- The Massachusetts Office of Outdoor Recreation
Massachusetts — There's nothing like spending time in the outdoors during summer, especially when you have such a beautiful state at your fingertips. Whether by yourself or with your family and friends, Massachusetts is waiting to be explored, from forest to coast. There are just so many things to do, it can almost be overwhelming! Here are some ideas to get the ball rolling on your summer plans—think of them as a bucket list of activities to do before the chill sets in and the long days of sun seem more like a distant memory.
North of Boston
See tide pools at Wingaersheek
Photo by Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management
Want to get out to the coast but avoid the summer crowds? Wingaersheek Beach is only a few miles from Gloucester, and while it's beautiful in and of itself, it has a secret for the creature-lovers among us: tide pools! You never know what you'll stumble across when you go tide pooling. Just remember to be courteous of the wildlife—don't disturb the pools or pick up any animals.
Additionally, be sure to wear shoes with plenty of traction so you can traverse the rocks with ease. Tide pooling at Wingaersheek will require a bit of prior planning: firstly, parking at Wingaersheek is reserved online or on the Blinkay App up to ten days in advance. Parking is $40 on weekdays and $45 on weekends and holidays for non-residents. Furthermore, you'll have the most luck finding tide pools at low tide; be sure to check a website like US Harbors or a tide-tracking app to make sure you'll arrive at the right time.
Go birding in Parker River National Wildlife Refuge
Photo by Matt Poole/USFWS
Got your binoculars handy? A little farther up the North Shore—just outside Newburyport—you'll find an animal haven in the form of Parker River National Wildlife Refuge. Scan from an observation tower or get out there yourself and traverse the paths in search of wildlife. Spot the adorable piping plover (but keep your distance!) along with any number of other creatures that have made their home in this protected marsh habitat. Plus, don't forget to stop by the visitor center to learn about the animal residents of the area. A day parking pass is $5—or, if you just can't stop yourself from coming back, an annual pass is only $20!
Central Mass
Stargaze at Wachusett Mountain State Reservation
Photo by MK Feeney
Thinking it might be time to just get away from it all? Look no further than Wachusett Mountain State Reservation. Yes, the view from the summit—which you can drive right up in the summer—is breathtaking, but what about after the sun goes down? Far enough away from all that light pollution to get a great view, you'll be able to see the stars in all their glory from this reservation. If you're a city dweller, you might be amazed how many have actually been in the sky this whole time! Pull up a constellation app and try to identify the some of them—or just let yourself be awed by the beauty of the night sky overhead.
Drift down Deerfield River
Photo by Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism
Deerfield River winds dozens of miles through Massachusetts down from Vermont, providing ample opportunity to enjoy its shores. Whether you're an experienced whitewater rafter or just like to float on the water, Deerfield River has got it all. Make sure you choose a portion of the river that's right for you! If you're more experienced, you might consider taking your kayak out to Fife Brook for class II rapids or even heading to "the Dryway" for a class IV challenge. For a more chill floating experience, try starting from Zoar Picnic Area. Check the dam release schedule so you know the waterflow wherever you end up going—and of course, always wear a lifejacket.
South of Boston
Dive into Houghton's Pond
Photo by Timothy Valentine
Massachusetts has its fair share of swimmable ponds and lakes, but for somewhere to take a swim with all the amenities, take a trip down to Houghton's Pond nearby Milton and Norwood. Located in the scenic Blue Hills Reservation, this pond will leave you wanting for nothing, with a bathhouse, visitor center, lifeguards, reservable picnic tables, and free parking. Swim the day away and just don’t worry about anything else! Be sure to check the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation's (DCR) website to ensure that the pond is open before you visit!
Bike the Cape Cod Rail Trail
Photo by Buzzards Bay Coalition
Cape Cod is famously beautiful, but which part should you check out? Well, if you bike along the Cape Cod Rail Trail, you don't have to choose! This 26-mile paved trail offers a convenient way to take in Cape Cod's beauty and its attractions as it winds its way through six different towns and an abundance of lakes, wetlands, and dunes. Plus, it's easy to detour to the picturesque Cape Cod National Seashore and rest your legs for a moment on the sand. Park for free at the trailhead at Cape Cod Rail Trail Western Terminus or Stations Avenue in South Yarmouth. And if you don't have a bike, that's okay—there are plenty of bike rentals close by!
Camp in Myles Standish State Forest
Photo by Alvin Ko
Do you remember idyllic summer days spent on camping trips as a kid? Relive those carefree moments at Myles Standish State Forest, a 12,000-acre recreation area with plenty of campsites, trails, ponds, and even cranberry bogs. Visit the forest’s unique kettle ponds, which were formed by glaciers long ago. Bike—or walk, whatever suits your fancy—along over 13 miles of trails through the forest, including the rare pine barrens ecosystem. After you’re done exploring for the day, return to your cozy campsite and roast marshmallows over the fire—and get a good night’s sleep so you can do it all over again tomorrow.
Western Mass
Snap a picture of Bash Bish Falls
Photo by Fabio Bruna
You may have already heard of this one—Bash Bish Falls is, after all, the tallest waterfall in Massachusetts at nearly 200 feet in total! Only a short trail away from two parking lots on either the Massachusetts or New York side (although a little uphill), these falls are worth the climb; don't forget to bring your camera and take a picture or two from the viewing platform. And since you're already way out in the southwest corner of Massachusetts, why not take advantage of its pristine wilderness and take a stroll through the old growth trees of Mount Washington State Forest as well?
Hike to the top of Mount Greylock
Photo by Doug Kerr
Need a little bit of a challenge? Just want to feel like you’ve really succeeded at something? Climb to the summit of Mount Greylock, the tallest peak in not only Massachusetts but all of southern New England! There are many paths you can take to reach the top. Try the Hopper Trail, a 5-mile loop, off Sperry Road Campground—you might discover a secret waterfall and lake on your way up! Or, if you’re looking for even more exercise, go for the more strenuous 5.5-mile Gould Trail off of Gould Road. While the climb might be steep at times, the views are breathtaking. Take as much time exploring the beauties of Mount Greylock as you want—just don’t forget to wear sun protection and bring water and snacks!
