Adventure

The Great Outdoors: 19 Hiking Gems in Arlington

Arlington, Massachusetts, maybe a bustling suburb just outside of Boston, but it also offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts to escape into nature.

With a variety of picturesque trails and parks, hiking in Arlington is a popular way for residents and visitors to connect with the natural beauty of the area.

From easy strolls to challenging treks, there is something for hikers of all skill levels to enjoy in this charming New England town.

Whether you are looking for a leisurely walk through lush forests or a rigorous climb to a stunning vista, Arlington has something to offer every outdoor adventurer.

1. Minuteman Bike Path

Minuteman-Bike-Path

The Minuteman Bike Path in Arlington, MA, USA, is a popular destination for hiking enthusiasts. This scenic trail offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

As you walk along the path, you’ll be surrounded by lush greenery and beautiful wildlife.

The fresh air and tranquil atmosphere make it the perfect spot for a leisurely stroll or an intense hike. The trail is well-maintained and easy to navigate, making it suitable for hikers of all skill levels.

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Whether you’re looking for a quick workout or a relaxing nature walk, the Minuteman Bike Path has something for everyone. Be sure to bring plenty of water and snacks, as there are limited amenities along the trail. And don’t.

Rating: 9.8

Address: 14 Park Ave, Arlington, MA 02476, United States

2. Turkey Hill

Turkey-Hill

Turkey Hill is a popular hiking spot in Arlington, MA, USA. The trail is known for its beautiful scenery and challenging terrain. Hikers of all skill levels can enjoy the variety of trails that Turkey Hill has to offer.

The trail at Turkey Hill winds through dense forests, open meadows, and rocky terrain. Hikers can expect to see a variety of wildlife along the way, including birds, deer, and other woodland creatures.

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The sounds of nature surround you as you make your way through the trail. The elevation gain at Turkey Hill provides a good workout for hikers looking to challenge themselves. The steep inclines and descents offer a mix of moderate to difficult hiking options.

The views from the top of the hill are worth the effort.

Rating: 8.2

Address: 9 Brand St, Arlington, MA 02474, United States

3. trailhead to Burlington Landlocked Forest

trailhead-to-Burlington-Landlocked-Forest

Are you looking for a great hiking spot in Arlington, MA, USA? Look no further than the trailhead to Burlington Landlocked Forest!

This beautiful area offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, with miles of scenic trails to explore. One of the best things about this hiking spot is that dogs are allowed.

This means you can bring your furry friend along for a fun and adventurous day out in nature.

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Just be sure to keep your pup on a leash and clean up after them to ensure a positive experience for everyone. As you hike through the forest, you’ll be surrounded by towering trees, chirping birds, and the peaceful sounds of nature.

The well-maintained trails are perfect for hikers of all skill.

Rating: 9.2

Address: Yellow Loop Trail, Lexington, MA 02420, United States

Website: landlockedforest.com

4. Shade Street Trail

Shade-Street-Trail

Shade Street Trail in Arlington, MA, is a popular spot for hiking, especially for dog owners.

With its scenic views and well-maintained paths, it’s the perfect place to enjoy a leisurely stroll with your furry friend. The trail is known for its peaceful ambiance, making it a great escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

The lush greenery and tranquil surroundings make it a favorite spot for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.One of the best things about Shade Street Trail is that dogs are allowed on the trail.

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This means you can bring your four-legged companion along for the adventure, making it a fun outing for both you and your pet. Walking your dog on the trail is not only a great way to bond with.

Address: 131 Shade St, Lexington, MA 02421, United States

5. Start of Minuteman Bike Path

Start-of-Minuteman-Bike-Path

The Minuteman Bike Path in Arlington, MA is a popular spot for hikers looking to enjoy a scenic outdoor adventure.

One of the great things about this trail is that dogs are allowed, making it the perfect destination for furry friends and their owners to explore together.

As you start your hike at the beginning of the Minuteman Bike Path, you’ll be greeted by beautiful views of nature and plenty of opportunities to soak in the fresh air.

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The well-maintained trail offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, allowing you to connect with nature and get some exercise at the same time.

Having your furry companion with you on the hike can enhance the experience, as dogs often bring a sense of joy and excitement to.

Rating: 9.6

Address: Minuteman Commuter Bikeway &, Alewife Linear Path, Cambridge, MA 02140, United States

Website: minutemanbikeway.org

6. Cooke’s Hollow

Cookes-Hollow

In Arlington, MA, Cooke’s Hollow offers a picturesque setting for a hike with your furry friend.

This scenic trail allows dogs, making it a perfect spot for dog owners looking to enjoy the great outdoors together. As you embark on your hike through Cooke’s Hollow, you and your canine companion will be surrounded by lush greenery and towering trees.

The peaceful atmosphere of the trail provides a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. With dogs allowed on the trail, you can enjoy quality time with your four-legged friend while exploring the beauty of nature.

Your pup will love the opportunity to stretch their legs and explore new sights and smells along the way. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll or a more challenging hike.

Rating: 9.4

Address: 94 Mystic St, Arlington, MA 02474, United States

7. Willard’s Woods

Willards-Woods

Located in Arlington, MA, Willard’s Woods is a beautiful 100-acre conservation area that offers a variety of trails for hiking enthusiasts to enjoy.

The trails wind through meadows, wetlands, and pine groves, providing visitors with a diverse and scenic landscape to explore.

Hikers can take in the natural beauty of the area while getting some exercise and fresh air. The meadows are filled with wildflowers and grasses, creating a peaceful and serene environment for hikers to enjoy.

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The wetlands are home to a variety of plant and animal species, making them a fascinating place to observe nature up close. The pine groves offer shade and shelter from the sun, making them the perfect place to take a break and relax.

Rating: 9.4

Phone: +1 781-862-0500

Address: 44 North St, Lexington, MA 02420, United States

Website: lexingtonma.gov

8. Horn Pond Mountain

Horn-Pond-Mountain

Located in Arlington, MA, Horn Pond Mountain offers a picturesque setting for hiking enthusiasts to explore. The trail winds through dense forests, offering a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Along the way, hikers can enjoy the sights and sounds of nature, from chirping birds to rustling leaves. The terrain of Horn Pond Mountain is varied, with gentle slopes and challenging inclines.

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Hikers of all skill levels can find a suitable route to enjoy the natural beauty of the area.

The trail is well-marked and maintained, making it easy to navigate even for beginners. As hikers ascend the mountain, they will be rewarded with stunning views of the surrounding landscape. From the top, the city of Arlington can be seen.

Rating: 10

Address: Woburn, MA 01801, United States

9. Arlington’s Great Meadows

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Arlington’s Great Meadows offers a beautiful and diverse landscape for hikers to explore.

With 183 acres of wet meadows and uplands, there are plenty of trails to wander along while taking in the sights of various plants and wildlife. The wet meadows provide a unique opportunity to observe different types of plant life that thrive in this habitat.

From colorful wildflowers to tall grasses swaying in the breeze, there is always something new to discover with each step. As you make your way through the uplands, keep an eye out for wildlife that call this area home.

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Birds can be seen soaring overhead or perched in trees while small mammals scurry through the underbrush. It’s a great chance to witness nature up close.

Rating: 9.2

Phone: +1 781-863-5385

Address: Minuteman Commuter Bikeway, Lexington, MA 02420, United States

Website: foagm.org

10. Menotomy Rocks Park

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Menotomy Rocks Park in Arlington, MA, USA, offers a variety of outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy.

The park is known for its wooded trails, ball fields, a 3-acre fishing pond, and a playground. The wooded trails at Menotomy Rocks Park provide the perfect setting for a leisurely hike or a refreshing nature walk.

Visitors can explore the natural beauty of the area while taking in the sights and sounds of the surrounding landscape.

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For those looking to enjoy some outdoor sports, the ball fields at Menotomy Rocks Park offer a great space to play a game of baseball, softball, or soccer.

The well-maintained fields provide a fun and competitive environment for athletes of all ages. Fishing enthusiasts will appreciate the 3-acre fishing pond.

Rating: 9.4

Phone: +1 781-316-3880

Address: 129 Jason St, Arlington, MA 02476, United States

Website: arlingtonma.myrec.com

11. Alewife Reservation entrance at Acorn Park Drive

Alewife-Reservation-entrance-at-Acorn-Park-Drive

The Alewife Reservation entrance at Acorn Park Drive is a hidden gem in Arlington, MA, USA. As you enter the park, you are greeted by a lush green landscape and a peaceful atmosphere that is perfect for hiking.

The well-maintained trails wind through the reservation, offering hikers a chance to explore the natural beauty of the area. The trails at the Alewife Reservation are perfect for hikers of all skill levels.

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Whether you are a beginner looking for an easy stroll or an experienced hiker seeking a more challenging trek, there is something for everyone at this park.

The diverse terrain includes woodlands, wetlands, and meadows, providing hikers with a variety of landscapes to explore. One of the highlights of hiking at the.

Rating: 9.8

Phone: +1 617-727-9693

Address: Acorn Park Dr, Cambridge, MA 02140, United States

Website: friendsofalewifereservation.org

12. Aberjona Nature Trail

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Located in Arlington, MA, the Aberjona Nature Trail offers a peaceful escape from the bustling city life.

The trail winds through lush greenery, providing hikers with a serene environment to explore and enjoy nature. As you meander along the trail, you will be surrounded by the tranquil sounds of birds chirping and leaves rustling in the wind.

The trail is well-maintained, making it easy to navigate and suitable for hikers of all skill levels. With its gentle slopes and scenic views, the Aberjona Nature Trail is the perfect spot for a leisurely hike or a relaxing stroll.

Whether you’re looking to get some exercise or simply unwind in nature, this trail has something to offer everyone. In addition to its natural beauty.

Rating: 7

Phone: +1 781-938-0297

Address: Rifle Range Rd, Woburn, MA 01801, United States

Website: woburnma.gov

13. Hill’s Hill

Hills-Hill

Hill’s Hill in Arlington, MA, USA is a popular spot for hiking, with the added bonus of allowing dogs to join in on the fun.

The scenic trails offer a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, making it a great destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. As you explore the trails at Hill’s Hill, you’ll encounter a variety of terrain, from gentle slopes to challenging inclines.

The diverse landscape provides a unique hiking experience, with something for everyone to enjoy.

Hills-Hill-1

Whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll or a more rigorous workout, you’ll find it here. One of the best things about hiking at Hill’s Hill is the opportunity to bring your furry friend along for the adventure. Dogs are welcome.

Rating: 8.8

Phone: +1 781-316-3880

Address: 422 Summer St, Arlington, MA 02474, United States

Website: arlingtonsoccerclub.org

14. Katahdin Woods

Katahdin-Woods

Located in Arlington, MA, Katahdin Woods is a popular hiking destination for outdoor enthusiasts of all levels.

From beginners to experienced hikers, there is something for everyone to enjoy at this scenic location. The trails at Katahdin Woods offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape, including lush forests, babbling brooks, and impressive rock formations.

Hikers can immerse themselves in nature and take in the sights and sounds of the great outdoors. One of the highlights of hiking at Katahdin Woods is the opportunity to spot local wildlife. Keep an eye out for birds, deer, and other animals that call this area home.

The peaceful setting provides the perfect backdrop for observing nature in its purest form. Whether you prefer a leisurely stroll.

Address: Bates Rd, Lexington, MA 02421, United States

15. Brattle Street Conservation Area

Brattle-Street-Conservation-Area

The Brattle Street Conservation Area in Arlington, MA, USA, is a hidden gem for hikers looking for a peaceful escape into nature. This conservation area offers a variety of trails that wind through lush forests, open meadows, and along serene streams.

One of the highlights of hiking in the Brattle Street Conservation Area is the opportunity to spot a wide range of wildlife.

Birdwatchers will be delighted by the diverse bird species that call this area home, while those with a keen eye may spot deer, rabbits, and other woodland creatures.

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The trails in the Brattle Street Conservation Area are well-maintained and easy to follow, making it a great destination for hikers of all skill levels. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely.

Rating: 9.4

Address: Brattle St, Arlington, MA 02474, United States

16. Rock Circuit Trail

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Located in Arlington, MA, the Rock Circuit Trail is a popular hiking destination for outdoor enthusiasts of all skill levels.

This scenic trail offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, making it the perfect spot for a day of exploration and relaxation.

The Rock Circuit Trail winds its way through lush forests, offering hikers the chance to immerse themselves in nature and enjoy the beauty of the surrounding landscape.

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The trail is well-maintained and clearly marked, making it easy to navigate even for beginners. As you hike along the Rock Circuit Trail, you’ll encounter a variety of terrain, from gentle slopes to rocky outcroppings.

This diversity keeps the hike interesting and engaging, providing a fun challenge for those looking to push themselves.

Rating: 9.6

Address: Woodland Path, Stoneham, MA 02180, United States

17. Watertown-Cambridge Greenway

Watertown-Cambridge-Greenway

The Watertown-Cambridge Greenway in Arlington, MA, USA, is a beautiful trail perfect for hiking with your furry companion.

The best part about this trail is that dogs are allowed, making it a great spot for dog owners to enjoy the outdoors together. As you walk along the Greenway, you’ll be surrounded by lush greenery and peaceful scenery.

The trail is well-maintained, making it easy to navigate with your four-legged friend by your side.

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You can enjoy the fresh air and exercise while exploring the natural beauty of the area. Dogs are welcome on a leash, so you can feel confident bringing your pup along for the adventure. Just be sure to clean up after your pet and be respectful of other hikers.

Rating: 8.6

Address: 28 Holworthy Pl, Cambridge, MA 02138, United States

Website: cambridgema.gov

18. Tophet Swamp

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Tophet Swamp in Arlington, MA, USA, is a hidden gem for nature lovers. This secluded conservation area is a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The highlight of Tophet Swamp is its beautiful bike path that surrounds the area.

This path offers a scenic route for hikers to explore the diverse ecosystem of the swamp. One of the main attractions of Tophet Swamp is the bird-watching opportunities it provides.

Bird enthusiasts will be delighted by the variety of bird species that can be spotted in this conservation area. As you hike through Tophet Swamp, you’ll encounter a tranquil setting with lush vegetation and serene waterways.

It’s the perfect place to unwind and connect with nature.

Rating: 8.8

Phone: +1 781-862-0500

Address: Lexington, MA 02420, United States

19. Freedom trail

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The Freedom Trail in Arlington, MA, USA, is a popular hiking destination for locals and tourists alike. This trail offers stunning views of the surrounding nature and is a great way to get some exercise while exploring the area.

The trail is well-maintained and easy to follow, making it suitable for hikers of all skill levels. Along the way, you’ll encounter a variety of plant and animal life, adding to the beauty of the experience.

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As you hike along the Freedom Trail, you’ll have the opportunity to learn about the history of the area. There are markers and signs that provide information about the significance of various landmarks along the trail.

Whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll or a more challenging hike, the Freedom Trail.

Rating: 9.8

Address: Boston, MA 02113, United States

Website: npplan.com

Conclusion

Hiking in Arlington, MA offers a unique and enjoyable way to experience the natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities that the area has to offer.

With a variety of trails ranging from easy to more challenging, hikers of all skill levels can find a suitable route to explore. The scenic views, diverse ecosystems, and historical sites add to the appeal of hiking in Arlington.

Whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll or a more rigorous adventure, the trails in Arlington provide a fantastic way to connect with nature and stay active. So grab your hiking boots and hit the trails in Arlington for a memorable outdoor experience.

Photo of author

Laura Chassaigne

After spending her early years in Boston, Laura moved abroad and has lived in Montreal, London, and Paris. She now shares a home with her husband and daughter at the top of Beacon Hill, and these days, she can often be found chasing her daughter in the Public Garden or downtown playgrounds. Laura has a background in art history and archaeology and is also a certified Kripalu yoga teacher. Connect with Laura on Twitter or Instagram.

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