Follow This Abandoned Railroad Trail For One Of The Most Unique Hikes In Massachusetts
Sophia
Author
This old railroad trail is one of the best hikes in Massachusetts. With gorgeous river views and plenty of amenities, the whole family will love exploring this piece of Bay State history. Here’s everything you need to know about hiking the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail.
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Have you ever been on Ashuwillticook Rail Trail? Tell us about it in the comments! And if you are somewhere else and looking for hiking trails near me, check out more scenic hikes in Massachusetts.
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More to Explore
Best Hikes in Massachusetts
Which state parks should I visit in Massachusetts?
To see the tallest single-drop waterfall in the entire state, head to Bash Bish Falls State Park. Here, you’ll find a 2.1-mile out-and-back trail that brings you to the 60-foot Bash Bish Falls. The park also connects to New York’s Taconic State Park. If you are looking for more “high” points in Massachusetts, head to Mount Greylock State Reservation in Lanesborough. At 3,491 feet tall, Mount Greylock is the highest point in the state. There are over a dozen hikes here, with the summit hike clocking in at 3.7 miles round-trip. It is one of the best hikes in Massachusetts.
What are the best beaches in Massachusetts?
It would be hard to talk about Massachusetts and beaches without mentioning Cape Cod. Among its over 1,300 square miles, you’ve got more than 100 beaches to choose from. Some of the favorites include Craigsville Beach in Barnstable, Bass Hole Beach in Yarmouth, and Lighthouse Beach in Chatham. Another great area for getting your toes in the sand is the small island of Nantucket. If you want to get into the sound, try the family-friendly Children’s Beach or Steps Beach. If you want to get into the Atlantic Ocean, there’s Cisco Beach or Fisherman’s Beach. And if you’re looking to roam along the water, check out these other scenic hikes in Massachusetts.
Which hikes in Massachusetts are short and sweet?
If you are looking to just get a quick hike in, there’s lots in the Bay State. Made famous by Henry David Thoreau in his 1854 book, in Concord, you’ll find Walden Pond State Reservation. Here, you can take the 1.7-mile easy trail that heads through a serene, wooded setting with the aforementioned pond and even a replica of the cabin where Thoreau wrote the book. In South Deerfield, you’ll find Mount Sugarloaf State Reservation and the South Sugarloaf Trail. Though there is an elevation gain of about 450 feet, the loop trail to the summit is only 1.4 miles. At the top, you’ll have 360-degree views of Pioneer Valley and the Connecticut River. And these aren’t the only easy hikes in Massachusetts.