Top Choices for Scenic Day Hikes Close to Boston Metro Area
Discover the diverse landscapes and unique trails that Boston and its surrounding areas have to offer with AMC's Best Day Hikes Near Boston. This guide presents three captivating hikes, each catering to different levels of hiking experience and interests in natural or coastal environments.
Arnold Arboretum
Step into an urban oasis with the Arnold Arboretum, a haven offering mostly easy and accessible trails suitable for all skill levels. The arboretum boasts diverse tree collections and cultivated landscapes, making it an ideal destination for casual day hikes or leisurely walks. Distances vary, but shorter loops typically take 1-2 hours to complete.
Crane Beach Loop
For a coastal adventure, head to Crane Beach near Ipswich, MA. This hike combines beach walking with forest trails and is generally rated as easy to moderate, depending on tide conditions and the specific loop chosen. The full loop is around 3 to 5 miles, with estimated hiking times of 2-3 hours. Highlights include scenic beach views, dune ecosystems, and woodlands.
Blue Hills: Skyline Trail
The most challenging hike on this list, the Skyline Trail in the Blue Hills Reservation, offers a more strenuous experience. Rated moderate to difficult due to its rocky terrain and elevation changes, this trail provides panoramic views of Boston, varied terrain, rocky ledges, and forested areas. The main Skyline loop is approximately 5 miles long and takes about 3 hours to hike.
Trail Information and Maps
Detailed maps, trail summaries, and timing estimates for these hikes can be found in AMC's guidebook for Best Day Hikes Near Boston. Specific time and distance details may vary, consistent with AMC's guided level designations for easy, moderate, and difficult hikes. For the most accurate and updated information, consulting the AMC guidebook is recommended.
Arnold Arboretum
- Distance: Varies
- Estimated Time: 1-2 hours
- Rating: Easy
- Maps: USGS Norwood; www.mass.gov/dcr; AMC's Massachusetts Trail Map 4
Crane Beach Loop
- Distance: 3-5 miles
- Estimated Time: 2-3 hours
- Rating: Easy to Moderate
- Maps: USGS Norwood; www.mass.gov/dcr; AMC's Massachusetts Trail Map 4
- Other Activities: Bird-watching, picnicking, swimming
- Public Transportation: Commuter rail to the Ipswich Station, then take the Ipswich Essex Explorer bus. For schedule and rates, visit www.ipswichessexexplorer.com.
Blue Hills: Skyline Trail
- Distance: 9 miles (full traverse); 2.4 miles (North and South Skyline trails loop)
- Estimated Time: 6 hours (full traverse); 1.75 hours (North and South Skyline trails loop)
- Rating: Moderate to Strenuous
- Elevation Gain: Approximately 700 feet cumulative, North and South Skyline trails loop
- Features: Dogs allowed, public transportation, snow-shoeing, cross-country skiing
- Public Transportation: Take the MBTA Red Line to Ashmont Station, then take the high-speed trolley line to Mattapan. From there, take the Canton and Blue Hills bus services to Blue Hill River Road, then cross the road and walk 1 mile east on Hillside Street.
Each hike offers a rewarding day adventure, catering to varying levels of hiking experience and interests in natural or coastal landscapes.
While enjoying your hike, don't forget to take in the beauty of the Crane Wildlife Refuge, which consists of 697 acres of islands, salt marsh, and intertidal environments, home to over 200 species of birds. The Blue Hills Reservation is part of a network of preserves that includes Castle Neck in Ipswich, MA.
After your hike, unwind at one of the restaurants in the center of Ipswich along and off Routes 133 and 1A, or visit the historical Crane Estate at Castle Hill. For more information about both areas, visit www.thetrustees.org.
Spend your day immersed in outdoor-living bliss at the Arnold Arboretum, an urban oasis featuring home-and-garden landscapes perfect for leisurely walks or easy hikes. Alternatively, embark on the Crane Beach Loop adventure for a coastal experience, marrying beach walks with forest trails, rated easy to moderate. Each hike offers distinct beauty, catering to various interests in natural or coastal environments, enhancing your lifestyle through unique day adventures.
