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Worcester, Massachusetts

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

Top Hiking Spots in and near Worcester

  • 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.
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  • 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.
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  • 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...
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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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  • 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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  • 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...
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  • Blackstone, Massachusetts

    Hike the Blackstone Gorge Trail

    5.0
    0.7 mi / 72 ft gain
    Park at the lot at the corner of Staples Lane and County Street. From here you can access the Blackstone Gorge Trail. Dogs are allowed on leash, and you can enjoy various paths along the river or through the forest. At multiple points you can find yourself looking down at the Blackstone River fro...
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  • 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...
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  • North Smithfield, Rhode Island

    Hike the Fort Wildlife Refuge

    1 mi
    The parking area is about 50 yards down the dirt driveway on your right. Take care in the spring, as the parking lot can become a mud pit!  This wildlife refuge is a series of loops which lead to three different ponds. These directions are for the 'Pond One' loop. When you start on the trail, sta...
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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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  • 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...
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  • 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. 
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  • 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...
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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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  • Hampden, Massachusetts

    Goat Rock Trail

    2.67 mi / 659 ft gain
    Goat Rock Trail is an out-and-back trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Hampden, Massachusetts.
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  • Providence, Rhode Island

    Hike The Neutaconkanut Trails

    5.0
    To enter the park, you first have to go through a field and past a baseball park. Next, you will see a high slope, you can either enter the trails through here or the stairs at the side. Some of the trails are overgrown and may have ticks or poison ivy so be careful. This place is good for kids a...
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