60 Hikes Within 60 Miles: Boston. Lafe Low

Waterfowl hunting hours end at sunset.

       Coyote and fox hunting hours end at midnight.

       Hunting waterfowl on the coast is permitted on DCR property in the intertidal zone. This is the land between the high- and low-water marks.

      Here are a couple of helpful links with Massachusetts hunting rules and regulations that are updated fairly regularly:

       mass.gov/hunting-regulations

       mass.gov/topics/hunting-fishing

       eregulations.com/massachusetts/huntingandfishing

      Trail Etiquette

      Always treat the trail, wildlife, and fellow hikers with respect. Here are some guidelines to remember.

       Plan ahead in order to be self-sufficient at all times. For example, carry necessary supplies for changes in weather or other conditions. A well-planned trip brings satisfaction to you and to others.

       Hike on open trails only. In seasons or construction areas where road or trail closures may be a possibility, use the website addresses or phone numbers shown in the “Contact” line for each hike to check conditions prior to heading out. Do not attempt to circumvent such closures.

       Avoid trespassing on private land, and obtain all permits and authorization as required. Leave gates as you find them or as directed by signage.

       Be courteous to other hikers, bikers, equestrians, and anyone else you encounter on the trails.

       Never spook wild animals or pets. An unannounced approach, a sudden movement, or a loud noise startles most critters, and a surprised animal can be dangerous to you, to others, and to itself. Give animals plenty of space.

       Observe the yield signs around the region’s trailheads and backcountry. Typically, they advise hikers to yield to horses, and bikers to yield to both horses and hikers. On hills, hikers and bikers should yield to any uphill traffic. When encountering mounted riders, hikers can courteously step off the trail, on the downhill side if possible. So the horse can see and hear you, calmly greet the riders before they reach you, and do not dart behind trees. Resist the urge to pet horses unless you are invited to do so.

       Stay on the existing trail, and do not blaze any new trails.

       Be sure to pack out what you pack in, leaving only your footprints. No one likes to see the trash someone else has left behind.

      Tips on Enjoying Hiking in Boston

      The Boston area is rich with history, dramatic scenery, beautiful forests, impressive rock formations, pristine lakes and rivers, spectacular shorelines, and plenty of places where you can find a bit of wilderness to call your own for an afternoon. And it’s all quite close. This guide profiles 60 of what we feel are some of the nicer hikes within the immediate Boston area, but there are certainly others. Grab a DeLorme Massachusetts Atlas & Gazetteer, this book, and any maps you may have of the area, and go exploring. In short order, you can feel like you are miles from anywhere and anyone.

      I am always a big fan of combining two activities, and there is ample opportunity to do that with many of these hikes. Many are near one of the state park campgrounds, such as Harold Parker State Forest or Wompatuck State Park, so you could combine a camping trip with a hike or two.

      If you’re more ambitious, you can also do a bit of rock climbing while hiking and exploring Purgatory Chasm or the Hammond Pond hike. Any of the hikes on or near water, such as Spectacle Island, Ashland State Park, or Blackstone River and Canal Heritage State Park, can also involve some kayaking, canoeing, or fishing. And most of these hikes are in state forests or parks that also permit mountain biking.

      Or if you’d just like to relax on the beach after a hike, Crane Beach, Sandy Point State Reservation, or Douglas State Forest would be perfect. Check the 60 Hikes by Category table to see what hikes might fit in with the other activities you have in mind. And enjoy your adventure.

      It’s well worth spending some time on the beach at Nasketucket Bay State Reservation.

      WITHIN BOSTON

       1 Charles River

       2 Jamaica Pond

       3 Spectacle Island: Boston Harbor Islands National & State Park

      1 CHARLES RIVER

      DISTANCE & CONFIGURATION: 7.75-mile loop

      DIFFICULTY: Easy

      SCENERY: The Charles River, with historic Boston on the south and Cambridge on the north

      EXPOSURE: Mix of sun and shade

      TRAFFIC: Light–heavy, depending on time and day

      TRAIL SURFACE: Pavement with stretches of grass or packed earth

      HIKING TIME: 2.5–3 hours

      DRIVING DISTANCE FROM BOSTON COMMON: Driving is not recommended. However, if you do drive, look for parking at Boston Common, where there are plenty of meters and a parking garage, or at the Government Center garage.

      ELEVATION: 350' at trailhead, no significant gain

      SEASON: Year-round

      ACCESS: Open sunrise–sunset; free

      MAPS: Available at tinyurl.com/charlesrivermap

      WHEELCHAIR ACCESS: Yes

      FACILITIES: Public restrooms, snacks, soft drinks, sandwiches, hot dogs, pretzels, and coffee available at various locations around the Charles

      CONTACT: Charles River Reservation, mass.gov/locations/charles-river-reservation, 617-727-4708

      LOCATION: