Massachusetts
By the sword we seek peace, but peace only under liberty
There are over 3,100 known trekking trails in Massachusetts
Most popular trails:
Mount Greylock via Appalachian Trail: This out-and-back trail offers stunning views of the surrounding area. (4.6 miles)
Great Falls Loop Trail: This loop trail offers views of the Great Falls of the Patapsco River. (3.2 miles)
Sugarloaf Mountain and Northern Peaks Trail: This loop trail offers views of the surrounding area. (4.6 miles)
Swallow Falls Canyon Trail: This loop trail offers views of the Swallow Falls, a series of waterfalls. (2.4 miles)
Rock Creek Trail: This trail offers a variety of terrain, from easy to challenging. (18.3 miles)
Cunningham Falls State Park Trails: These trails offer a variety of terrain, from easy to challenging.
Best trails for certain activities:
Rock climbing: The Chimney Rock Trail in Patapsco Valley State Park and the Raven Rocks in South Mountain State Park are both good options for rock climbing.
Mountain biking: The Billy Goat Trail in Great Falls Park and the Bear Branch Trail in Patapsco Valley State Park are both good options for mountain biking.
Hiking with dogs: The Cunningham Falls State Park Trails and the Rock Creek Trail are both dog-friendly trails.
Birdwatching: The South Mountain State Park Trails and the Patuxent Research Refuge offer good opportunities for birdwatching.
Picnicking: The Patapsco Valley State Park Trails and the Cunningham Falls State Park Trails offer several picnic areas along the trails.
Most challenging trails:
The Pinnacle Trail: This out-and-back trail offers stunning views of the surrounding area, but it is also challenging due to its steep climbs and exposed ledges. (4.6 miles)
The Chimney Rock Trail: This out-and-back trail offers views of the surrounding area, but it is also challenging due to its steep climbs and exposed ledges. (1.2 miles)
The Bear Branch Trail: This loop trail offers a variety of terrain, from easy to challenging, and is challenging due to its steep climbs and rugged terrain. (4.0 miles)
The South Mountain State Park Trails: There are several trails in South Mountain State Park that are challenging, including the Annapolis Rock Trail and the Sugarloaf Mountain Trail.
The Raven Rocks: This is a series of rock climbing trails located in South Mountain State Park. The trails are challenging due to their steep climbs and exposed ledges.
Most scenic trails:
The Swallow Falls Canyon Trail: This loop trail offers views of the Swallow Falls, a series of waterfalls. (2.4 miles)
The Great Falls Loop Trail: This loop trail offers views of the Great Falls of the Patapsco River. (3.2 miles)
The Rock Creek Trail: This trail offers a variety of terrain, from easy to challenging, and also offers views of the Potomac River. (18.3 miles)
The Cunningham Falls State Park Trails: There are several trails in Cunningham Falls State Park that offer views of the surrounding area, including the Lower Falls Trail and the Cliff Trail.
The Patuxent Research Refuge: This refuge is home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, foxes, and deer. The refuge offers several trails that offer views of the wildlife and the surrounding area.
Most family-friendly trails:
Billy Goat Trail: This loop trail is located in Great Falls Park and is accessible to hikers of all skill levels. The trail offers views of the Potomac River and Great Falls. (1.5 miles)
C&O Canal Towpath Trail: This trail is located along the C&O Canal and is accessible to hikers, bikers, and equestrians. The trail offers views of the canal and the surrounding countryside. (184.5 miles)
Cunningham Falls State Park Trails: These trails offer a variety of terrain, from easy to challenging. The trails are also dog-friendly.
Patuxent Research Refuge Trails: These trails offer a variety of terrain, from easy to challenging. The trails also offer opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife viewing.
Swallow Falls State Park Trails: These trails offer a variety of terrain, from easy to challenging.
Most accessible trails:
Lower Falls Trail: This paved trail is located in Cunningham Falls State Park and is wheelchair accessible.
Cliff Trail: This paved trail is also located in Cunningham Falls State Park and is wheelchair accessible.
Patuxent Research Refuge Trails: Several trails in the Patuxent Research Refuge are wheelchair accessible.
Rock Creek Trail: Several trails in Rock Creek Park are wheelchair accessible.
C&O Canal Towpath Trail: The C&O Canal Towpath Trail is a paved trail that is wheelchair accessible.
Baltimore National Civil War Museum Trails: Several trails in the Baltimore National Civil War Museum are wheelchair accessible.
Where to get permits for trails:
Permits are required for some trails in Massachusetts. To get a permit, you can contact the park or forest where the trail is located. Here are some of the places where you can get permits for trails in Massachusetts:
Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation: You can contact the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation for permits to hike on trails in state parks and forests.(617) 626-1250
