Nature and Hiking

Central Massachusetts Hiking

Some Central Massachusetts places for day hikes or for making those observations for advancement or merit badges:

• Broadmeadow Brook - This park features hiking trails and a visitor center (about 11 minutes from Epworth United Methodist Church).
• Capen Hill Nature Sanctuary - This green space is located in Charlton, MA. It has trails for day use.
• Cascades - Several trails cross a combination of Boynton Park and parcels managed by the Greater Worcester Land Trust.
• East-West Trail - This trail runs 14 miles through Worcester, passing through 17 green spaces.
• East Side Trail - This trail runs 3.43 miles through Worcester, including East Park, Bell Hill and Green Hill Park.
• Leominster State Forest - With the main visitor entrance in Westminster, MA (about 30 minutes from Worcester, MA, within the Mohegan Council). This is a huge park with several trails through the woods.
• Mass Central Rail Trail - This has trails from Boston to Northampton, The tralhead at Thomas Street in West Boyston is close (about 15 minutes from Worcester).
• Purgatory Chasm - Located in Sutton, MA (about 20 minutes from Worcester, MA, within the Mohegan Council). Dramatic scenery, hiking, and other recreational activities.
• Tower Hill Botanical Garden - Located in Boylston, MA (about 15 minutes from Worcester).
• Wachusett Mountain - Located in Princeton, MA (about 30 minutes from Worcester, MA, within the Mohegan Council). The hike to the top is steep, but the view extends to Boston.
• Wachusett Reservoir - This park is just north of Worcester. Start at the Old Church for short hikes with younger kids or further north for longer hikes.
• Worcester City Parks - The City of Worcester has many parks, some of which have hiking trails.

Maine Trails and Nature

• Eastern Trail - a 65-mile section of the East Coast Greenway, a transportation-recreation greenway connecting Kittery, in southernmost Maine, to Casco Bay in South Portland.
• Saco Bay Trails - a network of trails in the Saco Bay area.
• Portland Trails - a network of trails in the Greater Portland area.
• Mahousic Land Trust - this 8,000 acre preserve include over 20 miles of trails.
• The Nature Conservancy in Maine - with 19 different properties across Maine.

New Hampshire Trails and Nature

• Massabesic Audubon Center - 130 acres, trails and a visitor center, in Auburn, New Hamphire.
• Rockingham Recreational Trail - a 25 mile trail from Manchester to Newmarket.

Organizations

• Greater Worcester Land Trust - Owns many small parks, some with trails, in and around Worcester.
• Park Spirit of Worcester, Inc - A non-profit advocacy group for Worcester's parks.

Historic Trails

• Freedom Trail - A 2.5 mile-connecting 16 nationally significant historic sites in Boston, Massacshuetts.
• Pilgrim Trail - A 10 mile hike through Plymouth, Massacshuets.
• Minutemen's Pursuit Trail - An annual event first held in 2017 covers this trail with 10 mile and 20 mile options.

Regional Trails

Our Backpacking Locations page has more trails.

Be Prepared

Boy Scouts should bring the Ten Essentials on any hike.

Cub Scouts should bring the Six Essentials on any hike.

5 Tips for Staying Comfortable Hiking in the Mud (4/17/18, Lucas Kelly on EMS Go East website)

Maintaining Your Waterproof Shoes and Boots (4/11/18, Sarah Quandt on EMS Go East website)

Page updated 10/27/19 J. Froimson