Neighbor News
Brian Palaia on New England’s Elite Excursions
Brian Palaia lists the best hiking destinations in the New England area.
New England is home to some of the best and most beautiful landscapes — which makes the area great for hiking adventures. Massachusetts, Vermont, Rhode Island, and more are all home to fun adventure, breathtaking views, and memories that will last a lifetime. Check out these five hiking excursions that will not disappoint!
Cliff Walk — Newport, RI
Located in Rhode Island, the Cliff Walk is a favorite walk along the eastern shoreline. This trail runs about 3.5 miles and is great for beginner hikes because the majority of the path is on easy walking conditions. During the Cliff Walk, hikers can view beautiful ocean waters and gorgeous mansions.
Stratton Trail — Stratton, VT
Over double the length of the Cliff Walk, the Stratton Trail is 7.6 miles long. Throughout the hike, you can lookout many vista openings and enjoy the lush forest. At the summit of Stratton Mountain, you have the opportunity to climb a tower which was originally built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1934. The tower offers a breathtaking 360-degree look of the Green Mountain range and the Taconic Mountains.
South Ridge Trail — Mount Desert Island, ME
A slightly more difficult trail is the South Ridge Trail located in Maine. This 7.1-mile hike features beautiful flowers, a small pond, and dense forests. Perfect for experienced runners and hikers, the South Ridge Trail is full of rugged terrain and steep climbs. This trail does get steep as you approach the summit of Cadillac Mountain, but the stunning glimpses of the ocean and, at night, a clear shot of the Milky Way is well worth it!
Welch-Dickey Loop Trail — Thornton, NH
Another moderate trail in New England is the Welch-Dickey Loop. This trail is roughly four miles long and is perfect for hiking, walking, and bird watching. The Welch-Dickey Loop crosses both the Welch and Dickey Mountain summits, which provides many breathtaking views. The climb is generally smooth with a few steep stretches.
Blue Hills Reservation — Milton, MA
In general, the Blue Hills Reservation in Massachusetts is a fantastic park to explore. Just a few miles outside of Boston, the Blue Hills Reservation is over 7,000 acres and is great for hikers, bikers, walkers, and more. The Skyline Trail is one of the more difficult hikes but allows you to climb over many different summits. The trail can spread over 12 miles, but there is a shorter three-mile loop.
These five trails are just a few of the beautiful hiking trails in New England. No matter which state or path you choose to visit, the stunning views throughout the upper northeast will not disappoint.
Originally published at brianpalaia.net on August 9, 2018.
