It’s said that the best things in life are free. And when you can find free outdoor activities in Massachusetts, well, that certainly is a good feeling! Here are seven things to do outside in the Bay State that don’t cost a penny and will allow you to connect with nature:
- Fort Hill, Eastham
John Phelan/Wikimedia Commons Head to Fort Hill in Eastham on the Cape for a one-mile hike along the Cape Cod National Seashore. It’s the perfect spot for connecting with nature and birdwatching. Visit the National Park Service website for more information. Fort Hill, Eastham, MA 02642, USA
- Cape Cod Rail Trail
Courtesy of Melissa Mahoney Spanning nearly 30 miles, you can bring your bike (or rent one) and take the Cape Cod Rail Trail from Wellfleet to South Dennis. Along the way, you’ll discover plenty of scenic views as you get some exercise. You can also pick a portion of the path and walk or jog along it instead. Read our previous coverage to learn more. Cape Cod Rail Trail, Orleans, MA, USA
- Freedom Trail, Boston
SeanPavonePhoto/ iStock / Getty Images Plus via Getty Images Get your exercise and a history lesson in as you follow the 2.5-mile Freedom Trail past 16 historically significant sites in Boston. Just follow the brick trail to take a self-guided tour. Visit the the Freedom Trail website for more information. Freedom Trail, Boston, MA, USA
- Rose Kennedy’s Greenway, Boston
NewtonCourt/Wikimedia Commons Each year, millions of visitors head to Rose Kennedy’s Greenway, an oasis in the middle of the city of Boston. There are also plenty of events held at the park throughout the year. Head to The Greenway website for more information. Rose Kennedy Greenway, Atlantic Ave, Boston, MA 02110, USA
- Minute Man National Historic Park, Lincoln
traveler1116/iStock / Getty Images Plus via Getty Images Minute Man National Historic Park marks the site where the first battle of the American Revolutionary War took place. Within the park, you’ll find the North Bridge and Battle Road, a five-mile stretch between Concord and Lexington. Visit the National Park Service website to learn more. 250 N Great Rd, Lincoln, MA 01773, USA
- Blue Hills Reservation, Milton
Bill Ilott/Flickr The 7,000-acre Blue Hills Reservation is home to 125 miles of trails and offers plenty of activities from hiking and horseback riding to boating, swimming, and camping. You can read more about Blue Hills Reservation in our previous coverage. Blue Hills Reservation, 695 Hillside St, Milton, MA 02186, USA
- Bridge of Flowers, Shelburne Falls
Brendon T./Google Located in the Western Massachusetts village of Shelburne Falls, the Bridge of Flowers is a former trolley bridge that’s been transformed into a gorgeous garden. Walk across it when it’s in bloom for one of the most unique experiences in the state. Read our previous coverage to learn more. Bridge of Flowers, Shelburne Falls, MA 01370, USA
John Phelan/Wikimedia Commons
Head to Fort Hill in Eastham on the Cape for a one-mile hike along the Cape Cod National Seashore. It’s the perfect spot for connecting with nature and birdwatching. Visit the National Park Service website for more information.
Fort Hill, Eastham, MA 02642, USA
Courtesy of Melissa Mahoney
Spanning nearly 30 miles, you can bring your bike (or rent one) and take the Cape Cod Rail Trail from Wellfleet to South Dennis. Along the way, you’ll discover plenty of scenic views as you get some exercise. You can also pick a portion of the path and walk or jog along it instead. Read our previous coverage to learn more.
Cape Cod Rail Trail, Orleans, MA, USA
SeanPavonePhoto/ iStock / Getty Images Plus via Getty Images
Get your exercise and a history lesson in as you follow the 2.5-mile Freedom Trail past 16 historically significant sites in Boston. Just follow the brick trail to take a self-guided tour. Visit the the Freedom Trail website for more information.
Freedom Trail, Boston, MA, USA
NewtonCourt/Wikimedia Commons
Each year, millions of visitors head to Rose Kennedy’s Greenway, an oasis in the middle of the city of Boston. There are also plenty of events held at the park throughout the year. Head to The Greenway website for more information.
Rose Kennedy Greenway, Atlantic Ave, Boston, MA 02110, USA
traveler1116/iStock / Getty Images Plus via Getty Images
Minute Man National Historic Park marks the site where the first battle of the American Revolutionary War took place. Within the park, you’ll find the North Bridge and Battle Road, a five-mile stretch between Concord and Lexington. Visit the National Park Service website to learn more.
250 N Great Rd, Lincoln, MA 01773, USA
Bill Ilott/Flickr
The 7,000-acre Blue Hills Reservation is home to 125 miles of trails and offers plenty of activities from hiking and horseback riding to boating, swimming, and camping. You can read more about Blue Hills Reservation in our previous coverage.
Blue Hills Reservation, 695 Hillside St, Milton, MA 02186, USA
Brendon T./Google
Located in the Western Massachusetts village of Shelburne Falls, the Bridge of Flowers is a former trolley bridge that’s been transformed into a gorgeous garden. Walk across it when it’s in bloom for one of the most unique experiences in the state. Read our previous coverage to learn more.
Bridge of Flowers, Shelburne Falls, MA 01370, USA
What are some of your favorite free outdoor activities in Massachusetts? Please share with us and your fellow readers in the comments!
Want more free things to do in Massachusetts? Check out this post for some additional ideas.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
