Snowshoeing Greater Boston

If you live in Greater Boston, sneaking out to snowshoe should be on your to-do list after a significant snowfall. Snowshoeing is a great way to explore the outdoors and beat those winter blues! If in the Boston area, here are four great hikes to take on snowshoes this winter.

Snowshoeing just outside Boston in the Blue Hills

Blue Hills Reservation

Blue Hills Reservation, located only 30 minutes from the city, is one of the best places in Greater Boston to snowshoe after a big snowstorm. Perhaps the most popular destination within the Reservation is Great Blue Hill. The hill is the highest point within 10 miles (16 km) of the Atlantic Ocean between Maine and North Carolina.

Snowshoeing Great Blue Hill

Many hikers ascend Big Blue via the Red Dot Trail, which begins from the Blue Hills Ski Area’s parking lot on Route 138 in Milton. The trail leaves the parking lot near the main entrance to the Trailside Museum and follows red circular blazes as it climbs over snow-covered slabs, through a pleasant hardwood forest, and along the edge of the ski area. Just past halfway, the trail crosses Summit Road—likely plowed unless you’re really early. Then, it makes a final push up to Eliot Tower, which was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s and is a National Historic Landmark. For an excellent view of a snow-covered Greater Boston, make sure to venture up to the stone tower’s overlook!

The snowshoe up Big Blue typically takes around 30 minutes and is less than a mile (1.6 km) long. Even those with limited time can get back to the trailhead quickly by retracing their tracks on the Red Dot Trail. However, consider leaving enough time to make the 10-15 minute loop around Great Blue Hill’s summit.

Add The Eliot Circle Loop

The short and flat Eliot Circle Trail around the summit offers excellent views of Greater Boston and Boston Harbor, among other sights. The loop also goes right by the Blue Hills Meteorological Observatory, which is the oldest continuously operating observatory in the United States.

Then, once you return to Eliot Tower, the easiest option is to descend the way you came up. A less-trafficked option is to follow the northern branch of the Red Dot Trail—also called the Abigail Adams Trail—as it loops back to the Trailside Museum. If you’re looking to get some exercise breaking trail, this is the place to go!

Read More: Boston, MA: Top 5 Daytrips For Snowshoe Beginners

The view from the Blue Hills’ Eliot Tower

Mount Wachusett

Derived from the Algonquin word meaning “mountain place,” Mount Wachusett is a beacon for snow seekers from central Massachusetts and further. It’s approximately 15 miles (24 km) from Worcester, 40 miles (64 km) from Boston, and 50 miles (80 km) from Providence. Overshadowed by its reputation as a ski destination, the 2,006-foot (611 m) Mount Wachusett is also home to 17 miles (27 km) of trails idyllic for snowshoeing.

Snowshoeing The Balance Rock Trail & Old Indian Trail

The most popular route with snowshoers leaves from the ski area parking lot on the Balance Rock Trail. Beginning gently, Balance Rock winds through the lush pines found on the lower mountain. Then it continues past the trail’s namesake—two large boulders stacked on top of one another, and the result of glacial activity thousands of years ago. Finally, the trail steepens as it joins the Old Indian Trail. If Wachusett’s mid-mountain lift is running, you might hear the jubilant sounds of happy skiers as they prepare to descend, as the lift is just a short bushwack through the woods.

Following the Old Indian Trail, you’ll snowshoe across the auto road once and trek right next to it a second time. After the second encounter with the road, the trail is at its steepest. Prepare for some fancy footwork as you negotiate the bouldery bits and one particularly steep (sometimes snow-free slab). If this seems too challenging to do in snowshoes, this section of the trail is easily avoidable by following the auto road to the top.

Just below the top of the mountain, you’ll again hear the sounds of skiers, as the summit lift is a short walk to your left once you exit the forest. Pop your head out and take a look at the mountain’s conditions. Or turn right toward the tower that marks the top and take in vast views extending to Mount Monadnock to the north, Mount Greylock to the west, and the Boston skyline to the east.

The most straightforward way down is to head back the way you came for a roughly five-mile (8 km) round trip. If time or energy is a concern, follow the road to its juncture with the Balance Rock Trail. The auto road is not plowed. However, snowmachines regularly use it to access the top of the mountain, typically leaving it well packed and making for reasonably easy snowshoeing.

The Balance Rock Trail’s namesake formation

Mount Watatic

About an hour outside Greater Boston is another excellent snowshoe destination: Mount Watatic. Located off Route 119 in Ashburnham, this 1,832-foot (558 m) peak offers magnificent views of southern New Hampshire, Mount Wachusett, and, in the distance, Boston’s skyline. Climbing through several spectacular stands of mature trees, the Wapack Trail ascends approximately 700 feet (213 m) over almost 3 miles (4.8 km) to Watatic’s open summit. In winter, it is a snowshoer’s paradise.

Many love snowshoeing at Mount Watatic because of its reliable and deep (for Massachusetts, anyway) snowpack. Others enjoy it because it does not see as much hiker traffic as some other Greater Boston classics. Thus, it’s easier to find some solitude in this winter wonderland. Another plus: Even when the main trail is tracked out, there’s usually optimal snow for snowshoeing on either side of the trail and all around the open summit.

Add Some Challenge!

For snowshoers looking for a more challenging outing, the eastern side of Mount Watatic was once a popular ski area and is now a popular destination for backcountry skiers. It’s a great place to slide into the backcountry.

Mount Watatic is also the southernmost peak of the Wapack Range. Established in 1923, the Wapack Trail is one of the country’s oldest multi-state hiking trails. Furthermore, it connects the Wapack Range’s ten summits in Massachusetts and New Hampshire throughout 22 miles (35 km). If you’re looking to tack on a few extra miles to your snowshoe adventure, the portion of the Wapack just north of Watatic is spectacular. Check it out before heading back down to your vehicle at the trailhead.

Read More: Walk (Or Snowshoe) In The Steps Of History In Concord, MA

Climbing Mount Watatic on snowshoes for a snowboard descent

Moose Hill Wildlife Sanctuary

Moose Hill Wildlife Sanctuary in Sharon, Massachusetts, is another excellent under-the-radar destination for snowshoers looking to score post-storm freshies. Mass Audubon’s oldest wildlife sanctuary, there are 25 miles (40 km) of trails for snowshoers to explore.

Using the sanctuary’s trail map, snowshoers can build loops around this almost-2,000-acre property to suit their interests and time constraints. As you romp around the sanctuary’s forests and fields, be sure to take the Bluff Trail to the Bluff Overlook. Located on the northern side of the sanctuary, the Bluff Trail rewards snowshoers with fantastic views.

For those looking for an uphill workout, don’t miss the Summit Trail, which ascends to the sanctuary’s high point, 534-foot (163 m) Moose Hill. From the sanctuary’s visitor center, the Summit and Bluff Trails are easily connected via the Old Pasture and Turkey Trails. These trails make for a fantastic loop on your outing!

Whatever trails in the sanctuary you decide to explore, be on the lookout for the area’s abundant wildlife. In all likelihood, you’ll find fresh deer, turkey, and coyote tracks in the snow as you snowshoe around the sanctuary. Careful observers may spy the tracks for fishers and foxes as well.

Sunset at Moose Hill

Go Snowshoeing Near Boston

Greater Boston is packed with fantastic spots to snowshoe. However, it’s also densely populated, so plan on an early start if you’re dreaming about first tracks. Or, sleep in, let others pack in the trail, and cover maximum mileage later in the day.

What are your favorite areas to go snowshoeing near Boston?