There’s something special about walking out into the cold, wintery world, isn’t there? The smell of snowflakes on the wind and wood-smoke in the air is a magical part of the season, and there’s no better way to experience that enchantment than a winter hike. Check out some of these wonderful winter hikes across the state, and don’t let the chill keep you indoors! Get out and enjoy this beautiful world of ours.

1. Tyringham Cobble, Tyringham
Tyringham Cobble Trail, Tyringham, MA 01238, USA
Flickr/Geoffrey Coelho
Tyringham Cobble is a 206-acre open space nature reservation. There are two miles of trails to explore, including a loop trail that will bring you past the rocky ledges and up to the breathtaking summit of the cobble. Though the area offers plenty of wildflowers and wild berries in the spring, the view of the valley below is absolutely magical in the snow. The trail is open daily and year-round, sunrise to sunset. Read more about this magical trail in this article.
2. Coggshall Park, Fitchburg
Coggshall Park, 159 Electric Ave, Fitchburg, MA 01420, USA
Flickr/Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism
Miles of wooded trails crisscross this beautiful park. During the snow season, you can hike around Mirror Lake (or even skate if conditions are right), as well as cross-country ski and snowshoe along the trails. The park is generally open from 8 a.m. until dusk, which will be earlier in the winter than in the summertime, so visitors should take care not to overstay. Click here to learn more.
3. The Let Conservation Area, Westport
The Let Conservation Area, Westport, MA 02790, USA
Flickr/Alicia Porter
Westport is one of the last coastal farming communities in Massachusetts, and this nature reserve is an absolutely beautiful place to indulge in a winter walk. The only public access to this area is by water from the east branch of the Westport River, so you're sure to have an incredibly private and peaceful experience. Even without snow, exploring many of paths here feels like traveling through tunnels of trees and beautiful vines. Visit the official website to learn more.
4. Ashuwillticook Rail Trail, Cheshire, Lanesborough and Adams
Ashuwillticook Rail Trail, Cheshire, MA, USA
Flickr/Matthew T. Bradley
This trail was a former railroad corrider. Now, it's a gorgeous pathway through some of the most picturesque wintery scenery in the Berkshires. It passes through the Hoosac River Valley, between Mount Greylock and the Hoosac Mountains. Visitors can bike, jog and rollerblade here, as well as simply walk. Read all about it in this delightful article.

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5. Blue Hills Reservation, Milton
Blue Hills Reservation, 695 Hillside St, Milton, MA 02186, USA
Flickr/The Celebrated Mr. K.
The forested land of the Blue Hills Reservation look absolutely enchanting under a blanket of snow. There are a number of trails to explore here, but the Ponkapoag Pond Trail is an easy 4.4-mile path that open year-round. While you're here, you might want to check out the epic Eliot Tower, too!
6. Walden Pond, Concord
Walden Pond, Concord, MA 01742, USA
Flickr/Tracy Lee Carroll
Take the 1.7-mile loop trail around this historic pond for a dreamy and peaceful winter hike. Depending on the amount of snow the area receives, the trail may be inaccessible, so be sure to check before you go. Learn more about the deepest pond in Massachusetts in this article.
7. Arnold Arboretum, Boston
Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University, 125 Arborway, Boston, MA 02130, USA
Flickr/Deviant Brainwave
Hiking through this natural wonderland is a great experience at any time of year, but snow makes the scenery almost otherworldly. It's the second largest "link" in the urban system of parks known as the Emerald Necklace, and is a great option for people who want to escape into nature this winter, but don't necessarily want to scale a mountain. Click here to learn more.
8. Mohawk Trail State Forest
Mohawk Trail State Forest, Cold River Rd, Charlemont, MA 01339, USA
Flickr/Kim Carpenter
Head to the northern Berkshires and wander through over 6,000 acres of pristine wilderness. There are plenty of ponds, frozen streams and winding paths to explore. Admission to this state forest is free from April to November, if you need an extra nudge to get out there. The old trees here are AMAZING, by the way.
9. Norwottuck Rail Trail
Norwottuck Rail Trail, Amherst, MA, USA
Flickr/Paul Cooper
This rail trail is 10 miles long, and connects the towns of Northampton, Hadley and Amherst. There's plenty of natural beauty to soak up, but you'll also come across wonderful pit stops like ice cream shops and cozy cafes. It's the perfect way to explore in the snow, without feeling like you're a million miles away from civilization. Northampton is a great place to check out, too.

If you’re looking for more winter enchantment, check out these 11 majestic spots in Massachusetts that will make you feel like you’re at the North Pole. What’s your favorite part of winter in Massachusetts? Tell us about it in the comments.

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More to Explore

Best Winter Hikes in Massachusetts

Tori Jane | February 04, 2022

Where can I go winter hiking in Massachusetts?  

Who says the bitter cold winters here mean you have to stay indoors for all these months? Not us! There are all kinds of fun things to do during winter in Massachusetts (see below). We love winter hiking, for example, and there are lots of places that upkeep their trails even when its snowy. We’re fans of the Ponkapoag Pond Trail, located in Milton inside the Blue Hills Reserve. It’s scenic, beautiful, and quite photogenic, so don’t forget your camera! Then, there’s the Walden Pond Loop Trail, which can be found in Concord; it’s a simple hike through some beautiful, sparky-white snowy landscapes that you’ll want to explore time and time again. Plus, it’s amazing year-round, not only during the coldest months of the year. Many of our state parks have trails maintained during winter, like Maudslay State Park, in Newburyport. Hike the Mile Circle Loop if you get a chance! Finally, there’s the Norwottuck Rail Trail, found in Northampton. This list is nowhere near exhaustive, of course; check out this article for more information on each of these and then some. We’re sure you’ll love your options as much as we do! How lucky we are to live in such a wonderful place.  

What are some fun things to do in the winter in Massachusetts?  

During the coldest months, Massachusetts turns into something of a wonderland. Of course, you can do all the traditional classics, like snowmobiling, ice skating, building snow forts, having snowball fights, winter hikes like the ones mentioned above, and SO much more. Other fun things to do in the winter in Massachusetts include delights like the annual Lowell Winterfest, in Lowell (obviously), and hanging out in the Boston Frog Pond for some ice skating is pretty awesome, too. The possibilities are really only as limited as your imagination – well, that, and how well you can bundle up!  

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