There’s nothing like a walk by the water to calm the spirit and uplift your soul. Check out these amazing waterfront trails in Massachusetts that will absolutely take your breath away.
- Coolidge Reservation, Manchester-by-the-Sea
Flickr/Ben Saren
Flickr/Ben Saren Walk along stunning rocky outcroppings and through coastal wildflower meadows. Bungalow Hill affords spectacular views of Magnolia Harbor.
- Cape Cod Rail Trail
Flickr/The Shared Experience
Flickr/MOTT This trail isn’t just for cyclists. Roam the beautiful coastal paths from Dennis to Wellfleet and experience over 25 miles of lovely scenic views. Check out the section near Long Pond in Harwich for a particularly easy and beautiful route.
- Scusset Beach State Reservation Trail, Sandwich
Flickr/lastonein With 1.5 miles of perfect coastal views along the Cape Cod Canal, this trail is a bite-sized journey that delivers an epic experience. It’s a popular route for watching the boats and sailing vessels that cruise the canal.
- Great Barrington Housatonic River Walk, Berkshire County
Flickr/Lorianne DiSabato This 0.5-mile trail traces the Housatonic River. Hop on the path right on Great Barrington’s Main Street, and explore this urban trail that winds through protected wildlife zones. Dogs are allowed (on leash) and this is a great trail for runners as well.
- Dedham Loop Water Trail, Dedham
Flickr/Bill Ilott
Flickr/Bill Ilott You don’t need to live near the ocean to experience an amazing waterfront trail. Check out the Dedham Loop Water Trail, starting at Echo Lake in Hopkinton and eventually ending at Boston Harbor. The portion along the Charles River in Dedham is definitely spectacular enough to warrant a visit.
- North Bridge, Minute Man National Park, Concord
Flickr/Eric Myers This historic bridge is situated on the site of the first battle of the Revolutionary War. You’ll feel like a part of history as you walk the beautiful riverside trail.
- Hiking & Bridle Trail, North Andover
Flickr/Bud This little-known trail is located in the Harold Parker State Forest. It’s perfect for all seasons, and an excellent route for anglers – the fishing in the park’s ponds is superb. This trail is just one of four excellent paths in the state forest.
- Mount Norwottuck and Horse Caves trails, Mount Holyoke State Park
Flickr/Paul Cooper These trails are actually only about 3 miles long, but they afford great river views as well as peaceful forest seclusion.
- Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, Newburyport
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service These coastal wetlands offer a unique waterfront hiking experience. Check out more than 4,700 acres of beach, dunes, cranberry bogs and freshwater marsh. Plus, this hike is perfect for those adventurers who don’t feel like attempting a challenging path.
- Brooks Woodland Preserve, Petersham
Flickr/diane cordell While you may not think of a woodland preserve as being a waterfront hiking destination, this beautiful area is home to many lovely brooks and streams that will absolutely charm you. The preserve is also covered in old stone walls, meadows filled with wildflowers and maidenhair ferns, and 19th-century farmsteads.
Want more gorgeous trails? Check out these Massachusetts hiking trails you must take if you love the outdoors.
Flickr/Ben Saren
Walk along stunning rocky outcroppings and through coastal wildflower meadows. Bungalow Hill affords spectacular views of Magnolia Harbor.
Flickr/The Shared Experience
Flickr/MOTT
This trail isn’t just for cyclists. Roam the beautiful coastal paths from Dennis to Wellfleet and experience over 25 miles of lovely scenic views. Check out the section near Long Pond in Harwich for a particularly easy and beautiful route.
Flickr/lastonein
With 1.5 miles of perfect coastal views along the Cape Cod Canal, this trail is a bite-sized journey that delivers an epic experience. It’s a popular route for watching the boats and sailing vessels that cruise the canal.
Flickr/Lorianne DiSabato
This 0.5-mile trail traces the Housatonic River. Hop on the path right on Great Barrington’s Main Street, and explore this urban trail that winds through protected wildlife zones. Dogs are allowed (on leash) and this is a great trail for runners as well.
Flickr/Bill Ilott
You don’t need to live near the ocean to experience an amazing waterfront trail. Check out the Dedham Loop Water Trail, starting at Echo Lake in Hopkinton and eventually ending at Boston Harbor. The portion along the Charles River in Dedham is definitely spectacular enough to warrant a visit.
Flickr/Eric Myers
This historic bridge is situated on the site of the first battle of the Revolutionary War. You’ll feel like a part of history as you walk the beautiful riverside trail.
Flickr/Bud
This little-known trail is located in the Harold Parker State Forest. It’s perfect for all seasons, and an excellent route for anglers – the fishing in the park’s ponds is superb. This trail is just one of four excellent paths in the state forest.
Flickr/Paul Cooper
These trails are actually only about 3 miles long, but they afford great river views as well as peaceful forest seclusion.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
These coastal wetlands offer a unique waterfront hiking experience. Check out more than 4,700 acres of beach, dunes, cranberry bogs and freshwater marsh. Plus, this hike is perfect for those adventurers who don’t feel like attempting a challenging path.
Flickr/diane cordell
While you may not think of a woodland preserve as being a waterfront hiking destination, this beautiful area is home to many lovely brooks and streams that will absolutely charm you. The preserve is also covered in old stone walls, meadows filled with wildflowers and maidenhair ferns, and 19th-century farmsteads.
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