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When life starts loading on more things to do, it’s time to treat yourself to an outdoor pocket adventure. Pocket adventure is the term I use for an afternoon or day trip wandering around in the outdoors in your local area. These microadventures recharge your life spirit. Here are ten of my favorite outdoor pocket adventures in Western Massachusetts.
The Backstory of Outdoor Pocket Adventures in Western Massachusetts
For many years I taught a class at a small college in Western Massachusetts focusing on local outdoor pocket adventures. The course was called Outdoor Adventure Sampler. I liked the idea of sampling different activities in my backyard wilderness so much that when I retired, I kept the name for my blog.
The students loved trying a different outdoor activity in a new beautiful area each week. They loved getting out from behind their computers, exploring nature, and having fun with a group of their peers. However, I think they most liked having an Instagram post to make their friends jealous of what they did every Friday afternoon.
The outdoor pocket adventures listed here are a sampling of what we did in the class. These outdoor activities are geared to many skill and ability levels. To add variety to these outdoor adventures in Western Massachusetts, there are 3 paddling trips, 3 hiking trips, 3 biking trips, and even a cave adventure featured.
Paddling Outdoor Adventures in Western Massachusetts
Swift River
The Swift River isn’t that swift any more. In the 1930’s it was dammed to create the 4 billion gallon Quabbin Reservoir to provide drinking water for the people of Boston. However, the gorgeous clear water stream that remains is one of my favorite places to go for an outdoor pocket adventure in Western Massachusetts.
There are two directions to choose to paddle after putting in at the Swift River boat launch located on Cold Springs Road in Belchertown. Go right or downstream and you’ll wind through a wooded channel until it opens up to a water lily and pickerelweed covered marsh. This area is great to explore and the wildlife watching is prime. Continue downriver toward the Bondsville Dam until you need to turn around. You’ll paddle against the current on the return but it’s not difficult.
The upriver paddle
My favorite direction to chose on a Swift River trip is to go left from the launch and paddle upriver. The river, with its ideal trout habitat, is a flyfisher’s paradise. It’s exciting to look down into the crystal clear water and see big trout swim by. The McLaughlin Fish Hatchery just up the road on East Street is the nursery for the trout that end up in the Swift River. It’s worth a stop there to see the trout maternity wards.
As you continue upriver, look for a channel to the left. It’s fun to explore up into this pond off the river. If the water is high, you can push up into a tiny channel at the back of the pond to see tons of wildlife and beaver activity.
Just past this entrance is a sand beach on the left. If you want to indulge in some ice cream headache kind of swimming, take a dip at the sand beach. The water comes out of the bottom of the Quabbin Reservoir so trust me, it’s freezing cold. If you aren’t paddling but still want to freeze your tootsies, you can hike in from the MassWildlife office on East Street.
Once you have enjoyed enough of your upriver paddling, turn around and ride the slow moving current back to the boat launch. Be careful of hanging trees and snags in the river. I’ve had many students get an unintended “botany lesson” in these strainers.
Barton Cove
Barton Cove happens where the Connecticut River meets the Turners Falls dam in Gill. Before the river was dammed in the late 1700s, Great Falls tumbled 50 feet over the rocks. The area by the falls was a traditional fishing grounds shared by the Pocumtuks, the Narragansetts, the Nipmucs, the Wampanoag, and the Wabanaki tribes because of the abundance of salmon, herring, and shad there. However, it was the site of a tragic massacre that changed the Native American culture in the region forever.
Bald eagles are a highlight of any Barton Cove paddling trip. Eagles have nested in the cove since 1990 and currently have an active nest on Barton Island. Besides eagles, mute swans are in abundance. Watch them feed in the shallows near the island.
Outdoor Pro Tip: To really enjoy the beauty of birds, get yourself a good pair of binoculars and a trusty bird book. You don’t have to spend a fortune when starting out. I recommend Celestron binoculars. They have incredible optics at a reasonable price. I use my Celestron Outland 10×42 binocs for bird feeder and window birdwatching. For the field, I take along my Celestron Nature binoculars. My recommended bird book is the Peterson Guide to Birds of North America. This classic guidebook, continually updated, has accompanied me for 50-plus years.
Paddle over to the magical area near the Barton Cove campground to find layers of rock that tell of the geologic history of the place. Moss, ferns, and streams of water cover the rock walls. On land, there is even an old quarry where dinosaur prints have been found.
Put in at the public boat ramp off Route 2 in Gill. If you don’t have a boat, rent a canoe, kayak or paddleboard at the rental center just past the boat ramp. There is also a tent-only campground run by the power company, First Light.
Related Post -> The Best Gear for Fantastic Sea Kayaking Camping Adventures
Connecticut River
There are many wonderful sections of the Connecticut River but the Sunderland bridge upstream section is great if you just have a couple of hours to paddle. As this is an out-and-back paddling trip, there is no shuttle needed. The put-in is at the Sunderland public boat ramp below the bridge. Drive down School Street in Sunderland and find the dirt road to the ramp on the left. Parking is at the Sunderland Library.
Once on the water, head upstream to the right. You will soon encounter First Island. Paddle past the island and take in the views of Mount Sugarloaf. The power company sucks water out of the Connecticut to generate power so sometimes the water level is quite low in the summer so stay in the center of the river.
Second Island
Soon Second Island will come into view. It’s a great stop for a swim, especially from the sand beaches on the west side of the island. If you are paddling in the spring, Second Island is an excellent place to find fiddlehead ferns, a delectable wild edible treat. Scoot over to my post on fiddleheads to get all the information plus recipes to use.
The upstream end of Second Island is your turnaround point. As you paddle around Second Island, you will notice the current will be stronger. Enjoy that free ride down the east side of the island where you will see some nice bluffs on the riverside. One year, I did this trip every month except February (the put-in was snowed in). A friend and I would paddle up to Second Island, round the point and then relax and float back to the landing. We would chat and enjoy the scones and tea we brought every time. I recommend doing this paddling trip in any season (with the proper safety practices, of course).
Related Post -> The Best Paddling Spots in Western Massachusetts
Hiking Outdoor Adventures in Western Massachusettes
Mount Holyoke Hike
A glacial football, amethyst crystals, Hudson River School painter inspiration. That’s what the hike up Mount Holyoke in Hadley holds to make it one of the premier outdoor adventures in Western Massachusetts.
The hike up Mt. Holyoke is about 2 miles round trip. It starts at the base of Mt. Holyoke in Skinner State Park. Gently climbing through mixed hardwoods on the yellow-blazed Two Forest trail, the first stop is at the Devil’s Football. The huge basalt boulder left in the wake of the last glacial retreat is an exciting scramble to the top. After playing on the big rock, the Devil’s Football trail continues with blue blazes.
You will cross the automobile road leading to the summit at the Halfway House, the starting place for an inclined tram that used to take vacationers to the summit hotel back in the heyday in the 1800s. The trail continues steadily up the mountain here. At the first switchback, look for tiny crystals in the banks beside the trail. They are hard to find but you will be thrilled when you discover one with an amethyst tip. Please follow the 4th principle of Leave No Trace and leave what you find for others to see.
Keep climbing until the trail joins the white-blazed M&M trail to the top. The parking lot for those who drive to the summit will be on your right. The road up the mountain is a fine alternative for those who need more accessible ways to enjoy Skinner State Park.
Mount Holyoke summit
At the top of Mt. Holyoke is the historic Summit House, a popular mountain resort in the 1800s. There are views of the entire Connecticut River Valley from its porches. Looking to the south you’ll see the Oxbow of the Connecticut River that was an inspiration for Hudson River School painter Thomas Cole’s famous masterpiece.
The view will also yield hawks using the updates to soar through the sky. Additionally, from various places on the Summit House porch, you will be able to identify peaks in four New England states.
The hike retraces the route going down or you can walk the road starting from the Halfway House. The summit has picnic areas and seasonally available restrooms and water. Parking if you drive up costs $5 for a Massachusetts resident, $20 for a non-resident. Parking at the base is free.
Mount Sugarloaf Hike
If you want views of iconic New England villages, churches, and landscapes, a hike up Mount Sugarloaf in South Deerfield will deliver. Sugarloaf is a rounded butte composed of two mountains-South Sugarloaf and North Sugarloaf. Most of the hiking action happens on the south mountain, seen prominently with its observation tower on top from many vantage points in the river valley.
Sugarloaf is a centerpiece of Native American lore in the Connecticut River Valley. According to legend, the peaks are the petrified remains of a Great Beaver. South Sugarloaf is the head, North Sugarloaf the body, and the Pocumuck ridge is the tail. The Native place name for this area is Pemawatchuwatunck, meaning “long winding hill.” Its English name is the Pocumtuck Range. South Sugarloaf, the head of the beaver, is called Wequamps.
Two trails take hikers to the summit of South Sugarloaf. The blue-blazed Pocumtuck Ridge trail is a steep, heart pumper with periodic spectacular views of the Connecticut River and the quaint town of Sunderland. This trail begins at the entrance kiosk and zig zags less than a half-mile up the south face of the mountain.
The Old Mountain trail is longer and less steep as it winds around the mountain for a more gradual ascent. The trail starts at the Mount Sugarloaf State Reservation parking lot on Sugarloaf Street. To reach the peak, stay to the right at trail junctions. A fork trail to the left climbs North Sugarloaf. Hike this trail to visit the “gnome tree.” Wiggle into the cavity of this big rotting oak for great photos.
Other ways to the summit
People not wishing to hike the mountain can drive up for a $5 state resident or $20 non-resident parking fee. There is an accessible picnic pavilion on top. An observation tower built with Frank Lloyd Wright’s “Fallingwater” influence has seasonally open restrooms and water. The tower was temporarily transformed into a movie set a few years ago for filming of a mostly forgettable Hollywood movie.
However, the view from the summit is not forgettable. Besides the Connecticut River twisting toward the Holyoke Range, the farm fields and tobacco barns make a splendid mosaic. In the fall, not only are the colors stupendous, you can see the artwork of local favorite Mike’s Maze cut into a cornfield below. The Berkshires to the west and Mt. Toby’s fire tower across the river can be seen.
Quabbin Reservoir Hike
If you are looking for a stunning hike that doesn’t involve climbing a mountain then hiking in the Quabbin is the solution. The “accidental wilderness” of the Quabbin came about when the population of the eastern part of Massachusetts needed drinking water. The western part of the state answered the call. Five towns in the Swift River Valley were disassembled and moved. The river was dammed to create one of the largest unfiltered water supplies in the United States. Now the reservoir and its watershed offer unbelievable glimpses of wilderness.
One of my favorite hikes is the Gate 11 to Gate 12 hike on the west side of the reservoir near Pelham. First, you have to know that the Quabbin has rules to protect the pristine water. Lots of them. No dogs, no swimming, no camping, no alcohol, no fires. Biking, boating, and cross country skiing are allowed in very restricted ways in certain areas. And they are serious about enforcing the rules. Don’t tell me I didn’t warn you.
A gate to gate hike
In spite of the restrictions, or maybe because of them, the Quabbin has some gorgeous hikes. The Gate 11 to Gate 12 hike is a 6-mile loop that requires a few logistics but well worth it. If you have 2 cars, drop one at the Gate 12 parking lot and start your hike at Gate 11. The Gate 11 parking lot is directly across Route 202 from Amherst/Pelham Road. You can also run or bike the half-mile between the gates on Route 202.
Starting at Gate 11, walk slightly downhill through mixed hardwood forest. The history of the old town of Prescott is found in the many stone foundations seen along the trail. These cellar holes are all that is left of the ghost towns of the Quabbin.
The hike continues down the 2 track until you see the water through the trees. Don’t be tempted by the side trails but continue on the old road around to the left and up a hill. The trail down to the water forks off to the right, past a portapotty, to a cobbled beach. Here, the astounding beauty of the lake is the highlight of this hike.
To complete the loop, backtrack to the main trail and continue north along Purgee Brook. Look for moose signs or actual moose in this area. I’ve seen both. The slightly uphill trail will take you back to Gate 12 on Route 202. An out-and-back hike from just Gate 11 is wonderful too if you don’t want to do the shuttle.
Top-notch socks will make hiking more enjoyable. I hike in the most comfortable socks with the best guarantee on the market. I recommend Darn Tough socks as they last forever, guaranteed!
Related Post -> Ultimate Guide to Gifts for the Outdoor Adventurer
Biking Outdoor Adventures in Western Massachusetts
I believe that biking outdoor adventures in Western Massachusetts are perfect for seeing the many beautiful and unique sights in the area. Therefore, the bike rides here will focus on stops you can make along the way to soak in the natural and cultural beauty.
Norwottuck Rail Trail Ride
This popular multi-use rail-trail follows the former Boston-Maine Railroad line for 11 miles from Belchertown to Northampton. It’s part of the Mass Central Rail Trail system that will eventually link all the way to Boston, making it the longest in the Northeast. The Native American settlement in the Connecticut River Valley was called Norwottuck meaning “the midst of the river”.
Since little beats biking and ice cream with sprinkles of nature, this highlighted ride has both. It starts at the parking lot off Station Road and heads into Amherst. The wetlands beside the trail are fabulous– beaver lodges surrounded by water lilies and wading birds in rapt pursuit of their next meal.
Several trails branching off the bike path are fun to explore. The Brickyard conservation area is the first. Remnants of an old brick factory near the railroad tracks including a scary old brick building can be found with some sleuthing. A network of bikeable trails spread out here too.
Another side trip takes you into the trail system of Amherst College. Look for the sign on the right for the Sanctuary Trails. These single-track trails on the campus land lead to an expansive overlook of the Pelham Hills and the Holyoke Range.
Biking for ice cream
Back on the rail trail, travel by Amherst and the malls in Hadley. Here the bike trip devolves into a hunt for ice cream. There are three alternatives. At the intersection of Maple Street is Maple Farms with an ice cream window. But for “real” ice cream, keep going. Proceeding left on Maple Street to the first intersection, take a left on Mill Valley Road for excellent small-batch ice cream at the Maple Valley Creamery. Another option for ice cream straight from the cows is to continue down Maple Street further until you find Flayvours of Cook Farm. You can pet the cows while sampling a Hadley Grass (asparagus flavor) ice cream cone. The ginger ice cream is my favorite.
Once you are done with ice cream, retrace your route back to the rail trail. Either return to Station Road to end your ride or extend it further into Northampton for more world-famous ice cream at Herrell’s downtown. The bike ride to Northampton gives glimpses of Hadley farm fields before crossing the Connecticut River on the old railroad bridge.
Montague Bookmill Ride
This ride starts with “books you don’t need in a place you can’t find” at the iconic Montague Bookmill. Truth is the books are much revered and the location is near the intersection of Main Street and Greenfield Road in Montague.
If you can get your nose out of one of the thousands of old books there, grab your bike for some of the most fabulous outdoor adventures by bike in Western Massachusetts. Start north on Greenfield Road and take your first left on Meadow/Ferry Road. The wide-open fields of Red Fire Farm with squash vines invading the quiet road come first. There are glimpses of the Connecticut River along this bucolic ride. The road turns appropriately into Falls Road. A waterfall coming from Whitmore Pond is on the left. These falls used to power a bustling village of gristmills and sawmills. Look for remnants of the power canals where the water enters the Connecticut.
To continue the ride backtrack a little and begin the climb up Old Sunderland Road. Follow this pleasant road a couple of miles into the quaint village of Montague. Follow Main Street back to the Bookmill to complete the 6.5-mile loop.
Another bike ride loop
For another loop from the Bookmill, start north on Greenfield Road, turn left on Meadow Street. Then turn right on S. Ferry Road and cross the Sawmill River. Jog left on Will’s Ferry Road and then the next right on Old Greenfield Road. The quintessential scenery of old farms will take you all the way to where Old Greenfield joins Greenfield Road. Now the fun begins where you get a road all to yourself. With the Greenfield bridge no longer traffic worthy, bicycle riders get a free pass to the other side of the railroad tracks. Stop to admire the colorful house with dragons and a damsel in distress in the cupula.
Next, head down Hatchery Road for a visit to the Bitzer Hatchery. Descend the long hill to reach the hatchery where you can marvel at trout at every stage of growth. The trout will make anglers across Massachusetts happy when they show up in the stocked waterways of the state.
Once you have your fill of trout, head back up the hill and turn right on Turners Falls Road to get back to the Bookmill. Finish this 6.5-mile ride with Bookmill bookstore ambiance and a treat beside the waterfall from the Lady Killigrew cafe. Join the two loops for a scenic 13-mile figure-eight ride.
Wendell State Forest Ride
If you want to grab a mountain bike or a study hybrid, Wendell State Forest has miles of amazing riding for ultimate outdoor adventures in Western Massachusetts. Old woods tracks and quiet unpaved roads crisscross the state forest. You’ll ride through this mostly forested area beside rock outcroppings and picturesque ponds. Catch wildflowers and mountain laurel blooming in the spring. In the fall, the foliage is second to none. And you can scoop up some cranberries from the bog-like wetlands.
There is a ride for everyone in Wendell. You can cruise around on the dirt roads to enjoy the sights. Or you can get some heart pumping, teeth chattering single track action.
Ride recommendations
A road loop with lots of scenery stops starts at the Wickett Pond boat ramp parking area. Ride up and down Wickett Pond Road toward its intersection with Jerusalem Road. Get some fast downhill riding on the latter part of Jerusalem Road. Be sure to stop at the Jerusalem overlook for some great views. Turn right on Damon Camp Road to continue uphill until you find Baker Road on the left. Follow it until it curves around to become Saxon Bridge Road which takes you back to Wickett Pond for a weedy dip to cool off. You can also continue over to Ruggles Pond with its official swim beach.
If you have knobby tires and a desire for sustained cardio, the trails in the Mormon Hollow and Bear Mountain area will get your attention. These rocky, root-covered trails are great for outdoor adventures in Western Massachusetts. The Maple Leaf trail is a scenic single track worth a ride too.
Parking fees at Wendell State Forest are $5 for Mass residents and a steep $20 for non-residents. However, parking fees are only charged in the main entrance lot on Montague/Wendell road. You can drive the backroads and park at several parking lots in the forest for free.
Wendell is a wonderful place as well for winter recreation. Check out my blog post on Cross Country Skiing in Western Massachusetts for more information. The winter adaptive outdoor adventure program there is amazing.
Related Post-> 18 Best Bike Trails in the United States
Sunderland Cave
The Sunderland cave may be one of the ultimate outdoor adventures in Western Massachusetts. At least my students think so.
Located in the Mt. Toby Forest, the 1.5-mile hike to the cave starts at the parking area on Reservation Road in Sunderland. Follow the orange-blazed Robert Frost Trail through the mixed forest until it intersects with the blue-blazed Cave Trail. Signs to the cave will take you through the next few turns until you arrive at an impressive crack in the earth where the conglomerate rock split. The cave entrance is around the corner from this distinctive chasm.
The climb down into the cave can be extremely slippery in the winter and early spring so use microspikes on this part then. While the cave is only about 100 yards long, having reliable light sources and helmets makes good sense. We use Petzl headlamps in the cave.
Cave creatures
There are several passages to explore once you are in the cave. I have found hibernating bats clinging to the ceiling in one passage. Bats are quite fragile so make sure you don’t disturb them or shine a light directly on them.
The other resident of the Sunderland Cave is the porcupine. I’ve discovered a porcupine a few times in the cave to great surprise. While the international students in the group googled “porcupine”, we have watched them waddle to a hiding place in the cave. Even if you don’t see them, you will encounter porcupine poop everywhere in the cave. Porcupines go to the bathroom in a communal area, and clearly think this cave is a great place for a poop party.
Another highlight in the cave is the incredible ice formations that form in the cave in colder weather. For a profound cave experience, sit with your group mid cave and have everyone turn off their lights and be quiet. You can almost hear the cave breathe during this silent time.
Exit the cave on the other end for a fabulous view over marshlands and the Pocumtuck Ridge. Return to the exit trail by going back through the cave or climbing around on the top. Retrace your route to the parking lot.
Wrapping up Outdoor Adventures in Western Massachusetts
This list of outdoor adventures in Western Massachusetts is a small sampling of natural areas to visit. However, these outdoor activities are a curated collection based on years of helping students enhance their Instagram accounts. Seriously though, these are well-loved areas that offer up constant delights. Treat them with respect so others can enjoy the beauty for generations to come. And by all means, have a wonderful pocket adventure.
Pin it for future adventures!
64 Comments
Michele · August 1, 2020 at 9:55 pm
We have not had the chance to visit Massachusetts yet, but it looks like we would love it. We enjoy outside activities as well such as kayaking, hiking, and caving. The photos are beautiful. Pinned for when we make it that far north.
Karen · August 2, 2020 at 2:34 pm
I hope you have a chance to get to Western Mass. There are so many beautiful areas in this area.
Heather · August 2, 2020 at 9:05 am
Wow this is a great round up but being that I love cows, the ice cream was my favorite part ! 😬
Karen · August 2, 2020 at 2:35 pm
There’s nothing like biking for ice cream and hanging out with cows. The baby ones are so cute.
Krista · August 2, 2020 at 11:06 am
Wow this is a great list of things to do! Thanks for the tips!
Karen · August 2, 2020 at 2:37 pm
You are welcome. It was fun to do.
Digitaldaybook · August 2, 2020 at 11:18 am
There is so much to Mass than just Boston so I am glad you did a post like this! I love the pic of you all lined up! cute!
Karen · August 2, 2020 at 2:38 pm
Western Mass. is the hidden treasure in the state.
Melissa · August 2, 2020 at 11:36 am
WOW! I had no idea there are so many nature options here. Of course I’ve only been to Boston. I am definitely going to be saving some of these hikes for later!
Karen · August 2, 2020 at 2:39 pm
So many just visit Boston in Massachusetts but there is so much more in the state.
molly orourke · August 2, 2020 at 12:26 pm
Barton cove and second island look awesome! I love that this post covers so many different activities. Massachuttes is definately more than just going to Boston and Cape Cod!
Karen · August 2, 2020 at 2:41 pm
Beautiful paddling here. I’m working on a post now on just the paddling because there is so many great waterways.
Emma · August 2, 2020 at 12:52 pm
So many great outdoor adventures, I really need to get out and do some paddling. This looks fun. I have been taking advantage of the outdoors recently, especially hiking. Keeping these in mind for when I can travel over there again
Karen · August 2, 2020 at 2:42 pm
There is something magical about being on the water. The light is so different over water. Makes great photos too.
Sue Tippett · August 2, 2020 at 5:12 pm
Your photos are breathtaking and make me want to go to all these places. Very comprehensive.
Karen · August 5, 2020 at 11:23 pm
Since you live so near, maybe you’ll get a chance to go. I know a good guide—me!
Vanessa Shields · August 3, 2020 at 1:52 am
That would be the coolest job to take students on outdoor adventures. I would definitely want to take that class when I was in college. The scenery is so beautiful and love that the canoeing is not too challenging. I’d also enjoy the hikes and going exploring into that cave. That is too funny that porcupines live in there and all poop in one area. 😁
Karen · August 5, 2020 at 11:24 pm
I loved my career in teaching in the outdoors. Of course, I always had the best students–nature brought that out in them.
Nina Out and About · August 3, 2020 at 8:58 am
These hikes look so gorgeous! I’m chomping at the bit to do some new hikes and to explore more of world. I miss getting to go on adventures like these
Karen · August 5, 2020 at 11:26 pm
I’m missing the Big A Adventure but in the meantime, I’m really enjoying the sense of place I’m getting exploring locally.
Susan · August 3, 2020 at 9:02 pm
I loved learning about the name of your blog! Thanks so much for sharing – AND I want to do all of these things. Need like an entire summer to explore Massachusetts (and Vermont!)
Karen · August 5, 2020 at 11:27 pm
New England has some lovely areas. People just think cities but there is so much backyard wilderness here.
Farrah · August 3, 2020 at 11:46 pm
Ahh, this looks like so much fun! <3 That's awesome that there are bald eagles around Barton Cove! (I'm not sure if I've ever seen one in real life..)
Your photos are gorgeous, but I especially love the one for the Quabbin Reservoir Hike–I'm sold! *-*
Karen · August 5, 2020 at 11:29 pm
We have been lucky in Western Mass when the eagles started nesting again after being reintroduced about 25 years ago. Now they are quite common on the local waterways.
Francesca · August 4, 2020 at 8:56 pm
Massachusetts is such a gorgeous state. I would love to explore the Sunderland Cave and bike ride for ice cream.
Karen · August 5, 2020 at 11:30 pm
Luckily there is ice cream near the cave too!!
Lerato · August 5, 2020 at 3:50 pm
Western Massachusetts has so many amazing outdoor activities. Would love to visit one day!
Karen · August 5, 2020 at 11:31 pm
I hope you do!
Diane · August 5, 2020 at 7:22 pm
Wow these are such cool adventures!! I want to do them all! I live in California and really haven’t explored Massachusetts much. It really looks so incredibly beautiful!
Karen · August 5, 2020 at 11:32 pm
It is beautiful. And there is so much natural beauty in each state. We need to continue to protect it all.
Mariah · August 5, 2020 at 9:57 pm
I love how there is such a wide range of outdoor activities to do! It seems like you’d never get bored when visiting Massachusetts. I recently have been getting more into kayaking, so I would love to try that out at the locations you mentioned. Also, the Sunderland Cave seems so cool!!
Karen · August 5, 2020 at 11:34 pm
As many times as I’ve been in Sunderland Cave–and it’s a lot–I still find it so enchanting. Something about being inside the earth that is so cool.
Melissa · August 6, 2020 at 4:19 am
Such a great post! My mom actually moved to Sturbridge in Western MA! I love all these cool ideas I can share with her. Thanks for making such a detailed post!
Karen · August 11, 2020 at 11:24 am
Wouldn’t it be great to get out with your mom here? Enjoy.
Courtney B · August 7, 2020 at 10:50 pm
Love this post! My wife went to Mount Holyoke, and she has shared her love of the Book Mill with me. 🙂 I haven’t explored much hiking in the area, but I would love to in the future. Sharing this with my family in RI who will also enjoy. Thanks!
Karen · August 11, 2020 at 11:26 am
I always really enjoyed the Mt. Holyoke students I had in my Outdoor Adventure Sampler class. They loved getting off campus to see the wild outdoor world around them. And the BookMill is such a gem.
Polly · August 8, 2020 at 1:36 am
I love outdoor adventures and hiking and this was such a great article to read about Massachussets. The Mount Holyoke summit Hike looks like something that I would totally like to do!
Karen · August 11, 2020 at 11:27 am
The Mount Holyoke hike is amazing for each step of the way and then the summit view is a marvelous ending treat.
Rebecca · August 8, 2020 at 8:44 am
So many amazing ideas! Hiking I knew about but the kayaking spots are a must-visit.
Karen · August 11, 2020 at 11:28 am
Yes, paddling in Western Mass is amazing. I just did a whole post on it.
Helga · August 8, 2020 at 12:06 pm
So many amazing places and great activities!
Karen · August 11, 2020 at 11:22 am
Indeed!
Paula Martinelli · August 8, 2020 at 12:20 pm
These are all amazing outdoor activities to explore in Massachusetts. My husband’s is from there, and next time we go visit family, I need to explore some of these places and the beauty of this State. Thanks for sharing and inspiring
Karen · August 11, 2020 at 11:23 am
I hope you do get a chance to visit more of the natural areas of MASS when you visit again. There is so much here.
Kylie · August 8, 2020 at 2:22 pm
The nature of Massachusetts looks so breathtaking! I’ve only visited Boston, but I’ll definitely need to make a trip back to see the nature-y side of Massachusetts.
Karen · August 11, 2020 at 11:21 am
Western Mass is the “secret side” of the state. Boston is a good jumping-off place to visit.
Rachel Hall · August 8, 2020 at 3:40 pm
This is truly epic, love how you can do so much outdoor adventuring! I’ve never visited but now it’s on my list!!
Karen · August 11, 2020 at 11:20 am
I’ve loved my life of adventuring and hope I can inspire others to go out on their own outdoor adventures large and small.
Roneth Politud · August 9, 2020 at 7:08 am
Quabbin Reservoir Hike looks really nice. I wish I can visit the place one day. Thank you for sharing!
Karen · August 11, 2020 at 11:19 am
The Quabbin is a beautiful wilderness area. I have a post in the works on just the Quabbin.
MacKenzie · August 9, 2020 at 10:09 am
I love the term “pocket adventures!” These sound like great ideas.
Karen · August 11, 2020 at 11:19 am
I encourage everyone to get out on pocket adventures in natural areas near them. It’s amazing what is in our own backyard.
Melinda · August 9, 2020 at 10:17 am
What a great compendium of outdoor activities! You are making me jealous of your former students. I want to do all of this especially the ice cream and biking.
Karen · August 11, 2020 at 11:18 am
The reward of ice cream after a hot bike ride can not be overstated!
kmf · August 10, 2020 at 12:02 am
I love the backstory and the concept of pocket adventures. Beautiful photos – and, yes, I’m jealous of those students also! Lovely post as nature nourishes the soul!
Karen · August 11, 2020 at 11:16 am
I had so many wonderful years at my job with amazing students. It’s great to see their enthusiasm for nature as I know they will protect it.
Rhonda Albom · August 10, 2020 at 3:50 am
The kayaking looks awesome on those glass-like lakes. The caving would be more my daughter’s speed. There are definitely plenty of things to do in Massachusetts.
Karen · August 11, 2020 at 11:15 am
There is something magical when you can see the reflections of trees and sky in the water. It makes for great paddling.
SHANY · August 10, 2020 at 6:08 pm
Wow! There are so many things to do in Massachusetts. I love the photo in the Gnome tree and caves looks amazing. Thank you for sharing this 🙂
Karen · August 11, 2020 at 11:14 am
I have some many photos of different people in the Gnome tree. I hope it never falls over!
Lora · August 10, 2020 at 6:19 pm
I love the term pocket adventure! Never heard it before but that’s totally what I’ve been doing this summer too!
Karen · August 11, 2020 at 11:12 am
Pocket adventures have always been my way to make quick escapes to the outdoors in the midst of chaos and stress. Glad you are doing them too.
Tranquil Trekker · May 8, 2021 at 8:21 am
These sound like a lot of fun! I will miss hiking around rural New England (the in-laws moved to PA so we won’t be going there as much now). 🙁 On a random note, I’m surprised they let you enter caves where bats are hibernating. Out here in the Black Hills that isn’t allowed due to fear of spreading White Nose Syndrome for the bats.
Karen · May 9, 2021 at 9:30 pm
It’s a good point because of the seriousness of spreading White Nose Syndrome. The bats are somewhat rare in the cave and it takes a good bit of crawling to get near them.