It seems like a good time to look at a sequel list, with this one focusing more on areas that are fairly close to Boston while also being obscure spots.
hikes
OLD CONCORD ROAD TO WALDEN: A “SAFARI HIKE” IN THE SUBURBS OF BOSTON
You have many options, including walking around the pond (highly recommended), strolling over to Thoreau’s Cabin Site, heading to the gift shop at the parking lot, or perhaps taking a different way back if you’re done with animal sightings and have a good sense of direction.
OLD TOWN ROUTE: HOW TO HIKE DOWN THE MIDDLE OF 128 (AND LIVE TO TELL ABOUT IT)
That section is a continuation of the road ... but on the other side of the highway—and it can’t be accessed unless a) you have wings, or b) you have a death wish and think it would be fun running across the highway.
REST IN YEAST (FOR NOW AT LEAST): A LANDMARK BAKERY SAYS GOODBYE TO ITS CAMBERVILLE HOME
Two days before New Year’s Eve, the company’s 12 staffers woke up unemployed. Still, in hope of reinventing their venture somewhere else, Andrew and Greta are taking everything with them
PLYMOUTH ROCKS: HIKING, EATS, AND MUCH MORE ON THE SOUTH SHORE
This will take you to the town wharf and with it, a whole lot of good stuff, including a breakwater that goes more than half a mile out into the ocean, various walkways and boardwalks with more views, several restaurants and food spots like the Lobster Hut and Cupcake Charlie’s.
FROM SAVIN HILL TO SOMERVILLE: 10 MORE WELCOME-BACK WALKS OFF OF THE EATEN PATH
This time there are options for food and drink along the way—plus we included other communities in the region as well.
BLUE HILL METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATORY: A LANDMARK HIGH ABOVE BOSTON (AND ON THE CITY’S DOORSTEP)
Here you’ll find jaw-dropping views, rugged trails, steep cliffs, bubbling brooks, deep woods, an observation tower with picnic tables at the base, and a weather observatory that’s easily one of the true hidden jewels of the Greater Boston area.
HITTING THE CIRCUIT: HOW TO HIKE THE HARDCORE MIDDLESEX FELLS ROCK TRAIL
The Rock Circuit’s a loop (hence the “circuit” part of its name) that runs a scant four miles in length as opposed to the seven miles that the Skyline runs. Unlike the Skyline, however, you won’t find many long stretches of relatively level ground here, and as you might also gather from its name, the path is extremely rocky, testing knees and ankles alike.
WORLD’S END IN HINGHAM: WHERE DOWNEAST MAINE MEETS THE EMERALD NECKLACE—15 MILES FROM BOSTON
Rocky Neck is the “thumb” of the baseball glove, and it’s mostly separate from the rest of World’s End, not only geographically, but as just mentioned, in overall feel as well. Doing a little clockwise loop along the water here, you’ll feel like you’ve entered the aforementioned Acadia National Park, with dark and pointy coniferous trees giving a distinct Northwoods vibe to the area.
GTFO: A HIKE THROUGH DORCHESTER, MILTON & MATTAPAN
Now, with several treks along the new part under our belts, it’s time to look at the entire walkway, including this new section, which leads to an area of the city that had traditionally been rarely seen by hikers and walkers.