Introduction
New England is known for its stunning landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture. This region is also a hiker's paradise, offering a wide variety of trails that cater to different skill levels and preferences. I’ve had the privilege of living in New England for almost two years now, and you best believe I’ve taken full advantage of the beauty outside my door.
Defining“the best hikes” will vary from person to person because it depends on a variety of factors like whether you prefer challenging switchbacks, mountain summits, scenic coastal walks, or peaceful forest trails. However, genuinely speaking, New England has something for everyone.
The season of fall foliage and crisp mornings is here. So I wanted to share a handful of the beautiful hikes I’ve done throughout New England, all of which are wonderful opportunities to witness the beauty of Autumn. Plus, I’ve included some hikes that I haven’t got to yet (So many trails, so little time!). I organized this list based on intensity so you can have an idea of what you’ll be getting into should you choose to join me on the trail.
Level 1: Easy / Beginner
Martini Junction (Needham, MA)
Martini Junction in Needham, Massachusetts, is perhaps the most wholesome place I’ve ever been, and that’s why it’s first on this list.
Jim Metcalf, a retired design engineer and Needham local, built this art installation in the early 2000s, and it’s been a crowd favorite since its inception. Martini Junction features model trains with 120 feet of tracks that weave around fairy houses and other random miniature scenes, including toy dinosaurs. No matter your age, this place is worth a visit. You can feel the love (and humor) that its creator poured into it. You may get lucky and catch Jim adding to it while you’re there.
Martini Junction is part of the Bay Circuit Trail and Greenway, a 230-mile multi-use trail that encircles Boston. You can park at the Needham Town Forest and get to the installation with relative ease (just follow the little, white birdhouses Jim added to guide you). Here are detailed directions.
Sweet Trail (Durham, NH)
Sweet Trail in NH guides you past freshwater and saltwater marshes.
For a peaceful and serene hiking experience, check out the Sweet Trail in Durham, New Hampshire. This trail, just over 4 miles long, meanders through woodlands and along the Oyster River.
What makes Sweet Trail unique is that it connects the land to the sea. You’ll start in the forest then arrive at freshwater wetlands before reaching tidal salt marshes. This trail is also surrounded by the Great Bay Estuary, which is one of the most important habitats for migratory waterfowl and shorebirds of New England. So you’ll likely see (or hear) lots of birds in the distance during your visit.
Even if you don’t like birding, as its name suggests, this trail is the ideal spot for a gentle hike. Dave and I really enjoyed the quiet afternoon stroll and spent time basking in the sun while listening to tranquil water features.
Stage Fort Park (Gloucester, MA)
Explore the coast of Gloucester, MA, at Stage Fort Park.
Stage Fort Park in Gloucester, Massachusetts, combines beginner-friendly hiking with the rich history that so many people love about New England.
This coastal nature area offers scenic views of Gloucester Harbor, which showcases the town’s fishing and boating industries. After parking on the street (for free I might add) you can walk one way to watch the drawbridge rise and fall as boats travel by. Walk the other way to follow the path along the coast and see historical sites like remnants of a 17th-century fort and the Cape Ann Settlement site.
Dave and I went to Stage Fort Park on July 4th weekend, and it was bumping with people having picnics and enjoying the ocean breeze. The coast is lined with benches and, more inland, you’ll find grassy lawns and gazebos to relax in. So, if you’re looking for a mild, seaside hike, and want to learn about the North Shore’s maritime heritage, Stage Fort Park is the place is for you.
Halibut Point State Park (Rockport, MA)
The trail at Halibut Point State Park overlooks the Babson Farm Quarry.
Carrying on with the theme of coastal hiking, Halibut Point State Park in Rockport, MA, is another beginner-friendly option. The park has just one 1.6-mile loop trail that circles the Babson Farm Quarry. Visitors can rest on dramatic rocky cliffs and, past the trees surrounding the quarry, you can catch a glimpse of the Atlantic Ocean.
It's an excellent spot for birdwatching and whale watching during the migration seasons. When we were there this summer, we saw so many ducks and seagulls hanging out in the quarry. (Sadly, no whales, though.) If you take the trail around the quarry and all the way up to Halibut Point, you can stand along the shore and take in even better views. On a clear day, visitors can see Mount Agamenticus, which is 40 miles away in Maine, and the Isles of Shoals, which is a series of nine rocky islands off the coast of New Hampshire. The park also has a Visitor’s Center where you can learn about the park's World-War II history and the Cape Ann granite industry.
I will note, that parking is a bit steep if you aren’t a local. The lot costs $5 for Massachusetts residents and $20 for out-of-state plates.
Level 2: Intermediate
The Tully Trail (Royalston, MA)
In north-central Massachusetts, Tully Lake is another tranquil spot to hike, reflect, and appreciate the outdoors.
The Lake Trail Loop winds its way through beautiful forests and past Doane’s Falls, a renowned waterfall. This 4-mile loop offers serene lake views and would be perfect in fall when the leaves are changing. Dave and I hiked this trail in the summertime and still had a great time. So many people were out enjoying the water and disc golf course, and the forest coverage meant we were able to keep cool even on the hottest of days. The Lake Trail Loop does have sections of intense inclines, especially near the waterfall, and the trailmakers are sparse so beginners beware.
More ambitious hikers can tackle the 22-mile Tully Trail, which traverses the northern section of the Lake Trail Loop and connects to other regional attractions like Tully Mountain, Jacobs Hill, and Royalston Falls, which is a 45-feet high waterfall surrounded by lush forest.
Cliff Walk (Newport, RI)
The Chinese Tea House is an unexpected stop along the Cliff Walk. The building occasionally hosts sunrise concerts with Classical music.
Last summer, my friend Emma and I took a rode trip to Rhode Island (that pun wrote itself). During our trip, we hiked the Cliff Walk in Newport, and it was gorgeous. This trail is an out-and-back: 3 miles out and 3 miles back. On your left you’ll see the ocean, and on your right you’ll see century-old, Gilded Age mansions called The Breakers.
We started our hike on Memorial Boulevard, at the western end of First Beach. Public parking is available at the beach. From there, we walked along the coast, past mansions and stunning viewpoints. The Chinese Tea House was a nice surprise along the trail. It’s designers drew inspiration from 12th century Song Dynasty temples, and the interior decoration includes dark wooden panels painted in a Ming Dynasty style. The Cliff Walk ends at Bailey's Beach, which locals call "Reject's Beach,” though I didn’t see anything worth rejecting.
I will note, this trail requires you to scramble over some rocks and walk on uneven surfaces. Also, you’ll have virtually no shade the entire time. So remember to wear sturdy shoes, stay hydrated, and proceed with caution.
Middlesex Fells (Stoneham, MA)
From the skyline trail at Middlesex Fells you can catch a glimpse of downtown Boston.
Middlesex Fells Reservation is a large natural oasis located just outside of downtown Boston. It’s surprisingly close to a highway, but you quickly forget all about that when you enter the woods. The reserve is huge, over 2,500 acres, and offers an abundance of trails for hiking, mountain biking, wildlife viewing, and serene pond sitting. The reservation is open to the public from sunrise to sunset. However, gates for the parking lots open at 9 am, and parking can be a pain because so many people enjoy this trail system. I recommend carpooling if possible and getting there earlier in the morning to ensure you can find a spot for your car.
Whether you're looking for a short hike or a more challenging adventure, Middlesex Fells has it all. I like the 7.7-mile trail (Skyline Outer Reservoir Loop) because it passes the south, middle, and north reservoirs so you get a comprehensive feel for the park. There are several trail junctions along the route and the park is massive, so you can tailor your hike to whatever you’re feeling that day. The reservation also has a “Treasures in the Trees” self-guided tour that would be great for kids.
I regularly come to Middlesex Fells for solo nature walks because it feels secluded enough for an introvert to recharge, but is always crowded enough that I feel safe on my own. The trail system does encompass a series of reservoirs so remember to bring bug spray if you’ll be there in the warmer months (mosquitos are my nemesis).
Mount Agamenticus (York, ME)
The Big A summit overlooks the White Mountains on one side and the Maine coastline on the other.
Mount Agamenticus is a relatively hidden gem. From the top you can see the Maine coastline on one side and New Hampshire’s White Mountains on the other. Plus, this hike lets you enjoy a summit experience without the physical demands of other mountains in the region.
Last weekend, I took a drive to Big A with my friend Tori since we were both off work for Indigenous Peoples’ Day. We parked at the base of the mountain, in the lot off Mountain Road. This lot had a trailhead for Ring Trail, which takes you through the forest and around the base of the mountain. From Ring Trail you can connect to a number of other trails that take you up to the summit. We chose Sweetfern, which had some fun, smooth rocks to climb and rusty remnants of what I think was a cable car line. We had an awesome picnic at the top, overlooking the White Mountains. After enjoying the fruits of our labor, we took the Summit Staircase back down to Rocky Road Trail, which connects to Ring Trail. This route allowed us to see both sides of the mountain and was relatively easy (mostly rocky forest trails with the occasional rock scramble).
If you want something more beginner-friendly, you can park at the summit and walk the Big A Trail, which circles the summit area. Big A is a 1- to 2-mile trail (flat and gravel) that takes about 20 minutes to complete. This trail takes you past multiple scenic spots where you can enjoy views of the coast and mountains. The parking lots at Agamenticus do charge an admission fee of $2/hour. However, you can pay through a mobile app, which is convenient.
Breakheart Reservation (Saugus, MA)
Breakheart Reservation is a public recreation area that covers 652 acres between the towns of Saugus and Wakefield, Massachusetts.
Just north of Boston, this reservation features numerous hiking trails, two picturesque lakes, and panoramic views of the Boston skyline. You can hike through a hardwood forest and along a winding stretch of the Saugus River.
The Ridge Trail and Saugus River Trail Loop is a 4-mile route that takes you around both lakes. This trail is moderately challenging and can be buggy in the warmer months so remember your spray. Dave and I went in February so we could avoid the bugs, which are notorious among locals. Even in the winter months, Breakheart Reservation was beautiful. It was relatively easy to get to from our home and, yet, we felt so removed from the hustle and bustle. We also saw lots of young families, so I think kids could enjoy this park.
Lynn Woods (Lynn, MA)
Stone Tower on Mount Gilead is the highest point in Lynn, MA.
Lynn Woods in Lynn, Massachusetts, is an expansive forested park with over 2,200 acres of terrain. It’s also the second largest municipal park in the country.
Visitors can explore an extensive network of trails that wind through dense woodlands and past rocky outcroppings. Dave and I chose to do the 4.5-mile loop trail, which you can access from the main entrance. This trail passes Breeds Pond, Walden Pond, and climbs Mount Gilead.
While at the top of Mount Gilead, you can check out Stone Tower, which is the highest point in Lynn. This tower was constructed out of stone and mortar in 1936 for fire observation. From the Mount Gilead summit you can also enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding area, including the Boston skyline.
Level 3: Ambitious
Cutler Coast Public Reserve Land (Cutler, ME)
This hike has been on my wishlist for a while. I just haven’t had a long weekend free that I could dedicate to it. But, trust me, you should add this one to your wish list, as well. Cutler Coast Public Reserve Land is on what is known as the Bold Coast, which stretches roughly 100 miles from Acadia National Park to Calais.
The Cutler Coast reserve offers three main hikes that range from 3 to 10 miles. The hike that’s calling me is the Fairy Head Loop. This 10-mile trail is an opportunity for extensive shorefront hiking, with a third of the trail butting up against the shoreline. You walk through forests and over rocks and ledges before arriving at the beach.
Free backcountry campsites are available along the trail at Fairy Head, Long Point, and Black Point Cove. So you can dedicate multiple days to your hike, which sounds like heaven to me. Hopefully, one day, I can update this article with a recount of my journey along the Cutler Coast.
Mount Monadnock (Jaffrey, NH)
Here I am resting at the summit of Mt. Monadnock. What a view!
Mount Monadnock, located in southwestern New Hampshire, is often referred to as “the most-hiked mountain in the United States”. At 3,165 feet, Monadnock is the highest mountain between the White Mountains of New Hampshire and the Massachusetts Berkshires.
The trails to the summit are well-maintained and transition from wooded forests to rock scrambles near the top. From the summit, you can take in panoramic views in all directions. So it's no wonder this peak attracts hikers from all over the world. With how popular it is, I recommend booking a "Day-Use Reservation Pass," which means the park office will hold a parking spot for you on the day of your hike.
There are several direct routes to the summit, most of which take 3-4 hours roundtrip. Dave and I hiked the White Dot Trail with our friend Ben. This trail is the shortest, most direct route, but was still a challenging ascent. Prepare for rock scrambles, close quarters with strangers at various bottlenecks in the trail, and constantly feeling like you should be close to the summit by now, yet you still have a ways to go.
Monadnock encompasses everything I love about hiking. You work hard for hours, climbing literal mountains and mental hurdles, and then all your hard work is rewarded with the most amazing views. You get to catch your breath while looking down at trees that are a century older than you.
Franconia Ridge Loop (Lincoln, NH)
This is another hiking opportunity in New Hampshire’s White Mountain region. Franconia Ridge Trail is an 8.6-mile loop that is, currently, still just a wish list item for me. This trail traverses the summits of Mount Lafayette, Mount Lincoln, and Little Haystack Mountain, and is known for its breathtaking alpine scenery,
The trail may be open year round, but this is still the White Mountains so proceed with caution. Weather conditions in this region are notorious for being intense and somewhat unpredictable. Plus, on the Franconia Ridge Loop, the elevation increases over 3,000 feet in the first 4 miles. So this trail is not for the faint-of-cardio. Click here for a detailed account of the route.
If you’re looking for something more low-key, but still want to see Franconia Notch State Park, you can visit the memorial park of the Old Man of the Mountain, which was one of the best-known natural rock formations in the country. Dave and I swung by here on our way home from another trip, and were really impressed by how they portrayed rock formations that are no longer there. Visitors will walk down some stairs then follow a flat, scenic path to the Old Man of the Mountain Profiler Plaza, which overlooks a lake. Here, you can look through a lens that recreates the Old Man of the Mountain. Super ingenious!
Mount Greylock (Williamstown, MA)
At 3,491 feet, Mount Greylock is the tallest mountain in Massachusetts. From the summit, you can see 90 miles in any direction on a clear day.
Later this month, I’m taking a solo, backpacking trip to summit Greylock and explore the surrounding Berkshire region. I’ll report back with more details (and hopefully, a picture).
The Berkshires are known for stunning fall foliage. So, whether you want to summit Mount Greylock or not, consider the surrounding area for a trip between late-September and early November.
The Presidential Traverse (New Hampshire)
Here, you see the Omni Mount Washington Resort and the Presidential Traverse in the distance.
For experienced hikers, this challenging trek takes you across the summits of several prominent peaks in New Hampshire’s White Mountains. The route is one continuous hike that’s nearly 23 miles long with close to 9,000 feet of elevation gain.
Among other summits, the trail traverses the top of Mount Washington, which is the highest peak in the Northeastern United States. This a true test of endurance, and I hope to complete it one day with Dave by my side (after significant training).
The Presidential Traverse is usually hiked from north to south, in order to get the most intense elevation gains over with early on. Hikers usually head to trail from the Omni Mount Washington Resort in Bretton Woods, NH, pictured left. Throughout the trail, you can book co-ed lodging at a variety of cabins/huts, some of which provide bedding and food so you can lighten your pack load.
Conclusion
From the rolling hills of New Hampshire’s White Mountains to the rugged coastline of Maine, New England offers a unique and diverse set of trails and nature reserves for you to explore.
The options I’ve outlined today are just a few of the many ways you can explore the region's natural beauty. If you’re looking for more opportunities, beyond the short list I’ve provided today, check out the Appalachian Mountain Club for an array of trail guides referencing New England and the surrounding area.
Otherwise, fill your backpack with the 10 safety essentials, lace up your boots, and embark on your next adventure in this captivating region. I can confidently say any hiker, no matter their skill level or preferences, would be happy here.