Backpacking in Massachusetts offers immense variety for outdoor enthusiasts, from the storied Berkshires to windswept Cape Cod, including popular destinations like the Appalachian Trail and Mount Greylock.
And that’s what this post is all about. We’ll provide tips to help you prepare for backpacking in this diverse state as well as showcase the TOP 5 multi-day trails in Massachusetts.
Interested? Let’s get started!
Discover the most stunning long trails in Massachusetts for amazing adventures:
Pilotgirl, CC BY-SA 2.0, via flickr
Length: 35.8 mi / 57.6 km
Type: Point to point
Difficulty: Hard
Elevation Gain: 7555 ft / 2303 m
Location: Pittsfield State Forest
Estimated Hiking Calorie Burn: 4500 calories
More Details: See on AllTrails
The 35.8-mile Berkshire Brook Trail near Pittsfield offers a scenic point-to-point route through western Massachusetts’ forests and hills from April to October. The multi-use trail provides opportunities for day hiking, backpacking, and birdwatching as hikers traverse verdant woodlands blanketed with ferns, experiencing solitude. However, some muddled ATV sections detract from the wilderness feel. Completing the distance takes around 18 hours if you are fit.
Scott Johnson, CC BY-SA 2.0, via flickr
Length: 32 mi / 51.5 km
Type: Point to point
Difficulty: Hard
Elevation Gain: 4694 ft / 1431 m
Location: Appalachian Trail Corridor
Estimated Hiking Calorie Burn: 3800 calories
More Details: See on AllTrails
The 32.0-mile Arizona-New York Trail near Tyringham offers a scenic but challenging point-to-point route, averaging 14 hours to complete. However, as a multi-day backpacking trail, it sees few travelers, allowing for solitude. The journey begins at Goose Pond Road, proceeding to tranquil Goose Pond and its shoreline access. Continuing on, hikers reach the prime overnight stay at October Mountain Shelter. Further along the AT, past Kaywood Shelter, the route crosses Dalton before Crystal Mountain Campground’s campsites provide the next stopover.
Kyle Marshall, CC BY-SA 2.0, via flickr
Length: 35.5 mi / 57.1 km
Type: Point to point
Difficulty: Hard
Elevation Gain: 3812 ft / 1162 m
Location: Spencer
Estimated Hiking Calorie Burn: 4100 calories
More Details: See on AllTrails
The 35.5-mile Mid-State Trail near Spencer, MA provides a scenic point-to-point route averaging 14 hours to complete. As a multi-day backpacking trail with few encounters, solitude is ensured. Best across two days from Route 9 in Spencer to the Wachusett Mountain Ski Area, hikers pass ponds with summit views from Wachusett Mountain of Monadnock. Spreading the journey through woodlands over multiple days offers a relaxing immersion in nature ideal for wilderness escape. During warmer months, careful tick checks are recommended on this ideal trail for solitude-seeking backpackers.
Paul-W, CC BY-SA 2.0, via flickr
Length: 40 mi / 64.7 km
Type: Point to point
Difficulty: Hard
Elevation Gain: 5361 ft / 1634 m
Location: Wendell State Forest
Estimated Hiking Calorie Burn: 4700 calories
More Details: See on Hiking Project
The complete Rocky Mountain Foot Trail offers a changing hike through Western Massachusetts’ best terrain. Traversing challenging yet delightful foothills, hikers encounter crags, ponds, swamps and views through classic remote-feeling New England forest. Though easily followed with orange blazes, it connects scenic southern segments, optionally extending through the Seven Sisters ridge.
Length: 89.7 mi / 144.3 km
Type: Point to point
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Gain: 15 443 ft / 4707 m
Location: Mount Washington State Forest
Estimated Hiking Calorie Burn: 11 000 calories
More Details: See on Hiking Project
The nearly 90-mile Massachusetts AT section moderately challenges backpackers from Connecticut to Vermont, wandering through Beartown and October Mountain State Forests. It climbs Massachusetts’ highpoint Mount Greylock, drops to North Adams before ascending Clarksburg State Forest, crossing into Vermont. Spectacular views accompany the trek, with parking near approved shelters, tenting areas, privies and water for overnight stays. Heavy rains risk muddy, slick conditions on this scenic point-to-point route.
In Massachusetts, ocean breezes moderate summer heat but cold winters bring snow:
Prior to choosing your gear, review the weather data for Massachusetts (Boston):
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 37 | 39 | 46 | 56 | 67 | 76 | 82 | 80 | 73 | 62 | 52 | 42 |
| Low °F | 23 | 25 | 31 | 41 | 50 | 60 | 66 | 65 | 58 | 47 | 38 | 29 |
| Rain/Snow (D*) | 12 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 12 |
Not sure if Massachusetts is right for you?
Don’t forget to check out our backpacking guides for New Hampshire and Vermont.
Campfires are heavily restricted when backpacking in Massachusetts due to the dense vegetation and forests prone to spreading fire quickly. Most parks and trails prohibit ground fires and require portable stoves for cooking. Ground fires may be allowed only in designated metal rings in established campsites, not in backcountry areas.
When backpacking in Massachusetts, be sure to bring proper rain gear and warm layers as the weather can change quickly. Choose campsites wisely, avoiding low lying areas near water or under dead trees. Pitch your tent on flat, durable surfaces and tie it down securely. Keep food stored properly to avoid unwanted animal encounters. Let someone know your planned route and check in with them periodically if hiking alone. Always have a first aid kit, flashlight, map, and compass with you. Stay on designated trails and be bear aware. Following basic safety precautions will help ensure an enjoyable backpacking experience.
Massachusetts has lots of forests and wildlife, so you might run into animals, but most are not dangerous. Keep your distance from black bears, coyotes, deer, and others. Make noise to let them know you’re there, but never get too close or interact with them. Carry bear spray, use it correctly if needed, and store food safely at night. Check for ticks regularly. If bitten by an animal, clean the wound well and see a doctor just in case.
Massachusetts outdoor enthusiasts have several park options for backpackers to explore the mountains. Well-known choices include the Berkshires with the 28,000-acre October Mountain State Forest offering over 30 miles of trails for multi-day trips. Further north, the Quabbin Reservation features 40 miles of trails winding around wooded hills and lakes. Backpackers can also hit the Holyoke Range within the 26,000-acre Mount Tom State Reservation or journey along the 90-mile Appalachian Trail corridor within Massachusetts, passing through Beartown and Clarksburg State Forests. These areas offer remote mountain getaways for adventurous travelers to experience scenic nature.
