Best Walking Trails in the Merrimack Valley: A Local Realtor's Guide to MA and NH Hikes

Home is . . . where the walks are.

I love to sell real estate, and it’s because I love where I live. As a local Realtor licensed in Massachusetts and New Hampshire, I don't just sell houses—I sell the New England lifestyle. Living and home mean different things to everyone, and I hope to share ideas to get out into the communities and neighborhoods that surround us, ways to enjoy and improve your property, and places to experience all our area has to offer.

This week:  great trails.

Realtor Carrie Anderson-Paquette and her dog Boss rambling in the great outdoors in Newburyport, Massachusetts.

I’m a year-round walker and love to find spots that are in and around, or at least not too far from, the Merrimack Valley.

Looking to get outside now that spring is in the air?  Here are a few great hikes and walks in the northeastern MA/southern NH area. All of these have walking trails and some allow bikes or horses in certain seasons too. Many also have organized group walks and tours and events throughout the year. Check online before you go as dogs are allowed at some but not all of these places, some have parking or entrance fees, and some may have closed trail portions in certain seasons due to weather, mud or ice, or wildlife happenings.

1.

Where: Maudsley State Park, Newburyport, Massachusetts

Highlight: Historical ruins, gardens and birds-eye river views

Level: Easy to moderate

I love to wander through the fields and historical ruins, structured and wild flower gardens, and walk along the Merrimack River from on high. Easy-to-moderate trails.  (Love Newburyport? Look at property here: Newburyport search.) 

Realtor Carrie Anderson-Paquette's son and her dog Hank at Andres Institute of Art Park, Brookline, NH.

2.

Where: Andres Institute of Art Park, Brookline, New Hampshire

Highlight: Sculptures throughout

Level: Easy to difficult (variety of trails so choose the level best for you according to the map)

Combines two of my loves: art and nature. More than 100 sculptures along easy-to-moderate trails that cut through the woods and over hills. Art is added annually so there are fresh things to see.

View from atop Mount Agamenticus of the ocean and Kennebunkport, Maine in the distance. Photo by Carrie Anderson-Paquette.

3.

Where: Mount Agamenticus, York, Maine

Highlight: Amazing views to the coast and distant mountains

Level: Easy to difficult. Some trails are very steep and rocky. But you can drive to the top for easy (on no) walking

So close to the NH border, it’s the bump you see in the coastline from the beaches. Diverse trails from easy field and forest, to difficult, rocky and steep. Wonderful views from the top to the ocean. 

Realtor Carrie Anderson-Paquette captured this photo of her son getting a selfie at the Fells high above the highway with the Boston skyline in the background.

4.

Where: Middlesex Fells Reservation, Medford, Stoneham, Winchester, Malden, Melrose, Massachusetts

Highlight: Accessible forest so near the city, with great city views.

Level: Easy to difficult depending on trail.

Large acreage close to route 93 that feels miles away from suburbia but is quickly accessible. Rocky outcroppings, hills, historical structures, and a unique view: climb up to the historical tower with an amazing vantage point of Boston’s skyline. Trails vary easy to difficult.

The ever-changing colors of the Parker River are so vibrant. Photo by Carrie Anderson-Paquette.

5.

Where: Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, Plum Island (Newbury) Massachusetts

Highlight: Ocean and beach boardwalks. 

Level: Mostly flat but some raised platforms and stairs depending on trail selection.

The Parker River and the ocean are backdrops to marshy trails, the beach, and sites to view and photograph lots of wildlife including flocks of active birds.

Living in northeastern Massachusetts and southern New Hampshire has so much to offer, including lots of accessible land. These are a few places that I visit often to get outside, refuel my spirit, and get exercise with my husband, my kids, my dogs, and my friends. I have great memories of visiting these places with my parents over the years too.

Some have perfect locations to pack a picnic and hang out for a while. Others have scenic parking and seating spots to bring along someone who may not want to hike but just wants take in the views, or read a book while enjoying the scenery.

Your home is so important to creating the lifestyle you want to live. If you’d like to find a new property, or want to sell your current home, please contact me. I’d love to help you find your next happy place.

Best, 

Carrie Anderson-Paquette, Realtor®

Licensed in Massachusetts and New Hampshire

www.HomesWithCarrie.com