Swansea, Massachusetts

Top Spots in and near Swansea

  • West Tisbury, Massachusetts

    Photograph Lambert's Cove

    While there are a number of beaches on Martha's Vineyard, many of the more well known and popular ones can easily get over crowded. The less widely known Lambert's Cove, however, is a gem that will not disappoint.  To access Lambert's Cove in the summer season, you'll need to get or borrow a pas...
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  • Hopkinton, Rhode Island

    Hike to Long Pond & Ell Pond

    5.0
    5.7 mi
    Long & Ell Pond is a favorite hike at any time of the year, but it is not for the faint of heart (or small children)! The path immediately becomes more of a rock-scrambling adventure than a hike, but the views are so worth it.  This GPS address will lead you down a dirt road but you should ea...
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  • Quincy, Massachusetts

    Skyline Trail Loop at Blue Hills

    4.0
    9.63 mi / 1358 ft gain
    Park in the lot across from Batterymarch Rd off of Willard St. Access the Skyline trail from here, it is marked blue. Follow the signs. The trails in Blue Hills are perfect for training for backpacking because they are so steep and rocky. I would fill up a big pack and take the skyline trail up t...
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  • Norwell, Massachusetts

    Hike the Norris Reservation Loop

    2.4 mi / 60 ft gain
    Choose from multiple trails in Norris that offer beautiful views of the the North river and marshland. Great spot to do some trail running through the woods and see the river too. There is also a pond a short distance from the parking lot that offers a great fishing spot with a picnic table nearb...
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  • Chilmark, Massachusetts

    Menemsha Hills Reservation Loop

    5.0
    2.98 mi / 344 ft gain
    GPS service in densely wooded areas on the Vineyard is hard to come by, so plugging in Menemsha Hills Reservation before getting on the road is advised. Traveling down N Road, you'll find an unmarked gravel road located between Turtle Cove and Trustees Lane. A short 400 meter drive will take you ...
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  • 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 ...
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  • Charlestown, Rhode Island

    Car Camp at Charlestown Breachway Campground

    Rhode Island is nicknamed the Ocean State for a reason, and camping by the coast is something absolutely necessary while in New England. During the summer and early fall, Charlestown, RI, as well as the surrounding beach towns, come alive with tourists from all over the globe. The Breachway Campg...
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  • Charlestown, Rhode Island

    Visit the Frosty Drew Observatory

    The Frosty Drew Observatory is located near the tip of southern Rhode Island, which means apart from summer this is a very quiet beach town. The isolation from major urban areas provides the perfect conditions for star-gazing. The building itself is located on a large plot of land dedicated to na...
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  • Voluntown, Connecticut

    Hike Pachaug State Forest Trails

    5.0
    3.6 mi / 200 ft gain
    Lawden Brook Trail Loop is a 3.6 mile loop hike that takes you by a lake located near Voluntown, Connecticut.
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  • 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. 
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  • Charlestown, Rhode Island

    Watch the Sunrise at East Beach, RI

    Walking over the dunes in the dark you can hear the waves breaking on shore from the parking lot. Wet suited up, camera in hand, make your way over the dunes and down to the water. East Beach is a sandy beach and with the right swell size and direction you'll get some sizable shore break to play ...
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  • Sutton, Massachusetts

    Hike the Purgatory Chasm Trail

    4.6
    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.
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  • Wellesley, Massachusetts

    Walk along Lake Waban

    3 mi
    Note: The campus is currently closed due to COVID-19 restrictions. This is a lake on Wellesley College Campus.  It is easy to get to from just about any direction. Just park and walk toward the lake, and there are paths that will take you there. The easiest place to park (pinned on the map) is ju...
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  • Boston, Massachusetts

    Run the Arnold Arboretum Trail

    5.0
    2.6 mi / 150 ft gain
    Park in the lot off of Arborway to access the trail. This place is gorgeous year round. The winter offers a quiet solitude, fall boasts bright colors, spring is the most beautiful as the flowers start to burst and cherry blossoms take over, and summer is overwhelmingly green. There are dozens of ...
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  • Westerly, Rhode Island

    Grills Preserve

    4.0
    4.27 mi / 351 ft gain
    Grills Preserve is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Bradford, Rhode Island.
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  • Plainfield, Connecticut

    Hike Sugar Brook Loop Trail

    4.0
    3.3 mi / 200 ft gain
    Sugar Brook Loop Trail is a 3.3 mile loop hike that takes you by a river located near Plainfield, Connecticut.
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