The best hiking near Boston

Boston is no Denver, but there are still a couple of mountains (hills, really) to climb. Just a few minutes outside of the city proper is a 7,000-acre reservation with 125 miles of resplendent hiking trails. Climb to the top of Great Blue Hill and enjoy an unmatched view of the city skyline; just prepare for crowds in the warmer months. Ski bunnies can return in the winter for some modest slalom action.

Just north of Boston in Stoneham, this 2,500-acre state park features more than 100 miles of trails. While the reservation has hikes for all levels, the Skyline Trail is the most challenging, as well as the most popular; the seven miles of rough terrain pass over hills, through wooded forests and past beautiful lakes. Climb the observation tower along the trail for gorgeous views.

Though relatively small (251 acres), this lush nature preserve overlooking Hingham Harbor is a mere 15 miles outside of the city. There are 4.5 miles of easy-to-moderate trails available for exploring. Hike through rolling hills, past saltwater marshes and along the shoreline while catching glimpses of the Boston Skyline. Head back into the forest to watch the myriad species of birds who call the preserve their home.

Great for both hiking and mountain biking, this state park in Saugus and Wakefield features numerous trails—ranging from easy to challenging—through dense hardwood forest. Seven hills within the park offer views of Boston as well as New Hampshire and central Massachusetts. The Saugus River cuts through the park, and trails follow the riverbanks.

The namesake mountain of the largest conservation area in leafy Lincoln is actually a rather manageable hill. Wander the trails and you’re bound to see wildlife, from chipmunks and squirrels to birds and deer. The top of Mount Misery offers views of the Sudbury River and Fairhaven Bay. Concord’s wildly popular Walden Pond is nearby, so this is a nice place to stop before or after.

A popular destination for skiing in the winter, Wachusett Mountain—the tallest mountain near Boston tops out at around 2,000 feet—also offers hiking in other seasons. The surrounding reservation includes the largest area of old growth forest in Massachusetts plus ponds, streams, a raised bog and 17 miles of hiking trails. The 2.6-mile Harrington Trail is a popular hike to the top of the mountain; from there, you can see the Boston skyline and Mt. Monadnock in New Hampshire on a clear day.

Locals mostly know quiet Hopkinton as the starting point of the Boston Marathon, but Hopkinton State Park has a lot to offer, with several trails running through 1,500 acres of forest. There are trails of all levels, and some are used for horseback riding. In the summer, cool off after a hike with a swim in the reservoir.

This beautiful, five-mile trail connects historic sites from Meriam’s Corner in Concord to the eastern boundary of Minute Man National Historical Park in Lexington. The easy, level trail follows the route of the Minutemen as they moved towards the battle at Concord Bridge, where they prevented the British from seizing the Colonists’ weapons. There are historic markers along the trail and an informative presentation at the visitors center.