Essex County, Massachusetts
1,444 hiking trails · 8parks & campgrounds · 45 cities. Real OpenStreetMap + Recreation.gov data.
About Hiking in Essex County, Massachusetts
Essex County is home to 1,444 mapped hiking trails and 8 federal parks, campgrounds, and recreation areas spread across 45 cities. Trail data is sourced from OpenStreetMap contributors; park and campground info comes from Recreation.gov.
Looking for something specific? Search all trails in Essex County or browse parks. Want to narrow further? Pick a city below to see only that city’s outdoor options.
Trails & Parks in Essex County
Up to 208 pinpoints showing trail and park locations across the county.
Cities in Essex County
Click any city to see trails and parks within it.
21 more cities in this county.
Sample Parks in Essex County
Sample Trails in Essex County
Hiking guides for Massachusetts
Statewide rankings and guides — useful context for Essex County.
Photo: Sergei AkulichThe 10 Longest Hiking Trails in Massachusetts, Ranked
Massachusetts's longest mapped hiking trails, ranked by distance with notes on what makes each route worth the commitment.
Photo: Tobias MrzykMassachusetts's 10 Most Punishing Trails by Elevation Gain
Steep is hard. These are the ten Massachusetts trails with the most total elevation gain — quad-burners earned by hard climbing.
Photo: Sergei AkulichThe Best Beginner-Friendly Hikes in Massachusetts
Ten gentle, well-marked Massachusetts trails perfect for first-time hikers, families, or recovery days.
Photo: Holly MandarichThe 10 Most Challenging Hikes in Massachusetts
Massachusetts's ten hardest hikes — expert difficulty, big mileage, or serious exposure. Reserved for experienced hikers.
Photo: Diego LozanoThe Best National Parks & Recreation Areas in Massachusetts
Federal parks and recreation areas in Massachusetts ranked by what they actually offer hikers and campers, not just popularity.
Photo: Tobias MrzykBest Waterfall Hikes in Massachusetts: 10 Trails to See Falls Up Close
Massachusetts's best hikes to named waterfalls — from short family-friendly viewpoints to all-day cascade chasing.