Hiking

Each of the many trails and paths in Massachusetts offers distinct sights, flora, fauna and terrain. Exploring them all would probably take a lifetime — so start with the ones that best suit your individual interests.

If you want to put your hiking skills to the test, head west to the Appalachian Trail and Mt. Washington State Forest. For botanical variety, check out Greater Boston’s Garden in the Woods. For a leisurely walk through the forest, Weir Hill Reservation, located in Greater Merrimack Valley, is ideal. And for family fun, you’ll find an abundance of picnicking areas and moderately difficult trails in the central part of the state in places such as Royalston Falls and the Swift River Reservation.

Walk the salt-marsh boardwalk at Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, in Central Massachusetts, experience Purgatory Chasm, or on Monument Mountain, enjoy spectacular panoramic views of Southern Berkshire County.