Massachusetts is lucky to have a booming tourism industry that brings people from across the world to our beautiful state. While big crowds help keep the lights on for many small businesses, once in awhile it’s nice to escape to an uncrowded spot for a bit of peace and quiet. Here are some of our favorite tranquil places in Massachusetts.
1. Walden Pond, Concord
Submitted by J. Ernst
No, really. If you visit this gorgeous pond in the off-season, you can really see how it inspired Henry David Thoreau. Think peaceful water, uncrowded walking paths, and shady trees.
2. Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary, Edgartown
There's more peace and quiet on the Vineyard than you might expect. Head to Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary for an afternoon of grassy meadows, salt marshes, and shoreline walks. Visit with the sanctuary's barn owls and kayak around Sengekontacket Pond for some serious alone time.
3. Bartholomew’s Cobble, Sheffield
This 329-acre park offers sloping meadows, shady trails, freshwater marshland, and a hiking path that leads to the top of the "cobble" where panoramic views of the Housatonic River Valley await. You'll also see one of the largest cottonwood trees in the state, and if you're really determined to avoid other people, you can duck into one of two explorable caves in the park.
4. Garden in the Woods, Framingham
This is the perfect place to let the beauty of nature relax you. Garden in the Woods is a peaceful hidden green space in the heart of bustling Framingham. Stroll the walking paths or just tuck yourself into a green corner and watch the clouds go by.
5. Nickerson State Park, Brewster
This state park can see crowds in the summer, but the combination of its size and cooler fall weather usually means that you can wander all afternoon here and not see a soul.
6. Puffers Pond, Amherst
This pond is tucked away in Amherst and features a lovely waterfall, sandy beach, and great hiking trails. You can explore this stop from dawn until dusk, and you'll likely be quite alone — in a good way.
7. Callahan State Park, Framingham
Callahan State Park is one of the best hidden gems in Eastern Mass. It feels a million miles away from the urban sprawl and is packed with quiet, verdant corners in which to lose yourself. With more than 820 acres of grassy meadows, babbling brooks, and easy walking trails, there's no reason not to escape to this lovely park.
8. Poet's Seat Tower, Greenfield
This stunning stone tower is a monument to a local poet and a wonderful spot to sit and gaze out over the city of Greenfield. There are plenty of benches, or you can bring a picnic spread and really take advantage of the peace and quiet to lounge and enjoy a snack.
9. Pond Trail, Tully Mountain, Royalston
This gorgeous trail on Tully Mountain will take you right past Tully Pond, a lovely spot to relax or admire nearby Doane's Falls. The trail is pretty level and even, and can be completed in an afternoon. On most days, you'll have this beautiful place to yourself.
10. Borderland State Park, North Easton
This state park is a history and nature preserve that includes stunning water views, a 20th-century mansion to explore, and more than 20 miles of wooded trails. You can even bring a rod and fish in the stocked pond.
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