We get it. You like to get out into nature, but you’re not Bear Grylls for Pete’s sake. A nice, quick hike there and back will do just fine. That’s why we’ve put together this list of easy hikes under 5 miles in Massachusetts that offer plenty of natural beauty. In fact, you’ll get all of the beauty and fewer blisters.

1. Great Island Trail, Wellfleet - 3-6 miles
Flickr/MOTT
Okay, so the full hike is around six miles. However, the Great Island Trail features a turn-around spot about halfway through. This trail isn't at all steep, though it does involve walking on sand. That may tucker you out, but just think about the workout your calves are getting. Find more information on the Great Island Trail.
2. Purgatory Chasm, Sutton - 1 mile
Flickr/Matt and Rachel (The Sparveys)
If you like scrambling over boulders (or your kids do) this is a great, easy hike. The trail leads through the gorge itself, which means that you don't necessarily need to climb any big rocks on this trip. Bring a blanket and some snacks for picnic in the shade. Visit the official website of Purgatory Chasm State Reservation.
3. Bash Bish Falls, Mount Washington - About 1 mile
Flickr/criana
This hike definitely gives you the biggest bang for your buck. Though the hike itself will only require a little under a mile of walking, you'll be rewarded with the sight of beautiful Bash Bish Falls. Learn more about Bash Bish Falls.
4. Hulbert's Hill, Bartholomew's Cobble, Sheffield - 5 miles
Flickr/MOTT
There is a small fee to take this hike, but it's worth it. This is a relatively short hike that offers one of the best views in the area. Though the terrain is very easy to handle, you are basically walking up a hill the whole time. Find more about Bartholomew's Cobble.
5. Mount Watatic, Ashby - 2.2 miles
Flickr/the SkyHum
This hike is located on the Massachusetts-New Hampshire border. Follow the Wapack Trail through beautiful woodland to a steep cliff face where the views are unparalleled.
6. Race Brook Falls, Sheffield - 2 miles
Tripadvisor/Nina P.
Flickr/Doug Kerr
This is a fairly straight-forward hike to a collection of beautiful waterfalls. Definitely pack your camera for this one.
7. Blue Hills Reservation, Tucker Hill Loop - 4 miles
Flickr/Bill Ilott
Take the Tucker Hill Loop for the easiest path. This is a great hike for Boston-based adventurers, as it's only 10 miles south of the city. Learn more about Blue Hills Reservation.

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8. Mount Greylock, Lanesborough - 2.2 miles
Flickr/MOTT
Mount Greylock Reservation was actually Massachusetts's first state wilderness park. Hiking the loop trail is one of the best ways to get to know the mountain. Find more information on Mount Greylock Reservation.
9. Wachusett Mountain State Park, Princeton - 3.9 miles
Flickr/Jeff
Though this place has over 17 miles of trails available, the simplest loop trail comes in just under four miles and will take you through an enchanting grove of hemlock trees. Head over to Wachusett Mountain State Reservation for more information.
10. Gates Pond, Berlin - 2.5 miles
Flickr/dee & tula monstah
This is a great hike for all seasons. Gates Pond is completely undeveloped with no buildings along its shore, so you can enjoy the unspoiled natural surrounds. During the winter, you can also cross-country ski and snowshoe around the frozen pond.
11. Ice Glen, Stockbridge - 1.4 miles
Flickr/lastonein
Flickr/lastonein
As the name might suggest, this is a great place to go for a snowy hike. There are lots of caves to explore and beautiful hemlock trees to admire. This trail isn't a loop, so you'll simply need to turn around when you reach the end.
12. Mount Tom Reservation, Northampton - 4.5 miles
Flickr/Rusty Clark - On the Air M-F 8am-noon
This is one of the longer hikes on this list, but it's a good one. You'll actually get to see Triassic-era dinosaur footprints and floral fossils! Take the Dinosaur Footprints Trail for an easy and a fascinating hike. Find more at Mount Tom State Reservation.
13. Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary, Natick - 3 miles
Flickr/Lesleeatflickr
Flickr/Lorianne DiSabato
This hike will take you about three hours, and will give you the opportunity to spot some rare and beautiful wildlife. This trail is definitely at its prettiest during the summer. Stop by the official website of Broadmoar Wildlife Sanctuary.

Which of these hikes under 5 miles in Massachusetts are your favorite? What are some other easy and fun hikes around Massachusetts? Let us know in the comments! For a picture-perfect one-mile hike that leads to an empty beach, go on the Ellisville Harbor State Park Trail.

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hikes under 5 miles in Massachusetts

Beth Price-Williams | October 03, 2020

What are the best hikes with a view in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts hikes promise so much – from sheer natural beauty to the chance to come near local wildlife. You’ll also find some of the best views in Massachusetts when you’re on its many trails. The Mohawk Trail, for example, offers gorgeous views all year around. However, when it’s painted in the colors of fall, it’s particularly striking. If you’re up for a challenging adventure, hike up Monument Mountain in Great Barrington. Once you reach the summit, you’ll be treated to stunning views of Southern Berkshire County.  Skyline Trail in Middlesex Fells and the Acorn Trail at Great Brook Farm State Park in Carlisle are also beautiful hikes.

What are the best waterfall hikes in Massachusetts?

Some of the best hiking trails in Massachusetts lead to waterfalls. Many of those trails, in fact, are family-friendly, which means you can bring the kiddos along. The half-mile path to Doane’s Falls is flanked by beautiful scenery. If you’re up for a longer adventure, follow the 7.5-mile loop trail that starts at Tully Lake, takes you to Doane’s Falls, and goes on. A 20-minute hike will lead you straight to Tannery Falls, which boasts two spellbinding drops measuring 60 feet and 80 feet. (The waterfall is particularly pretty after a rainfall.)

Does Massachusetts have any natural wonders?

How lucky are we to live in a state that is home to so many natural wonders? If you’re looking for some of the best outdoor activities in Massachusetts, make your way to some of those natural wonders. Go kayaking or canoeing, for example, along Chesterfield Gorge in Chesterfield. Cochituate Lake State Park also provides a picture-perfect backdrop for kayaking and canoeing. On those hot summer days, head over to The Cape Cod National Seashore. Drape a beach towel on the ground, dip your feet in the cool water, and relax under the sun.

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Featured Addresses
1440 Chequessett Neck Rd, Wellfleet, MA 02667, USA
Purgatory Chasm, Sutton, MA 01590, USA
Bash Bish Falls, Mt Washington, MA 01258, USA
Bartholomew's Cobble Reservation, 105 Weatogue Rd, Sheffield, MA 01257, USA
3 Park Rd, Ashby, MA 01431, USA
Race Brook Falls, Sheffield, MA 01257, USA
Blue Hills Reservation, 695 Hillside St, Milton, MA 02186, USA
Lanesborough, MA, USA
345 Mountain Rd, Princeton, MA 01541, USA
Gates Pond, Berlin, MA 01503, USA
Ice Glen, Stockbridge, MA 01230, USA
Mount Tom State Reservation, 125 Reservation Rd, Holyoke, MA 01040, USA
Mass Audubon's Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary, 280 Eliot St, Natick, MA 01760, USA