Exploring Massachusetts by Train, Boat, or Hot Air Balloon
Nestled about 20 miles southwest of Boston, the historic town of Concord offers an idyllic gateway to exploring Massachusetts by rail. The Lowell Line of the MBTA Commuter Rail whisks visitors from Boston’s North Station through quaint New England scenery right to Concord’s heart. Stepping off near the town center, travelers can stroll along the Battle Road Trail, a roughly five-mile historic path that traces the first shots of the American Revolutionary War. The trail runs from the Minute Man National Historical Park to the Lexington Green area, offering not just a walk through wooded terrain but a deep dive into pivotal moments in U.S. history. The ease of access by train combines with the trail’s rich interpretive markers and open meadows to make for a uniquely immersive experience. Spring and fall are particularly enchanting here, when wildflowers bloom or autumn leaves set the landscape ablaze in vibrant hues.
To experience Massachusetts from the water, few places rival the charm of the Charles River Basin in Cambridge, just a short drive or public transit ride from downtown Boston. Renting a kayak or boarding a guided tour boat from the Charles River Boat Company puts you on the water with panoramic views of the Boston skyline and iconic university campuses such as Harvard and MIT. Paddling past boathouses and under arched bridges, visitors can soak in the blend of urban energy and natural serenity. The Charles River reservation along the banks offers peaceful green spaces and bike paths, but it’s truly the vantage from the water that reveals the river’s graceful curves and lively regattas. Early summer evenings, when the river sparkles under a setting sun and the city lights begin to twinkle, provide an especially magical ambiance.
For a more elevated perspective on the Bay State’s beauty, the Pioneer Valley Balloon Championship launches annually near Northampton, about 90 minutes west of Boston. While the festival itself draws crowds seasonally, hot air balloon rides are offered year-round from companies operating in the Connecticut River Valley region. Floating gently above the lush farmland and rolling hills, visitors experience a serene, bird’s-eye view that frames the patchwork of fields, quaint villages, and distant Berkshire ridges. The calm early morning hours, when winds are mild and the air is crisp, offer the best conditions for ballooning. What makes this region distinctive is the convergence of pastoral landscapes with historic towns like Amherst and Deerfield, whose colonial architecture and fall foliage create a stunning tapestry visible only from the sky.
Heading north, the Cape Ann Rail Trail near Gloucester and Rockport, about 40 miles northeast of Boston, is another scenic spot accessible by commuter rail on the Newburyport/Rockport Line. The trail traces a former railroad bed along the Atlantic coast and winds through salt marshes, rocky beaches, and quaint fishing villages. Biking or walking this mostly flat, six-mile route combines fresh ocean breezes with views of rugged granite cliffs and the distant silhouette of Mount Ann. Gloucester’s working harbor and Rockport’s art galleries and shops offer rewarding stops at either end. This coastal trail stands out for its blend of maritime heritage, wildlife spotting—herons and ospreys are common—and the salty tang of sea air. Late spring through early fall offers the most pleasant weather, with wildflowers blooming and the ocean inviting for a post-ride dip.
In the Berkshires, the Hoosac Valley Scenic Byway reveals another way to appreciate Massachusetts’s natural and industrial past. Starting near Greenfield, about 90 minutes northwest of Springfield, this winding route passes through picturesque towns like Shelburne Falls and Charlemont. Driving here is popular, but the Franklin Regional Transit Authority offers bus routes connecting to trailheads and landmarks. One highlight is the Bridge of Flowers in Shelburne Falls, a former trolley bridge transformed into a vibrant garden walkway over the Deerfield River. This unusual attraction blends history, horticulture, and stunning river views in a way few places can replicate. Visiting in late spring, when the blooms peak, rewards travelers with a sensory feast of color and fragrance.
Back near Boston, the Boston Harbor Islands offer a maritime adventure accessible by ferry from the city’s Long Wharf or Charlestown Navy Yard. While not a traditional boat tour, these ferries serve as the gateway to a collection of 34 islands and peninsulas, each with unique landscapes and stories. Georges Island and Spectacle Island are especially popular for hiking, picnicking, and exploring colonial forts like Fort Warren, a Civil War-era stronghold. The islands’ salt marshes and sandy beaches provide habitats for migratory birds and seals visible from the shore. Summer months bring warm weather perfect for island hopping, fresh seafood picnics, and swimming, while off-season visits highlight the stark beauty and solitude of these maritime refuges.
Finally, a journey on the Amtrak Vermonter line offers a tranquil, long-distance rail experience from Springfield northward, passing through the Connecticut River Valley’s scenic charms. One can disembark in Northampton or Greenfield to explore riverfront parks and vibrant downtowns known for their arts scenes and farm-to-table dining. From the train’s large windows, rolling hills, farms, and dense forest stand in contrast to the urban buzz of southern Massachusetts. The route is particularly striking in autumn, when fiery foliage colors streak the landscape, making the railcar feel like a moving vantage point for nature’s grandest show. This blend of cultural richness and natural splendor exemplifies Massachusetts’s layered identity and invites travelers to slow down and savor every mile.