10 Best Small Towns in Massachusetts for Outdoor Enthusiasts
The small towns of Massachusetts are beaming with unspoiled New England charm and natural beauty, providing the ideal landscape for a myriad of outdoor pursuits. From the sunset sugar-white beaches and charming lakes in the Cape Cod region to the mountain towns of Lenox and Williamstown, outdoor enthusiasts will be spoiled for options in this state. What is even better, some of these small towns are less crowded, offering a retreat from the chaos of big cities like Boston. Whether travelers are seeking a weekend getaway to explore the great outdoors, bond with nature, or discover new paths to hiking happiness, here are ten small towns in Massachusetts that have it all.
Shelburne Falls
Shelburne Falls is a small village that punches more than its weight in terms of natural attractions, making it an outdoor haven for adventurers. This scenic village has the Deerfield River running through it, while the Massaemett Mountain watches over on the east. Visitors can start exploring the great outdoors from the iconic Bridge of Flowers over Deerfield River, which was once a trolley bridge but is now adorned with flowers. Sadly, the bridge only opens between April and October but that’s still a great time to enjoy all that the bridge has to offer. Another interesting outdoor destination in this village is the Glacial Pot Holes and Salmon Falls area. This area comprises the Salmon Falls, trees and flowers, and over 50 potholes carved into granite during the Glacier Age.
Williamstown
Williamstown is a small mountain town framed by the Mount Greylock range, a plus to its outdoor endowments. Naturally, outdoor lovers visiting Williamstown must hike around Mount Greylock or ascend to its peak which is the highest in the state at 3,489 feet. On stepping down, visitors can head over to the Hoosic River that flows through the town, to engage in some water adventures like boating, swimming, and fishing. Alternatively, explore the Cascade Trail just a few minutes from downtown Williamstown to see a charming waterfall. And not to forget, Williamstown is home to Williams College, and the campus is open for exploration at any time. Also, Hopkins Memorial Forest is a popular hiking destination on the campus where visitors can enjoy views of meadows and lush forests.
Lenox
A visit to Lenox is a perfect way to satisfy the most intense hunger for the outdoors. This idyllic and laid-back town is situated in the Berkshire mountains, flaunting mesmerizing lakes, lush hills, and scenic parks. To begin, Lake Laurel naturally attracts every passerby and must be visited for sightseeing, swimming, boating, and fishing. Lenox is also home to the Pleasant Wild Life Sanctuary - a 1,405-acre park that presents 7 miles of hiking trails, including the 3-mile Overbrook Trail that leads to the summit of Mount Lenox. In addition, Lilac and Kennedy Parks are outdoor attractions to explore in this town. While Lilac Park has many picnic areas and gorgeous landscaped gardens, Kennedy Park features 15 miles of hiking trails with an overlook that offers panoramic and enchanting natural views of the town.
Marblehead
Marblehead is a much bigger town with an even bigger natural scenery that endears it to many visitors. Perched on the north shore of Massachusetts, this town steals the hearts of visitors from its scenic harbor - home to several boats, yachts, and yacht clubs. Next is Marblehead Neck, a small island connected to the town that offers abundant birdwatching opportunities via hikes and fascinating sunsets. But there is a better way to explore this town. Get to Devereux Beach, admire the ocean, sunbathe, and swim, then follow the sandbar to Marblehead Neck Island. Once on the island, ask for directions to Chandler Hover Park, where the Skeletal Marblehead Neck Lighthouse stands tall, and views of the harbor are epic.
Nantucket
Nantucket Island is around 30 miles off the coast of Cape Cod and is accessible by boat, ferry, or flight. This summer resort town is surrounded by seductive unspoiled beaches, lighthouses, and ancient gray-shingled buildings that are perfect for photography and adventures. While here, visitors must visit the scenic beaches of Madaket, Cisco, Jetties, and Sconset which also offer opportunities for swimming, whale watching, and boating. Also, the island features the Sconset Bluff Walk, a trail made of white sea shells near Sconset Beach that snakes through the town, exposing more gray-shingled buildings. This Bluff Walk (highly recommended) elapses at Sankatay Head Lighthouse, one of the three lighthouses to visit. The other two are Brant Point and Great Point Lighthouses. To enjoy the best of Nantucket's outdoor scenery, rent a bike from downtown to Sconset, and be glad you did.
Gloucester
Gloucester is a paradise for lovers of beaches and lighthouses. To cut the story short, the best way to be satisfied here is to embark on a beach hopping expedition as it promises gorgeous outdoor scenery and unmatched thrills. The top beaches here include Good Harbor, Pavillion, Niles, Cressy's, Folly Cove, Wingaersheek, Plum Cove, and Dog Bar. When it comes to lighthouses, visitors must not miss the grandeur and elegance of Annisquam Harbor and Eastern Point. Eastern Point, in particular, has a Wildlife Sanctuary around it for birds and butterflies. Blend the experience with a dash of history at Stage Fort Park, an actual Civil War fort that has now been remodeled and also has a beach known as Half Moon Beach.
Newburyport
Newburyport is a quaint riverside town lodged by the Merrimack River on the North Coast of Massachusetts. Once here, outdoor enthusiasts can take a short 20-minute drive to Plum Island and explore its scenic beach, a haven for migratory birds. After embarking on swimming, boating, fishing, kayaking, sunbathing, and promenading endeavors on the beach, the Plum Beach Lighthouse is a picture-perfect backdrop for taking memorable pictures. Afterward, head to the harbor for romantic walks along its boardwalk with a partner or solo sightseeing tours, admiring the floating vessels, yachts, and boats on the sea. Nature lovers can take the outdoor experience up a notch by visiting and exploring the nearby Parker River National Wildlife – a sanctuary for migratory birds like shorebirds and songbirds.
Chatham
Sensational outdoor dreams are materialized in Chatham, a jewel in Cape Cod, filled with enchanting beaches and incredible outdoor scenery. This town invites visitors to enjoy scenery and adventure at its numerous waterbodies some of which include - Lighthouse Beach, Pleasant Bay, Cockle Cove, and Oyster Pond. Visitors are also free to take a tour of the Chatham Lighthouse in Lighthouse Beach to see its iconic beacon and admire panoramic ocean views from its peak. For more adventures, check out the Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge to see migratory birds and a peculiar lighthouse. Before leaving, explore the town’s bustling main street, and stop by some of the restaurants, shops, and galleries lined up on the street. To wrap it up, visit the Chatham Fish Pier and watch seals from its Observation Deck.
Oak Bluffs
Oak Bluffs is where outdoor enthusiasts would love to call their home eternally. Located on Martha's Vineyard Island, it is home to the island's largest marina, where several colorful yachts meet the gaze of sightseeing visitors. Meanwhile, several beaches like Eastville, Town, Hart Haven, and Joseph Slyvia State surround Oak Bluffs for swimming, basking in the sun, watching it set, and just playing in the sand. Alternatively, exploring the town to see its picturesque Victorian gingerbread cottages with a camera promises to be memorable. For the best adventure here, head to Jaws Bridge and jump into the river to cool off from summer's heat. Interestingly, the famous movie "Jaws" was filmed in Martha's Vineyard and fans of the movie just have to make this jump.
Provincetown
Provincetown at the tip of Cape Cod, is always the first port of call for many outdoor junkies in Massachusetts. And one can hardly fault their choice because the town is just so inviting, with many natural attractions. Herring Cove and Race Point Beaches offer sensational sunset views and picturesque white sand beaches for sunbathing, promenading, and swimming in the Atlantic Ocean. Don’t miss the 19th-century lighthouse at Race Point Beach, one of the first to use a rotating beacon on Cape Cod. Afterward, head to downtown Provincetown to shop, wine, dine, and admire arts at its numerous boutiques, restaurants, shops, and galleries. Hikers can explore the well-marked, 1-mile loop Beech Forest Trail to capture a scenic beech forest and several birds.
There is no shortage of things to do in these small scenic towns in Massachusetts. With their numerous natural and man-made attractions, visitors, especially outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy unforgettable experiences in these towns. Be sure to bring a camera as these destinations are also incredibly gorgeous with their beautiful beaches, towering lighthouses, and lush forest areas.
