4 Great Places To Get Your Hike On This Fall
Here we are…Fall of 2020. As we all know the colder weather is around the corner, so I have been making sure I get outside as much as I can. I love winter sports (snowboarding and snowshoeing, here I come!), but there’s something about being outside when you don’t have to bundle up that I love even more.
FULL DISCLOSURE! I have always craved the electric energy of the city even before my move to NYC to go to NYU. Never time to really breathe when I lived in the city it was always on the go: the next accomplishment, the next job, the next whatever. I know I am not alone in the fact that this year has changed that. I’ve never craved a slow pace, or being outside as much as I do now. I thought doing anything outdoors besides running and biking workouts—was supposed to be a together activity. Something you do with other people. Now, I love hiking alone. I love getting lost, and then trying to find my way. I love being able to stop and journal, or read at whatever spot suits me on the trail. I love finding my own way, breathing in fresh air, hearing the quietness of nature. So I am disclosing my favorite hiking spots that I regular trek these days. Not only are they beautiful spots, but I feel really safe being alone out there because there is good cell service, and a good amount of people I pass and see along the way.
Blue Hills Reservation
This reservation has so many great trails with hidden gems. On my last hike I found a lovely fishing hole, and some great views and climbs set deep in the woods. I can easily get in a 2.5 mile hike without even thinking about it. In fact, with all the ups and downs and climbs you can find in this reservation my legs are almost always sore after—regularly need Advil after this one. I passed families and college students during the day, so I don’t feel so alone in the woods. It’s also a relatively easy drive for anyone living in and around Boston.
Break Heart Reservation
This is hands down my favorite place to head out into nature. My favorite trail is the Saugus River Trail, and my favorite spot to take a break is lower pond. I usually set out on a 4 mile hike. The terrain isn’t as challenging as Blue Hills, but I just love it so much. The winding woods trails are amazing if you want to get off the beaten path. However, there is a paved loop you can also walk or run that keeps you in a safe, reliable direction if you are worried about getting lost. If you have kids or dogs this trail is for you! Playgrounds, beach area, water, benches, and even a bark park for our four legged friends.
Mount Wachusett
One of my best friends really turned me onto this hike. I grew up snowboarding on this mountain, and never really paid much attention to it during the warmer months, but in the past few years I really like the challenge of walking the road up to the top. I am always sweating and out of breath no matter how many times I do it. I think I love the trail option just as much though it’s more of a straight route to the top rather than the winding paved roads, but still a challenge. I haven’t walked up the face of the mountain, which I see a lot of people do, but I hope to try that one soon. BONUS! I also really love the Crow Hill to Mt. Wachusett hike. You can do Crow Hill by itself which is one of my favorites and has great views at the top, with a few thrills on your way up of particularly steep areas. If you do choose to do the Crow Hill to Mt. Wachusett be prepared to hoof it—it’s an almost 11 mile hike!
Mt. Watatic
This one is a goodie, and you can tell immediately by how heavily trafficked it is. Not a super long hike, but good for all levels, plus the view at the top is always a keeper especially in the fall. Also, this trail always makes me want to get a dog with all the dog owners who happily trek along with their furry friends. Of course, if you want that insta photo at the top—you will not be disappointed.
These are four of my favorite places right now, and as the leaves continue to change color probably the best they are going to be in the coming weeks. I am heading to Sunapee for the weekend in New Hampshire. I have never hiked out there, but we plan to do some hiking and kayaking this weekend. This won’t be a solo trip—but may be worth it’s own blog post in the future! Stay Tuned. In the meantime let me know your favorite spots to get outside!
