Hikes Near Worcester
Six places to walk in the Worcester area, starting with the chasm.
Good hikes near Worcester, Massachusetts include Purgatory Chasm in Sutton for a short boulder scramble, Douglas State Forest and Upton State Forest for longer woods walks, Blackstone River and Canal Heritage State Park in Uxbridge for a walk along the historic canal, Wells State Park in Sturbridge for the Carpenter Rocks cliffs, and West Hill Dam in Uxbridge for more than 16 miles of trails. Five of the six are state parks run by DCR; West Hill Dam is run by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Every fact below comes from that place's own agency.
Six Hikes at a Glance
Purgatory Chasm State Reservation, Sutton
The short, dramatic one. DCR's 0.5-mile Chasm Loop Trail drops into a boulder-filled chasm with rock walls DCR puts at up to 70 feet, past formations like the Devil's Pulpit and Fat Man's Misery. DCR rates it moderate; the park has six short trails and about 2 miles in all. Open sunrise to sunset; parking $5 for Massachusetts plates and $20 for others, May 9 to October 26 (2026). The Chasm Trail closes in winter. See the chasm hike guide and all six trails.
Douglas State Forest, Douglas
A big forest on the Connecticut and Rhode Island line: DCR gives it 5,907 acres. Hikers can follow a section of the Midstate Trail, which DCR says runs from central Massachusetts north to Mount Watatic, or take the boardwalk trail through a rare Atlantic white cedar swamp. Wallum Lake has swimming (closed after Labor Day) and boating. Address: 107 Wallum Lake Road, Douglas. Parking was charged May 23 to October 12 in 2026: $9 for Massachusetts plates, $30 for others. Dogs allowed.
Blackstone River and Canal Heritage State Park, Uxbridge
The option with history. DCR describes about 1,000 acres of natural park, with trails along the historic Blackstone Canal, which was used for trade in the 1800s, and River Bend Farm. The park's visitor center is open daily 8:30 am to 4 pm (closed Thanksgiving and Christmas). Parking and admission are free. Address: 287 Oak Street, Uxbridge. Dogs allowed.
Upton State Forest, Upton
A 2,660-acre forest that DCR says mixes nature and history, with structures built by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the Great Depression. The trailhead for the 2-mile Healthy Heart Trail is in the parking lot, and parking is free. Address: 205 Westboro Road, Upton. No grilling. Dogs allowed.
Wells State Park, Sturbridge
DCR lists 1,400 acres and 12 miles of trails, with rugged terrain and ledges between wetlands. A notable trail climbs to the cliffs of Carpenter Rocks, named for John Carpenter, who ran a sawmill nearby, with views over Walker Pond. Wells also has 60 campsites near the pond. Address: 159 Walker Pond Road, Sturbridge. Parking was charged May 23 to September 7 in 2026: $5 for Massachusetts plates, $20 for others. Dogs on leash; no alcohol.
West Hill Dam, Uxbridge
Run by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers rather than DCR. The Corps says there are over 16 miles of hiking and mountain-bike trails through woods and grassland along the West River, open year-round from dawn to dusk, with picnic tables, grills and an accessible playground. It also calls the area one of the best birding spots in Worcester County, with more than 200 species seen each year. Park at the project office, 518 East Hartford Avenue, Uxbridge; access from West Hill Road in Northbridge has closed. The Corps also posted that the entrance and parking lots are closed to everyone from September 15 to November 15, 2026 for road and parking-lot work, so check before you go.
Join a Free Guided Hike
DCR runs a free Blackstone River Valley hike series across these parks. The October 2026 schedule had a 2-mile Goat Hill Loop at Blackstone River and Canal Heritage State Park, a 5-mile Grand Trunk Trail Loop and a 3.5-mile Bad Luck Pond Loop at Douglas State Forest, and a 3.5-mile Dean Pond Loop at Upton State Forest. Ages 12 and up; no registration; information at (508) 278-7604. Purgatory Chasm has its own guided chasm hikes.
Which One Should You Pick?
- Short and exciting, with kids 8 and up: Purgatory Chasm.
- History along the trail: the Blackstone canal in Uxbridge.
- A long woods day: Douglas State Forest or West Hill Dam.
- A view from a cliff: Carpenter Rocks at Wells State Park.
- Free parking: Upton State Forest or Blackstone River and Canal Heritage State Park.
Fees and hours change by season. Check each park's own page before you go.
Hikes Near Worcester FAQ
What are some good hikes near Worcester, MA?
Purgatory Chasm in Sutton for a short boulder scramble, Douglas State Forest and Upton State Forest for longer woods walks, Blackstone River and Canal Heritage State Park in Uxbridge for trails along the historic canal, Wells State Park in Sturbridge for Carpenter Rocks, and West Hill Dam in Uxbridge for 16+ miles of trails.
Which hikes near Worcester have free parking?
DCR lists free parking at Upton State Forest and free parking and admission at Blackstone River and Canal Heritage State Park. Purgatory Chasm, Douglas State Forest and Wells State Park charge a seasonal parking fee.
Is there an easy hike near Worcester for kids?
DCR's paved, accessible Spring Path at Purgatory Chasm is a quarter mile and rated easy. Older kids can try the half-mile Chasm Loop, which DCR rates moderate.