Hiking & Kayaking Locally - Recommended Destinations Near Boston

Even though I wish I could just take time from work whenever I want, it is still not easy for me or anyone to get out there for a long weekend or extended trip. There are a handful of places in the Boston area where one can enjoy kayaking and hiking, without exploring the same area every time.

Here are some of my recommended hikes and paddles in fairly close proximity to Boston:

Hiking

Harold Parker State Forest, North Andover, MA - Harold Parker State Forest is fantastic for those looking for many miles of hiking trails and several ponds to fish in. If you are not able to get up to NH, ME, or VT for some good hiking and fishing, check Harold Parker out. You can reserve campsites here too, which is great for families with limited time looking for the experience of hiking, camping, and fishing.

Willowdale State Forest

Willowdale State Forest, Ipswich, MA - This state forest in Ipswich, MA offers many trails for good short hikes for those who like to get out and back quickly. The trails wind along a ridge that intersects wetlands.  It's a small state forest, but it does have other trails I have not checked out yet. Despite being close to the cities, its still a pretty good area to explore without the crowds. Anyways, how many people are going to Ipswich, MA to hike? It's pretty cool.

Crystal Gorge Reservation, Haverhill, MA/NH Line - This reservation can be found on the MA/NH line in Haverhill, MA near Crystal Lake. Offered, are a few loop trails, that can get you out and back quickly, still covering a couple miles, over some varying terrain, including some ridges and unique land formations. This is a place worth checking out, especially if you live close to it, as you will find it hard to believe this area is near your own backyard.

Paddling

Paddling in Ipswich, MA

Ipswich River - There are numerous locations located all along the river from N. Reading to Ipswich, MA where paddlers can put-in and take-out. This allows for those with limited time to plan a paddle very easily. You can always paddle against the current on the Ipswich (unless its a raging flood or something). With two cars, you can get a nice 2-3 hour paddle after work, covering around 4+ miles, depending on conditions. The Ipswich seems to offer something different each time. Last week, I paddled 10 miles and to my surprise, I got to go over multiple drops that had formed because of small dams in the river.

Chadwick Pond - Haverhill, MA - Chadwick Pond in Haverhill, MA is a small shallow pond that is great for evening or sunset paddling. Pickerel are abundant and can make for some pretty decent fishing. There is only parking for a few cars on the side of the tiny road, but it is a pretty and calm place to paddle.

As I explore more areas, I will likely update this post to reflect new thoughts and new places near Boston...I don't want to give them ALL away!

Have a place you enjoy near Boston? Please share your comments.

Mount Washington - 7-21-2007

I began my hike around 8AM at the Ammonoosuc Ravine trailhead, which is located right near the base of the Cog Railway Station. The weather appeared ominous at first, but I knew it was going to be a good day once the morning went by. Overall, the hike was pretty good; challenging, but not too strenuous. Once you pass through the woods, and once it starts going up, it goes up.

All of the trails on Mt. Washington offer something a bit different. The Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail's main feature is the picturesque waterfalls and the Ammonoosuc River, which runs down the mountain, and into the ravine. This waterfall shown below is one of the most beautiful waterfalls I have ever seen up close. Because it was July, the water on the mountain was screaming down the mountain where ever there was a stream.

As the ascent continues, the trail becomes just about completely rocky. I then made it to the AMC Lakes of the Clouds Hut, where I stopped quickly for an energy bar. One of the things I will never forget is having to put on my winter hat and rain jacket as I left, as the weather had picked up in the way of misting dense fog and periodic wind gusts nearing 70mph.

Large waterfall on the Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail

The weather did not pose much of a problem, as it cleared within an hour or so, and was just about gone as I reached the summit at 6288ft. When you do something like this, taking on a landscape and mother nature, I truly felt the sense of accomplishment, yet also the desire to do other things outdoors.

Hike Stats
Trails: Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail, Crawford Path
Mileage: 4.5 mi.
Elevation Gain: 3800ft
Book Time: 4:40