Outbound Collective logo

Princeton, Massachusetts

Looking for the best hiking in Princeton? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Princeton. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top Hiking Spots in and near Princeton

  • Westminster, Massachusetts

    Summit Mt. Wachusett via the West Side Trail

    5.0
    1.2 mi / 750 ft gain
    Set your GPS to Wachusett Mountain ski area. Coming from Rt. 2 turn onto Mile Hill Rd and look for your first right to take Bolton Rd. Take this road all the way until it intersects with West Princeton Rd. Turn left. and  drive down W Princeton Rd  for 1.2 miles and there should be a small parkin...
    Read more
  • Harvard, Massachusetts

    Hike along the Nashua River and the Oxbow National Wildlife Refuge

    9.5 mi / 0 ft gain
    Park in the lot on Tank Road to access the Nashua River Trail. Keep your eyes peeled for turtles, chipmunks, birds, and other wildlife! This trail is open from April to October.  The trail can become flooded and muddy after a rain/ snow, so for a shorter alternative to the 9.5 miles, you can take...
    Read more
  • Ashburnham, Massachusetts

    Summit Mount Watatic via the Wapack Trail

    5.0
    3 mi / 800 ft gain
    Entering Mount Watatic in your GPS will take you to Rindge State Road (119), continue about two minutes down the road past where the GPS tells you. on the Right hand side you will will see a sign for Mount Watatic Parking area or just enter in coordinates: 42.696796, -71.904521 You will begin the...
    Read more
  • Groton, Massachusetts

    Catch a Sunset at Gilbert Hill

    5.0
    1 mi
    From Rt. I-495 Exit 31, Gibbert Hill has one of the greatest sunsets around Groton, MA area. You will see a lot of cows and even a castle. This is a very easy hike and a not so easy place to park, you have to leave you car on the side of the road, which is totally fine, I guess, it is easy.The wa...
    Read more
  • Marlborough, Massachusetts

    Hemingway Street Trail

    1.73 mi / 197 ft gain
    Hemingway Street Trail is an out-and-back trail that provides a good opportunity to view wildlife located near Marlborough, Massachusetts.
    Read more
  • Acton, Massachusetts

    Hike the Pratt's Brook Conservation Area Loop

    4.0
    1.5 mi / 85 ft gain
    Park in the small parking area right before the trailhead. *Notice this parking area is small and only fits about 3-4 cars so prepare to find street parking on a busy day. You can punch in the coordinates to a GPS if you need help finding it: 42.4545482, -71.4358192.  The loop is very diverse wit...
    Read more
  • Sutton, Massachusetts

    Hike the Purgatory Chasm Trail

    4.7
    1 mi / 115 ft gain
    For this 1-mile hike, you can park at the Purgatory Chasm Visitor Center. From there hit the trail and explore the unusual gap between the tall granite walls, which might be adorned with climbers. Great for all ages and dogs are welcome too. The trail is open March-November.
    Read more
  • Ashland, Massachusetts

    Hike the Ashland Reservoir Trail

    5.0
    3.2 mi / 68 ft gain
    Park in the lot on State Park Road (see map) to access the trail. It's a popular trail that is dog-friendly. Pay attention to the trail as at parts it is not well marked. 
    Read more
  • Concord, Massachusetts

    Hike around Walden Pond

    4.5
    1.69 mi / 45 ft gain
    Park in the lot ($8 for MA residents) by Walden Pond to access the trail, and head out either direction on the loop around the pond. Trail is accessible from April-October. 
    Read more
  • Temple, New Hampshire

    Hike the North & South Peaks of Pack Monadnock

    5.0
    8.3 mi / 2290 ft gain
    This route will take you to both peaks and on most of the trails in this section of the park! Take the Wapack Trail (1.4 miles, rocky, challenging) to the summit of South Pack (2290') and climb the fire tower for some incredible views! On a clear day, you can see the Boston skyline. Then continue...
    Read more
  • Temple, New Hampshire

    Hiking Pack Monadnock at Miller State Park

    4.0
    2.8 mi
    Miller State Park is the oldest State park in New Hampshire and offers the perfect spring, summer or fall hike. From the parking area, visitors can choose from one of three trails: The Marion Davis Trail (1.4 miles to peak), The Wapack Trail (1.4 miles to peak) or the Auto-road (~ 1.0 miles to pe...
    Read more
  • Milford, New Hampshire

    Granite Town Rail Trail

    13.24 mi / 761 ft gain
    Granite Town Rail Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a lake located near Milford, New Hampshire.
    Read more
  • Jaffrey, New Hampshire

    Hike MT Monadnock via White Arrow Trail

    4.3 mi / 1485 ft gain
    Arriving at the Old Toll Road/Halfway House Trail head you will have $5 entrance fee. Starting on the Old Toll road you'll find yourself walking on a gradual incline into the beautiful New Hampshire wilderness. Everything you see and smell is fresh and vibrant. Following the road for 1.1 miles yo...
    Read more
  • Jaffrey, New Hampshire

    Mount Monadnock via White Dot & White Cross Loop

    4.5
    3.7 mi / 1686 ft gain
    The White Dot Trail is the shortest, steepest ascent to the summit, while White Cross has a slightly easier grade down with very little difference in distance.  Therefore, per the park's rangers, the best way to conquer this loop is White Dot up, White Cross down.The White Dot Trail begins at Mon...
    Read more
  • Jaffrey, New Hampshire

    Mount Monadnock via White Dot Trail

    4.4
    3.46 mi / 1699 ft gain
    Monadnock State Park is located in and around the 3,165-ft. Mount Monadnock. Mount Monadnock is crisscrossed by many miles of well-maintained hiking trails. The popular White Dot Trail (2.2 miles) is the shortest but steepest ascent to the summit, accessible from the Monadnock State Park headquar...
    Read more
  • Douglas, Massachusetts

    Hike the Coffeehouse Loop, Douglas State Forest

    3.0
    2.2 mi / 500 ft gain
    Douglas State Forest is located off of Rte 16 in south central Massachusetts. To access trails and the lake, head to the parking area on Wallum Lake Park Road. From the parking lot, you can access the Coffeehouse Loop Trail, as well as a few other shorter trails by the lake. The Coffeehouse Loop ...
    Read more