The best walks and hikes around Swampscott
4.5
(51)
462
hikers
90
hikes
Hiking around Swampscott features a diverse landscape on the North Shore of Massachusetts. The area provides coastal walks along public shorelines, sandy beaches, and rocky points. Inland, trails traverse wooded areas and salt marshes. Larger natural spaces, such as the 2,200-acre Lynn Woods Reservation, offer extensive trail networks through forests and around ponds.
Best hiking trails around Swampscott
- The most popular hiking route is Marblehead Neck loop from Devereux Beach, a 4.4 miles (7.0 km) trail that takes 1…
Last updated: June 25, 2026
3.0
(1)
6
hikers
3.44km
00:55
30m
30m
Hike the easy 2.1-mile Salem Woods Loop in Massachusetts, featuring diverse woodlands, marsh views, and varied terrain.
4
hikers
3.01km
00:46
0m
20m
The Lynn and Kings Beach Pathway offers a refreshing coastal stroll, guiding you along a paved seawall with continuous ocean views. You'll breathe in the sea air as you pass…
Sign up for free
1.19km
00:18
0m
0m
Step onto the Lynn Common Loop for a refreshing urban escape. This easy hiking route guides you through a tranquil oasis, where well-maintained paths wind among lush greenery. You'll cover…
812m
00:13
10m
10m
Hike the easy 0.5-mile Leggs Hill Trail in Forest River Conservation Area, enjoying rolling pastures, oak trees, and skyline views.
14
hikers
7.01km
01:48
30m
30m
Hike the easy 4.4-mile Marblehead Neck loop from Devereux Beach, featuring coastal views, Marblehead Lighthouse, and wildlife sanctuary trai
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Tips from the Community
Salem Woods is a natural area with trails and some great natural features like the forest river visible here.
0
0
Lynn Beach is quite expansive and encircles much of Nahant Bay leading out to the Atlantic. A paved trail runs along the length of the beach, and you can spend a lot of time riding right next to the water.
0
0
Castle Rock Park spans 1.2 acres of coastal landscape and is named after a nearby castle-like private home. From the granite ledges, there are great Atlantic views. This park is a popular spot for photography, storm watching, and observing sailing races. Take the steps on the left side of the rock down to the tide pools.
1
0
Lynn Beach is quite expansive and encircles much of Nahant Bay leading out to the Atlantic. A paved trail runs along the length of the beach, and you can spend a lot of time riding right next to the water.
0
0
The Marblehead Neck Wildlife Sanctuary is managed by the Massachusetts Audubon Society and is located in in Marblehead, Massachusetts. This coastal sanctuary boasts diverse habitats including woodlands, salt marshes, and rocky shores, making it a haven for wildlife and a popular spot for birdwatching and hiking.
0
0
A small, narrow beach along Ocean Avenue, featuring a pleasant causeway that provides impressive views of the water.
0
0
Located in Chandler Hovey Park, this 105-foot cast-iron lighthouse, active since 1896, remains in use by the Coast Guard for navigation. The historical significance, coupled with panoramic views of the water, makes it a worthwhile stop.
0
0
Lynn Beach is part of the Lynn Shore Reservation, a protected coastal reservation. It includes 22 acres of beaches and places for people to publicly recreate. There is a paved walkway to run around the beach, so visitors can enjoy the Atlantic without getting their shoes sandy.
0
0
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there easy, family-friendly hikes in the Swampscott area?
Yes, the region offers several great options for families. Breakheart Reservation is a popular choice with paved paths suitable for strollers and small children. For a coastal experience, the Lynn Beach loop from Swampscott is a flat and scenic walk along the shore.
Can I bring my dog on the hiking trails near Swampscott?
Many trails in the area are dog-friendly, but always check local rules and keep your dog on a leash where required. Lynn Woods Reservation is a highly-regarded park where dogs are a common sight. The trails in the Forest River Conservation Area are also a good option for a walk with your canine companion.
Where can I find hikes with good ocean views?
Swampscott's coastline is perfect for walks with ocean vistas. You can explore the paths along Phillips and Preston Beaches for constant sea views. For a more structured coastal route, consider the Marblehead Neck loop from Devereux Beach — Marblehead, which offers beautiful scenery of the neighboring shoreline.
What are the best places for a proper woodland hike?
For a more traditional forest hiking experience, the Harold A. King Forest in Swampscott offers a lovely loop trail through 47 acres of undeveloped woodland. For a much larger network of trails, the nearby Lynn Woods Reservation is a massive municipal park with extensive paths, a stone tower, and varied terrain.
Are there any circular or loop trails available?
Yes, there are many loop trails so you can end your hike where you started. The Ox Pasture Road – Walden Pond & Overlook Trail loop from Vinnin Square is a moderate loop that takes you through local woodlands. Most of the larger parks, like Lynn Woods and Breakheart Reservation, feature multiple well-marked loop trails of varying lengths.
How many hiking trails are there around Swampscott?
You can explore over 70 different hiking routes around Swampscott. The majority of these are rated as easy, making the area very accessible, with a good number of moderate trails for those seeking more of a challenge.
What do other hikers think of the trails in this region?
The trails around Swampscott are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 out of 5 stars. Hikers often praise the mix of coastal scenery and quiet woodland paths, providing a great variety of experiences close to town.
What is the Swampscott Rail Trail like for walking?
The Swampscott Rail Trail is a multi-use path that provides a convenient walking route through town. It's mostly unpaved with a gravel surface, making it better for walking than for all types of cycling. It offers a nice, relatively flat path away from traffic.
Where can I find trails that connect Swampscott to other towns?
The Forest River Conservation Area Connector links Swampscott to Salem's 97-acre trail system. This allows you to walk from Swampscott through woodlands and salt marsh up to Eagle Hill in Salem for impressive views. The Swampscott Rail Trail is also part of a larger plan to connect to the 'Border to Boston' trail system.
Are there any state parks nearby with good hiking?
Yes, several excellent state parks are a short drive away. Halibut Point State Park in Rockport is a fantastic choice, known for its spectacular coastal views from trails winding around an old granite quarry. Breakheart Reservation in Saugus is another large state-managed forest with lakes, a river, and many hiking trails.
Where can I find information on parking for the trails?
Parking availability varies by location. Larger parks like Lynn Woods Reservation and Breakheart Reservation have designated parking areas. For coastal walks, you can often find street parking or use public lots near the beaches, though it can be limited during peak season. Trailheads like the one for the Swampscott Rail Trail also have small, dedicated access points.
Most popular attractions around Swampscott
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Browse the best Hikes in other regions.
