The 7 Most Scenic Train-accessible Hiking Trails Outside of Boston 

Make the most of warm weather by getting outside and exploring the many hiking and rail trails near Boston you can reach by train. These scenic trails are ideal for a solo trek, a laid-back day with friends, or an adventurous outing with family. Don't forget to take advantage of the <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/10-commuter-rail-weekends-boston-395708">$10 MBTA Commuter Rail Weekend Pass</a>, which offers unlimited rides on Saturdays, Sundays, and holiday weekends for just $10. Note: Most trails are walkable or just a short ride share from the nearest Commuter Rail station. If you have mobility needs, check trail accessibility before you go. 1) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/whitney-spur-trail-cohasset-massachusetts-cohasset-1019371">Whitney Spur Trail to Wompatuck State Park</a> Where: Cohasset Closest Commuter Rail station: Cohasset (Greenbush Line) Info: Start your adventure right at the station. The Whitney Spur Trail begins in the Cohasset Station lot and leads straight into Wompatuck State Park. With 3,500 acres of woods and over 40 miles of trails, this spot is perfect for hiking, biking, and even picnicking. The trail is stroller- and wheelchair-friendly, and bikes are allowed on the Greenbush Line year-round. 2) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/blue-hills-reservation-milton-massachusetts-milton-1019372">Blue Hills Reservation</a> (pictured) Where: Milton/Canton Closest Commuter Rail station: Readville (Fairmount Line) Info: Just a short ride share from Readville Station, Blue Hills Reservation offers 125 miles of hiking and biking trails across 7,000 acres. Climb up Great Blue Hill for one of the best views in the area, then cool off with a swim in Houghton’s Pond or relax in the shaded picnic areas. The Fairmount Line runs every 30 minutes, perfect for a quick escape from the city! 3) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/nashua-river-rail-trail-ayer-massachusetts-ayer-1019373">Nashua River Rail Trail</a> Where: Ayer Closest Commuter Rail station: Ayer (Fitchburg Line) Info: This 11-mile paved trail is just 0.3 miles from Ayer Station and stretches into the woods and wetlands of northern Massachusetts. Walk, bike, or skate your way past ponds, wildlife, and quiet meadows. Flat and accessible, this trail is a peaceful pick for all skill levels — and a great way to stay active without venturing too far from the train. 4) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/bruce-freeman-rail-trail-massachusetts-westford-1019374">Bruce Freeman Rail Trail</a> Where: West Concord Closest Commuter Rail station: West Concord (Fitchburg Line) Info: Hop off at West Concord Station and you’ll be just a few blocks from this multi-town rail trail. The Bruce Freeman Rail Trail spans over 20 miles through quiet woods, open fields, and residential areas. Whether you’re out for a short walk or a full-day ride, this wide, paved trail is open to all, including scooters and wheelchairs. 5) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/clipper-city-rail-trail-newburyport-massachusetts-newburyport-1019375">Clipper City Rail Trail</a> Where: Newburyport Closest Commuter Rail station: Newburyport (Newburyport/Rockport Line) Info: This scenic, art-filled rail trail starts just 0.2 miles from Newburyport Station and winds through downtown to the waterfront. The route includes sculptures, murals, and harbor views, ending at Cashman Park along the Merrimack River. Stop for ice cream, browse local shops, or pack a picnic for a perfect summer day trip by train. 6) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/shawsheen-river-trail-north-andover-massachusetts-north-andover-1019376">Shawsheen River Trail</a> Where: Lawrence Closest Commuter Rail station: Lawrence (Haverhill Line) Info: Walk just under a mile from Lawrence Station to reach the Shawsheen River Trail, a peaceful path that winds through the woods and along the Shawsheen River. Whether you’re walking, running, or biking, you’ll enjoy scenic views of the water as it flows into the Merrimack River at an underground waterfall. 7) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/middlesex-fells-reservation-stoneham-massachusetts-stoneham-1019377">Middlesex Fells Reservation</a> Where: Stoneham Closest Commuter Rail station: Melrose/Cedar Park (Haverhill Line) Info: Just over a mile from the Melrose/Cedar Park Station, or a short ride share away, Middlesex Fells offers over 100 miles of trails for hiking and biking. Spend the day exploring forest paths, fishing, or renting a canoe or kayak on Spot Pond. Dogs are welcome too, with a designated off-leash area for your four-legged hiking buddy. -- Photo: Views from Blue Hills Reservation

Massachusetts

Kate

Cady

Meredith 

S22: conversations

Wondering what to do in Boston? Places to eat? Free activities? Good for a group? Date night spot? Girls night out? The best things to do? Ask Joyraft!

Best places to go in Boston? Things to do? Places to eat?

Questions & answers about things to do in Boston

Recs 💬

Community recs 💬

S4: top picks

The most fun, cool and unique things to do in Boston. Can’t miss events, shows and experiences. Concerts, restaurants, bars, free things in Boston and beyond.

The most fun and cool events happening around Boston

Hot and new things to do in Boston

Hot & new

Hot & new 🔥

S11: happening this weekend

What to do in Boston this weekend? From festivals, concerts, performances, free events, screenings and more, Joyraft has the best things to do in Boston.

25+ things to do in Boston/Cambridge/Somerville this weekend

Things to do in Boston this weekend

This wknd

This weekend for you

S16: editor picks

The most unique and can’t miss things coming up in Boston / Cambridge / Somerville and beyond. Festivals, food, drinks, fairs, concerts, art and free activities.

Unique and Can’t Miss Things to Do in Boston

Can’t-miss things to do in Boston 🚨

Can't-miss things to do 🚨

S21: roundups

Our top picks: outdoor dining, free events, spring festivals, best bars, upcoming concerts, museum parties - the latest in and around Boston.  Slug: joyraft-top-picks-best-things-to-do-boston-ma

Top picks of the best things to do in and around Boston

Joyraft picks: Boston’s best things to do

Roundups ⭐️

Curated by Joyraft ⭐️

S28: calendar experiences

This week in Boston

This week in Boston 📆

This week 📆

S20: c+d experiences

Discover new, unique events and experiences happening in and around Boston. Perfect for date night, good for a group or with a friend. Be the first to know.

The newest events happening in and around Boston

The newest events on Joyraft

Just added

Just added to Joyraft

S2 (A): top experiences

The most popular things to do on Joyraft. Concerts, restaurants, bars, events, parties, openings, kid friendly, date ideas, free things in Boston and beyond.

Top 20 things to do in Boston

Top 20: Joyraft’s most popular

Top 20

Top 20 on Joyraft

S3 (A): trending experiences

Discover can’t miss events and things to do in Boston. The most fun, unique and cool events coming to the Boston area this spring and summer.

The hottest events happening in Boston

Trending events on Joyraft

Trending 📈

S17: interest based

Your guide to everything free in and around Boston. From events, to fairs, to festivals, to outdoors. Joyraft has all the free events happening near you.

100+ free things to do in Boston and beyond

Free things to do in Boston

Free things to do

S19: interest based

Kid-friendly events in Boston

S18: interest based

Where to eat and drink in Boston? Joyraft has Boston’s newest bars, restaurants and specials. Drinks and pre fixe dinner menus. Cambridge & Somerville too.

Boston Bars and Restaurants: Events and Openings

Food & drink experiences in Boston

Food & drink experiences 

Where

The 7 Most Scenic Train-accessible Hiking Trails Outside of Boston

Website

Where?