Pack Up and Get Out

Now that the warmer weather is on its way, pack up and get out to the great outdoors! Check out these five day trips from Boston to mother nature's destinations that will have you feeling free in the warm sunshine. Some fresh air will do you good!

Zip line in Charlemont (2 hours from Boston)

Nestled in the Berkshires of western Massachusetts, Charlemont is home to what they say is the first zip line canopy tour in southern New England: Deerfield Valley Zip Line Canopy Tour. They opened in 2009 and offer a three-hour zip line tour through the trees on 11 different tracks with sky bridges and platforms where adventurers can enjoy views of the forest below. Deerfield Valley also has places you can whitewater raft, kayak, and rock climb.

Take a hike on West Rattlesnake Mountain in New Hampshire. (2 hours from Boston)

West Rattlesnake Mountain is filled with green scenery and rare plants bordering Squam Lake. At the lake, there is a natural science center where visitors can learn about animals that inhabit the area through a variety of exhibits. The center also offers 90-minute guided river cruises that showcase “rocky shores, celebrated islands, historic homes, scenic mountain views, and remarkable wildlife."

See a real castle in Gillette Castle State Park in Connecticut. (2 hours from Boston)

At this state park, visitors can glimpse into Connecticut history. The castle, which is a 24-room mansion and looks like a medieval castle, opens on Memorial Day for tours, but the grounds around it are open year-round. William Hooker Gillette had the castle built in the early 1900s: It took 20 men five years to do it. Nearby is the Connecticut Art Trail, which is trail that connects 18 museums and historic sites.

Get some great ocean views at Colt State Park in Rhode Island. (90 minutes from Boston)

Near the town of Bristol, Rhode Island, this state park offers “464 acres of lawns, stone walls, and curving drives along one of the state’s most spectacular shorelines.” Visitors can see panoramic views of Narragansett Bay, and even bike on one of the 4 miles of trails. There’s also water access for visitors who want to kayak.

Last but not least, my favorite place of all..

Get in touch with your poetic side at Walden Pond. (30 minutes from Boston)

Just a short drive from Boston, Walden Pond in Concord is where Henry David Thoreau lived from July 1845 to September 1847. His experience at Walden provided the material for the book, Walden.
Walden Pond has 335 acres of natural space and is a swimming destination in the summer. There are trails to hike and even a replica of Thoreau’s cabin.

Check out Boston.com for more awesome adventures like these that will get you to devour the details this Summer!