Day Trips from Gloucester
← All Gloucester day tripsDay Trips from Gloucester: Hiking Trails & Nature
Find the best hiking trails and nature destinations within driving distance of Gloucester, MA. From easy lakeside walks to challenging ridge hikes, these day trip trails deliver real scenery without the plane ticket. Drive times, ratings, and trail info included.
12 hiking trails near Gloucester
Mass Audubon's Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary
Topsfield, MA 01983
Just 27 min from Gloucester, rated 4.9 stars by 1,156 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Rocky Woods
Medfield, MA 02052
Just 1 hr 3 min from Gloucester, rated 4.8 stars by 327 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Wolfe's Neck Woods State Park
Freeport, ME 04032
Just 2 hrs 5 min from Gloucester, rated 4.8 stars by 1,420 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Crawford Notch State Park
Hart's Location, NH 03812
Just 2 hrs 49 min from Gloucester, rated 4.8 stars by 1,954 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Presumpscot River Preserve
Portland, ME 04103
Just 1 hr 45 min from Gloucester, rated 4.8 stars by 228 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Doane's Falls
Royalston, MA 01368
Just 1 hr 45 min from Gloucester, rated 4.8 stars by 428 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Moore State Park
Paxton, MA 01612
Just 1 hr 40 min from Gloucester, rated 4.8 stars by 919 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Brook Walk (Waterfalls) – Castle In The Clouds Conservation Area
Moultonborough, NH 03254
Just 2 hrs 6 min from Gloucester, rated 4.8 stars by 141 visitors, a popular destination with plenty to see and do.
Best time to visit: Spring and fall offer mild weather and smaller crowds at most attractions.
Saco Heath Preserve
Saco, ME 04072
Just 1 hr 29 min from Gloucester, rated 4.8 stars by 363 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Purgatory Chasm State Reservation
Sutton, MA 01590
Just 1 hr 23 min from Gloucester, rated 4.8 stars by 2,874 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Borderland State Park
North Easton, MA 02356
Just 1 hr 16 min from Gloucester, rated 4.8 stars by 1,230 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge
Sudbury, MA 01776
Just 1 hr from Gloucester, rated 4.7 stars by 679 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hiking Trails Day Trips from Gloucester
What are the best hiking trails near Gloucester, MA?
The best hikes near Gloucester range from easy nature preserve loops to challenging state park trails with waterfalls, overlooks, and canyon scenery. Check the cards above for top-rated options with real drive times.
Are there easy hikes near Gloucester?
Yes. Many state parks and nature preserves near Gloucester offer well-maintained, beginner-friendly trails under 3 miles. Look for "Nature" tagged destinations above for the most accessible options.
What should I bring on a day hike from Gloucester?
Pack water, snacks, sunscreen, and layers. Most trails near Gloucester are well-marked but cell service can be spotty in state parks. Download trail maps before you leave and wear sturdy shoes.
When is the best time to hike near Gloucester?
Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) offer the best hiking weather and scenery near Gloucester. Fall foliage is spectacular at most destinations. Summer works but can be hot and buggy. Winter hiking is possible at many parks with proper gear.
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