th century. Today, visitors can admire the beautiful exposed white marble of the quarry.
Have you explored Hudson Cave? Do you have a favorite hike to a cave in Massachusetts? Let us know in the comments! Then make plans to visit Upton Cave, the deepest cave in Massachusetts.
Natural Bridge State Park and Hudson Cave are located at 1 McCauley Rd, North Adams, MA 01247.
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More to Explore
hike to a cave in Massachusetts
Which hikes in Massachusetts are short and sweet?
Finding short and sweet hiking trails in Massachusetts is pretty simple. Deciding on which to embark, however, is a bit more difficult. If you love the beach, slip on your hiking shoes for a trek along the Great Island Trail in Wellfleet. The six-mile trail means walking through the sand, but the trail is predominately flat and absolutely beautiful.
For a really short and sweet hike in Massachusetts, follow the Bash Bish Falls in Mount Washington. The less than one-mile hike will lead you straight to the spectacular waterfall. (Don’t forget your camera!)
What are the best waterfall hikes in Massachusetts?
Can you think of a better pairing than hiking and waterfalls? Massachusetts boasts its fair share of waterfall trails you’ll definitely want to check out. For a short waterfall hike, follow Sage’s Ravine in Mount Washington. The hike clocks in at just over 1.5 miles and promises plenty of natural beauty – from boulders to a cascading waterfall.
Peck Falls in Adams is beautiful and easy to reach. Start your trek at Gould Road and walk about five minutes to the waterfall. The first tier of the waterfall drops 10 feet before cascading down another 50 feet. The upper falls are a popular spot for wading and cooling off on hot days, too.
Which state parks should I visit in Massachusetts?
If it’s outdoor adventures in Massachusetts you’re looking for, you can’t go wrong with a visit to a state park. In fact, consider heading to one of the lesser known state parks, such as Clarksville State Park. The picturesque state park spans just 386 acres but boasts plenty to do – from exploring its nearly 10 miles of trails to embarking on a camping adventure.
Cutler Park State Reservation in Needham is the perfect destination if you enjoy nature and birdwatching. The nature reserve is home to more than 100 types of birds. Wear comfy shoes, too, as you’ll probably want to meander down the beautiful boardwalk.