Massachusetts
Nature|Hiking

The Spooky Massachusetts Hike That Will Lead You Somewhere Deserted

Discover the spooky and fascinating hiking trails at Wompatuck State Park, featuring abandoned buildings from a former ammunition depot.

Updated Jul 28, 2023

Written by 

Melissa Mahoney

If you’re searching for hikes around Boston, then we’ve found one for you. While there is plenty of natural beauty to explore around the Bay State, there are also fascinating ruins to be found as well. Certain ruins can even be found along a hiking trail in a forest preserve or state park, adding a certain level of spookiness to a hike. Wompatuck State Park is built upon land that once belonged to a former ammunition depot and several abandoned buildings remain on the property today. A hike here is as spooky as it is fascinating. Be sure to download the AllTrails+ app for offline maps as well as information about this Hingham naval ammunition depot annex trail.

If you're looking for beautiful views and perhaps a spooky adventure, a hike at Wompatuck State Park in Hingham may be in order. It was once the site of the Hingham Naval Ammunition Depot Annex (AKA Cohasset Annex) which was in operation from 1941-1965. It served as the main supplier of ammunition to the Navy during World War II.

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Itai Halevi/AllTrails

The Wompatuck State Park Big Loop Trail is 10.7 miles and rated as moderate with an overall elevation gain of 544 feet.

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Robin J/AllTrails

Throughout the park, you will encounter a lake, a cave, forests, and breathtaking views. Although you can hike here, mountain biking is also quite popular.

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Itai Halevi/AllTrails

In addition to the beauty here, the trail will lead you to numerous abandoned buildings left behind by the ammunition depot annex as well as parts of an abandoned railroad line.

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Edward Newell/AllTrails

While many of the original buildings and bunkers belonging to the Cohasset Annex were demolished, several still remain. And many of these buildings are covered in graffiti.

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Michael Green/Google

While incredible, it's also quite creepy to see all of the abandoned concrete structures throughout the park.

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Itai Halevi/AllTrails

Whether you're a history buff or just enjoy exploring abandoned places, the 3,500-acre Wompatuck State Park is a fascinating place to explore.

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Itai Halevi/AllTrails

Ride along with YouTuber New England MTB to explore the Hingham naval ammunition depot annex trail in Massachusetts.

https://youtu.be/yfHzmdjgly0

Have you hiked or biked the loop at Wompatuck State Park? If you have, please let us know if you saw the abandoned buildings. You can also join our Abandoned States of America Facebook group and share any of the photos you have.

For information on the Wompatuck State Park Big Loop Trail, head to the AllTrails website. And be sure to read our previous article with the ultimate hiking packing list for all your must-have accessories.

If you love abandoned places, you can read about Dogtown, a ghost town-turned-park in Gloucester, Massachusetts.

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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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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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