The Northeast transforms into a winter wonderland this time of year. With the first snow on the ground, and more to come, it’s the perfect time to get outside, explore somewhere new, and enjoy the beauty that comes with the season.
Check out our list of the best places to ski, snowshoe, and sled across Massachusetts this winter. Find your new favorite winter spot – whether you’re looking for a place to bring the family for seasonal fun, your next snow sport to try out, or a quiet place to take in the stillness of the season – we’ve got you covered when snow covers the ground.
Skiing – Groomed Trails
Renowned for its Nordic skiing and snowshoeing, Notchview in Windsor is a must-ski property. Thera re over 25 miles of trails to explore, half groomed and track-set for classical cross-country skiing and 5 miles groomed for skate skiing. You can also snowshoe alongside the ski trails or go off track and explore the backcountry. Warm up in the lodge when the winter chill sets in.
Appleton Farms and Appleton Farms Grass Rides, Ipswich and Hamilton
Whenever there is snow on the ground, this 1,000-acre pastoral landscape turns into an idyllic and ideal cross-country skiing destination, with an extensive network of trails through woods and over dormant fields and pastures. The miles of trails are groomed by our partners at North Shore Nordic Association, a volunteer-run organization that brings community ski trail grooming to the North Shore of Massachusetts.
Skiing – Ungroomed Trails
Bullitt Reservation, Ashfield and Conway
Bullitt Reservation is a blend of fields and farm buildings, mixed woodlands, and streams that forms a crucial link in almost 3,000 acres of protected land. Ski along the Pebble Trail, or take the Two Bridges Trail, which connects to Chapel Brook Reservation, then into a larger network of footpaths in Ashfield and into the broader Pioneer Valley.
At Moose Hill, six miles of trails bring you from an old farmstead through restored woodlands to hillside hayfields and pastures; from the upper hayfield, you’ll discover sweeping views of Great Blue Hill and the Boston skyline.
Take the loop trail beyond cultivated land at Powisset Farm to an upland oak forest,where you can gaze across furrowed croplands and thick hayfields. Mowed trails through the hay fields link to the adjacent, 1,200-acre Hale Reservation, while Noanet Woodlands is situated across the street.
Snowshoeing
Are you a beginner snowshoer or need a refresher? Check out our guide to snowshoeing for beginners!
Francis William Bird Park, Walpole
At Bird Park, there’s more to explore than meets the eye. Start by setting off on the more than three miles of easy paths crisscrossing the 89-acre park to survey its woodlands, meadows, and water features. Rolling fields lined by tree groves, a trio of ponds, and gurgling brooks comprise a lovely, organic tableau.
Copicut Woods is a gateway to the Southeastern Massachusetts Bioreserve, which offers more than 50 miles of trails for hiking, perfect for a snowy adventure.
Enjoy a secluded picnic in a traditional timber frame shed before exploring along the Meadhowhawk and Soggy Bottom Trails, or setting off beyond the property to explore the rest of the Bioreserve.
Field Farm has 320 acres for walking, snowshoeing, or cross-country skiing. Don’t have snowshoes? No problem! The property provides snowshoes to guests staying at the Guest House at Field Farm. Or you could head over to Notchview, just 30 minutes away, and enjoy the many trails there.
Doyle Community Park, Leominster
More than three miles of trails meander through Doyle Community Park, offering the perfect winter adventure. Enjoy trails that traverse woodlands, open fields, meadows, formal gardens, and parklands.
Sledding
There’s nothing better than sledding after fresh snow has fallen. The Trustees has several hills perfect for this favorite pastime.
This South Shore favorite boasts four hills, but your best bet is Planter’s, the large drumlin rising just before you cross “The Bar” to the far side of the reservation. From the summit, zip down the footpath, or bushwhack your own descent across the broad fields.
A popular destination that draws sledders and sliders from throughout the greater Worcester area, the property’s impressive elevation and gentle contour make it a favorite with young families.
The undulating, half-mile long Grand Allée provides some nice, family friendly sledding terrain, especially the farther east you walk from the Great House.
William Cullen Bryant Homestead, Cummington
The wide, gently sloping field located across the tree-lined drive from the main house is a perfect place to launch your toboggan. Take time to enjoy fine views of the Westfield River Valley
One of The Trustees’ newest reservations, Cedariver boasts a terrific sledding hill, just a few steps beyond the parking lot. Its pastoral riverside location adds to the ambiance.
