Massachusetts
Nature|Hiking

The Boston Harbor And Castle Island Loop In Massachusetts Takes You From The Beach To A Fort And Back

Explore the scenic 2.2-mile Boston Harbor and Castle Island Loop Trail starting from Pleasure Bay Beach, featuring historic Fort Independence and stunning views.

Published Sep 9, 2021

Written by 

Melissa Mahoney

On the outskirts of the urban jungle of Boston lies a peninsula that, while still within city limits, seems worlds away. Visitors can take a scenic loop hike to Castle Island from Pleasure Bay Beach and back along a one-of-a-kind trail that can only be found in Massachusetts.

Pleasure Bay Beach is found along the shores of the enclosed Pleasure Bay. This is the starting point to the easy 2.2-mile Boston Harbor and Castle Island Loop Trail. You'll be led to Castle Island, which is home to the historic Fort Independence, then around the bay via a causeway until you end up back where you started.

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Ethan Machemer/AllTrails

Along the trek, you'll pass a WWII memorial on your way to Castle Island. Now a peninsula, Castle Island was once an island but was connected to the mainland by a narrow strip of land back in 1928.

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Dan R/AllTrails

Located on the 22-acre Castle Island, Fort Independence is a pentagonal fort built between 1834-1851. It was used by the military during WWI and WWII and is on the National Register of Historic Places.

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Meghan M/AllTrails

The island is a beautiful place to stroll around, hang out, have a picnic, and watch the planes from Boston Logan passing by overhead.

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Rebecca Melonakos

Once you're done enjoying Fort Independence and Castle Island, continue the loop along the Head Island Causeway which circles around Pleasure Bay.

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Meghan M/AllTrails

You'll find the causeway to be quite scenic with water on both sides and city views in the distance.

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Brian Rossi/AllTrails

Eventually, you'll come back to where you started - at the beach! Feel free to grab your beach gear out of the car and spend some time on the sand and, if it's warm enough, go for a swim.

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Kaleigh Hansen/AllTrails

If you're here later in the day, just know that the sunsets from this park are nothing short of spectacular.

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Stephanie Potter/AllTrails

Have you ever walked to Castle Island on this loop trail? Let us know in the comments! For more information on the Boston Harbor and Castle Island loop trail, head to AllTrails.

For another fascinating loop trail, read our coverage on Charley's Loop Trail located at Purgatory Chasm State Reservation in Sutton.

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Nature|Hiking

The Stunning Top-Secret Waterfall in Massachusetts Nobody’s Ever Heard Of

Hike to Spirit Falls, a hidden gem in Massachusetts. This beautiful waterfall offers cascading waters, lush forests, and diverse trails.

Published Oct 17, 2024

Written by 

Jasmine Vieau

Tucked away in the small town of Royalston, Massachusetts, lies a hidden gem waiting to be discovered: Spirit Falls. This captivating waterfall, nestled within the Jacobs Hill preserve, invites you to unplug, explore the trails, breathe in the fresh air, and discover the magic of this natural treasure.

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Spirit Falls may not be the tallest waterfall in Massachusetts, but it's certainly a beautiful one. Water flows from Little Pond and drops 150 feet down a series of rocky ledges, creating a picturesque cascade. The falls are especially impressive in the spring (April-June) when the water flow is high.

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Robert deNormand/AllTrails

Reaching Spirit Falls requires a bit of an adventure. The Spirit Falls Trail is 1.5 miles long and considered moderately challenging. It's marked with white circles, but some hikers have mentioned on AllTrails that parts of the trail can be hard to follow. You'll hike through lush forests, with glimpses of diverse flora and fauna along the way. Be prepared for some uphill sections (you'll gain about 465 feet in elevation) and rocky terrain, especially as you get closer to the falls.

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Will Spellman/AllTrails

For a longer hike, consider taking a loop trail by connecting with the Tully Trail. This 22-mile long-distance trail, maintained by The Trustees of Reservations, offers a different perspective of the falls.

While Spirit Falls is undoubtedly the highlight, the Jacobs Hill preserve offers more to explore. Hike to "The Ledges" for breathtaking panoramic views of Tully Mountain, Mount Grace, and the Berkshire Hills. You can also check out Doane's Falls and Royalston Falls, two other stunning waterfalls within the preserve.

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Paul Loiselle/AllTrails

Jacobs Hill is open year-round from sunrise to sunset, and admission is free. Find directions and more information on the website of The Trustees of Reservations. The preserve is located at Route 68, Royalston, MA, 01331. Important to note: the parking area isn't plowed in winter, and don't forget to bring bug spray, as mosquitoes can be present, especially during the warmer months.

Leave the everyday behind and awaken your senses at Spirit Falls. With its cascading waters, lush forests, and diverse trails, this hidden gem is a must-visit for anyone seeking adventure and serenity in Massachusetts. So, grab your camera and get ready to discover the magic of Spirit Falls!

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Have you experienced the beauty of Spirit Falls or discovered other underrated spots in the area? Share your travels with us and nominate your favorite local waterfalls. Are you still looking for more hiking inspiration? Download the AllTrails+ app to find trails near you, or check out these 17 hidden waterfalls in Massachusetts that will take your breath away.

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Nature|Hiking

Hike the Newest Trail Through the Southeastern Massachusetts Bioreserve for an Unforgettable Adventure

Hike or bike some or all of this breathtaking forest trail that begins in Fall River.

Published Oct 5, 2024

Written by 

Beth Price-Williams

We’re never far from our next adventure in Massachusetts, especially if we’re looking for an epic hike. While it’s been a few years since its official ribbon-cutting ceremony, the newest hiking trail at the Southeastern Massachusetts Bioreserve still might be a bit of a secret unless you’re a local. The forest trail promises plenty of breathtaking natural scenery, quiet if you hike at the right time of the day, and an unforgettable adventure, making it worthy of a spot on your bucket list.

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The Bioreserve Loop Trail isn’t technically new. Rather, it’s a combination of smaller trails that create the 20-mile loop that meanders through the 16,000-acre Southeastern Massachusetts Bioreserve in Fall River. If you’re up for an epic adventure and have enough time, around 6.5 hours, you can easily knock out the trail in a day, or you can explore as far as you want and turn around.

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All Trails/Tom Tower

If you’ve never been to the bioreserve, type 2929 Blossom Rd., Fall River, MA, into your GPS. The directions will lead you to the main parking lot and the trailhead.  While the trail earns an easy rating, come prepared with bug spray (if in season), plenty of water and snacks, and sturdy hiking shoes. One downside of the trail is there are no bathrooms.

The trail gets incredibly muddy after it rains, so keep that in mind, and dress for the weather. Some hikers recommend bringing hiking poles to make navigating the rockier areas of the trail easier. The kid- and dog-friendly (remember to keep him leashed) trail is also popular with runners and bikers, so you never know who you’ll run into during your hike.

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All Trails/Adam Correia

To avoid running out of daylight, consider leaving in the morning if you plan to go the entire 20 miles. The pretty path leads through the forest and to such areas as Copicut Woods, Copicut Reservoir, Cedar Swamp, and the Ledge in Assonet. Watch for little surprises like fairy houses, maybe a gnome or two, and fairy-tale footbridges. Colorful wildflowers add a pop of color during the warmer months, and you might cross paths with deer and other wildlife.

Have you hiked the newest trail at the Southeastern Massachusetts Bioreserve in Fall River? What did you think? Do you have any advice for those who want to hike it? Let us know in the comments! Explore more of this unique town near Boston, and book a Vrbo to make it an overnight or weekend getaway.

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