White Mountains hiking trails near Boston Massachusetts with mountain peaks and forest scenery
71 Trails Within 150 Miles

Best Hikes Near Boston

71 incredible hiking trails within 2-3 hours of Boston, from easy family walks to challenging mountain climbs

Closest: 62 miles
Drive Time: 75 min - 2.5 hrs
Difficulty: Easy to Expert

Jump to Section:

⚡ Closest Trails 🥾 Easy Hikes ⛰️ Moderate Hikes 💧 Waterfall Hikes 📍 All 71 Trails

Why Boston is Perfect for Hiking

Living in Boston gives you incredible access to some of New England's best hiking trails. Within just 2-3 hours, you can escape the city and find yourself on mountain summits with panoramic views, beside cascading waterfalls, or exploring pristine forests in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, Southern Maine, and Vermont's Green Mountains.

Whether you're looking for an easy morning hike before brunch or a challenging all-day adventure, this guide covers the 71 best trails accessible from Boston. Each trail includes:

  • ✓ Exact distance from Boston (and estimated drive time)
  • ✓ Trail difficulty rating (easy, moderate, hard)
  • ✓ Elevation gain & distance
  • ✓ Parking information & fees
  • ✓ Interactive trail maps
  • ✓ Real-time weather conditions
⚡

5 Closest Trails to Boston

Perfect for quick day trips

Mount Agamenticus
692 ft

Mount Agamenticus

1.7 mi
0.7 hrs
350 ft
Easy View
75 min
Mount Monadnock
3,165 ft

Mount Monadnock

3.6 mi
2.1 hrs
1885 ft
Moderate View
76 min
Mount Major
1,786 ft

Mount Major

2.2 mi
1.2 hrs
849 ft
Moderate View
96 min
Mount Kearsarge
2,930 ft

Mount Kearsarge

2.2 mi
0.7 hrs
20 ft
Moderate View
96 min
Mount Cardigan
3,121 ft

Mount Cardigan

2.4 mi
1.7 hrs
1751 ft
Moderate View
119 min
🥾

Best Easy Hikes Near Boston

Great for beginners, families, and casual hikers

Mount Agamenticus
692 ft

Mount Agamenticus

1.7 mi
0.7 hrs
350 ft
Easy View
EASY
Bradbury Mountain
485 ft

Bradbury Mountain

1.4 mi
0.6 hrs
300 ft
Easy View
EASY
White Rocks
2,680 ft

White Rocks

1.9 mi
0.8 hrs
300 ft
Easy View
EASY
Step Falls
1,200 ft

Step Falls

0.5 mi
0.3 hrs
250 ft
Easy View
EASY
⛰️

Moderate Hiking Trails

Intermediate trails with rewarding views

Mount Monadnock
3,165 ft

Mount Monadnock

3.6 mi
2.1 hrs
1885 ft
Moderate View
MODERATE
Mount Major
1,786 ft

Mount Major

2.2 mi
1.2 hrs
849 ft
Moderate View
MODERATE
Mount Kearsarge
2,930 ft

Mount Kearsarge

2.2 mi
0.7 hrs
20 ft
Moderate View
MODERATE
Mount Cardigan
3,121 ft

Mount Cardigan

2.4 mi
1.7 hrs
1751 ft
Moderate View
MODERATE
Haystack Mountain
3,420 ft

Haystack Mountain

1.3 mi
0.7 hrs
459 ft
Moderate View
MODERATE
💧

Waterfall Hikes Near Boston

Scenic trails featuring waterfalls and swimming holes

Step Falls
1,200 ft

Step Falls

0.5 mi
0.3 hrs
250 ft
Easy View
WATERFALL
📍

All 71 Trails Near Boston

Sorted by distance from Boston

Mount Agamenticus
692 ft

Mount Agamenticus

1.7 mi
0.7 hrs
350 ft
Easy View
62 mi • 75 min
Mount Monadnock
3,165 ft

Mount Monadnock

3.6 mi
2.1 hrs
1885 ft
Moderate View
64 mi • 76 min
Mount Major
1,786 ft

Mount Major

2.2 mi
1.2 hrs
849 ft
Moderate View
80 mi • 96 min
Mount Kearsarge
2,930 ft

Mount Kearsarge

2.2 mi
0.7 hrs
20 ft
Moderate View
80 mi • 96 min
Mount Cardigan
3,121 ft

Mount Cardigan

2.4 mi
1.7 hrs
1751 ft
Moderate View
99 mi • 119 min
Haystack Mountain
3,420 ft

Haystack Mountain

1.3 mi
0.7 hrs
459 ft
Moderate View
102 mi • 123 min
Mount Ascutney
3,150 ft

Mount Ascutney

5.4 mi
3 hrs
2389 ft
Moderate View
102 mi • 123 min
Stratton Mountain
3,936 ft

Stratton Mountain

3 mi
1.7 hrs
1460 ft
Moderate View
106 mi • 128 min
Glastenbury Mountain
3,748 ft

Glastenbury Mountain

12.7 mi
5.1 hrs
1717 ft
Hard View
110 mi • 132 min
Welch Dickey
2,734 ft

Welch Dickey

3.6 mi
2.1 hrs
1800 ft
Moderate View
110 mi • 132 min
Mount Whiteface
4,020 ft

Mount Whiteface

8.6 mi
4.7 hrs
3739 ft
Hard View
110 mi • 132 min
Okemo Mountain
3,343 ft

Okemo Mountain

3.7 mi
2.3 hrs
2100 ft
Moderate View
111 mi • 133 min
Mount Chocorua
3,490 ft

Mount Chocorua

5.4 mi
3.3 hrs
3064 ft
Moderate View
111 mi • 133 min
Mount Passaconaway
4,043 ft

Mount Passaconaway

9.2 mi
4.4 hrs
2717 ft
Moderate View
111 mi • 134 min
Bromley Mountain
3,260 ft

Bromley Mountain

5.1 mi
2.2 hrs
996 ft
Moderate View
112 mi • 135 min
Middle Tripyramid
4,140 ft

Middle Tripyramid

11 mi
5.2 hrs
3050 ft
Hard View
112 mi • 135 min
North Tripyramid
4,180 ft

North Tripyramid

10.2 mi
4.9 hrs
2916 ft
Hard View
113 mi • 136 min
Mount Tecumseh
4,003 ft

Mount Tecumseh

4.4 mi
2.9 hrs
2904 ft
Hard View
114 mi • 137 min
Bradbury Mountain
485 ft

Bradbury Mountain

1.4 mi
0.6 hrs
300 ft
Easy View
116 mi • 139 min
Mount Osceola
4,340 ft

Mount Osceola

4.1 mi
2.5 hrs
2361 ft
Hard View
116 mi • 139 min
Pleasant Mountain
2,006 ft

Pleasant Mountain

1.7 mi
1.4 hrs
1650 ft
Moderate View
117 mi • 141 min
Dianas Baths
700 ft

Dianas Baths

0.4 mi
0.2 hrs
36 ft
Moderate View
118 mi • 142 min
Mount Equinox
3,848 ft

Mount Equinox

3.7 mi
2.6 hrs
2695 ft
Hard View
118 mi • 142 min
Mount Hancock
4,420 ft

Mount Hancock

5.2 mi
3 hrs
2600 ft
Hard View
121 mi • 145 min
Mount Carrigain
4,700 ft

Mount Carrigain

6.4 mi
4.1 hrs
4018 ft
Hard View
121 mi • 146 min
Mount Moosilauke
4,802 ft

Mount Moosilauke

4.9 mi
2.1 hrs
1024 ft
Hard View
121 mi • 146 min
White Rocks
2,680 ft

White Rocks

1.9 mi
0.8 hrs
300 ft
Easy View
123 mi • 147 min
Killington Peak
4,229 ft

Killington Peak

2.9 mi
2.1 hrs
2255 ft
Hard View
124 mi • 149 min
Mount Flume
4,328 ft

Mount Flume

6.2 mi
3.7 hrs
3167 ft
Hard View
124 mi • 149 min
Mount Liberty
4,459 ft

Mount Liberty

6.4 mi
3.8 hrs
3273 ft
Hard View
125 mi • 150 min
Arethusa Falls
2,000 ft

Arethusa Falls

1.6 mi
0.7 hrs
247 ft
Moderate View
125 mi • 150 min
Bondcliff
4,265 ft

Bondcliff

17.8 mi
7.6 hrs
3341 ft
Hard View
125 mi • 150 min
Mount Bond
4,698 ft

Mount Bond

19 mi
8.4 hrs
4101 ft
Hard View
126 mi • 151 min
Owl's Head
4,025 ft

Owl's Head

18 mi
7.6 hrs
3110 ft
Hard View
126 mi • 151 min
West Bond
4,540 ft

West Bond

20 mi
8.7 hrs
4019 ft
Hard View
126 mi • 152 min
South Kinsman
4,358 ft

South Kinsman

8.8 mi
4.6 hrs
3247 ft
Hard View
126 mi • 152 min
Pico Peak
3,957 ft

Pico Peak

5.8 mi
3.3 hrs
2731 ft
Moderate View
127 mi • 152 min
Mount Zealand
4,260 ft

Mount Zealand

11.2 mi
5.5 hrs
3481 ft
Moderate View
127 mi • 152 min
Mount Lincoln
5,089 ft

Mount Lincoln

7.8 mi
4.5 hrs
3900 ft
Hard View
127 mi • 152 min
North Kinsman
4,293 ft

North Kinsman

9.6 mi
4.7 hrs
2930 ft
Hard View
127 mi • 153 min

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the closest hiking trail to Boston?
The closest major hiking trail to Boston is Mount Agamenticus, located just 62 miles away (75 minute drive). This trail offers 692 ft elevation and is perfect for a quick day hike from the city.
What are the best easy hikes near Boston for beginners?
The best easy hikes near Boston include Mount Major, Welch-Dickey Loop, and several waterfall trails in the White Mountains. These trails offer beautiful scenery without requiring advanced hiking experience or fitness levels.
How far are the White Mountains from Boston?
The White Mountains of New Hampshire are approximately 120-140 miles from Boston, making them a 2-2.5 hour drive north. This proximity makes them ideal for day trips or weekend hiking adventures. Popular areas include Franconia Notch, Crawford Notch, and the Pinkham Notch area.
Do I need a parking pass for hiking trails near Boston?
Many trails in the White Mountain National Forest require a Recreation Pass ($5 daily or $30 annual). State parks like Franconia Notch and some trailheads have parking fees. Check each trail's parking information page for specific requirements. Some trails have free parking, especially in off-season.
Can I hike near Boston in winter?
Yes! Many trails near Boston are excellent for winter hiking. You'll need microspikes or crampons for icy conditions, insulated layers, and winter hiking boots. Start with easier trails like Mount Major or Mount Monadnock before attempting more challenging winter hikes. Always check weather conditions and avalanche forecasts for higher peaks.

Essential Tips for Hiking Near Boston

🚗 Getting There

  • • Leave early (7-8am) to avoid traffic and secure parking
  • • Check real-time traffic on I-93 North before leaving
  • • Have exact change or credit card for parking fees
  • • Download offline maps in case of poor cell service

🎒 What to Bring

  • • Water: 2+ liters per person
  • • Snacks: Trail mix, energy bars, fruit
  • • Layers: Weather changes quickly in mountains
  • • First aid kit & headlamp

📅 Best Times to Visit

  • • Summer (Jun-Aug): Best weather, most crowded
  • • Fall (Sep-Oct): Stunning foliage, moderate crowds
  • • Spring (Apr-May): Mud season, waterfalls at peak
  • • Winter (Dec-Mar): Requires winter gear, least crowded

⚠️ Safety First

  • • Check weather forecast before leaving
  • • Tell someone your hiking plans
  • • Turn back if weather deteriorates
  • • Stay on marked trails