Sunset hikes near Hardwick, ma

A short walk out, the whole show, and back at your car before dark. Times are estimates at a relaxed pace; give yourself extra buffer, especially with kids or in a group.

1. Racoon Hill Road 4.3 mi away

   Leave by 5:59 PM

   1. Leave trailhead5:59 PM
   2. Sunset6:52 PM
   3. Head back7:07 PM
   4. At your car7:30 PM
   5. Dark7:20 PM

   Back at your car by 7:30 PM, after dark — bring a headlamp.

   1.0 mi to the viewpoint · 290 ft climb · 56 min of walking

2. The Rock House–Balance Rock, 6 sights 5.4 mi away

   Leave by 6:26 PM

   1. Leave trailhead6:26 PM
   2. Sunset6:52 PM
   3. Head back7:07 PM
   4. At your car7:14 PM
   5. Dark7:20 PM

   Back at your car by 7:14 PM — 5 min before dark.

   0.2 mi to the viewpoint · 14 min of walkingCar visible from the viewpoint

3. Balance Rock–Carter Pond, 5 sights 5.4 mi away

   Leave by 6:24 PM

   1. Leave trailhead6:24 PM
   2. Sunset6:52 PM
   3. Head back7:07 PM
   4. At your car7:12 PM
   5. Dark7:20 PM

   Back at your car by 7:12 PM — 7 min before dark.

   0.2 mi to the viewpoint · 60 ft climb · 14 min of walking

4. Lucy Stone Home Site & Coy Hill Road 6.6 mi away

   Leave by 6:07 PM

   1. Leave trailhead6:07 PM
   2. Sunset6:52 PM
   3. Head back7:07 PM
   4. At your car7:25 PM
   5. Dark7:20 PM

   Back at your car by 7:25 PM, after dark — bring a headlamp.

   0.7 mi to the viewpoint · 230 ft climb · 43 min of walking

5. Ross Hill Road & Yellow Loop Loop 6.8 mi away

   Leave by 6:22 PM

   1. Leave trailhead6:22 PM
   2. Sunset6:52 PM
   3. Head back7:07 PM
   4. At your car7:18 PM
   5. Dark7:20 PM

   Back at your car by 7:18 PM — 2 min before dark.

   0.4 mi to the viewpoint · 20 min of walkingCar visible from the viewpoint

6. Pottapaug Pond–F-94 Starfire Crash Site, 5 sights 5.1 mi away

   Leave by 5:46 PM

   1. Leave trailhead5:46 PM
   2. Sunset6:52 PM
   3. Head back7:07 PM
   4. At your car7:49 PM
   5. Dark7:20 PM

   Back at your car by 7:49 PM, after dark — bring a headlamp.

   1.7 mi to the viewpoint · 170 ft climb · 88 min of walking

7. Old Town Hall–Petersham Road, 4 sights 5.3 mi away

   Leave by 4:57 PM

   1. Leave trailhead4:57 PM
   2. Sunset6:52 PM
   3. Head back7:07 PM
   4. At your car8:31 PM
   5. Dark7:20 PM

   Back at your car by 8:31 PM, after dark — bring a headlamp.

   3.4 mi to the viewpoint · 400 ft climb · 179 min of walking

8. Dead Man's Curve–Tamplin Road, 3 sights 5.6 mi away

   Leave by 5:46 PM

   1. Leave trailhead5:46 PM
   2. Sunset6:52 PM
   3. Head back7:07 PM
   4. At your car7:49 PM
   5. Dark7:20 PM

   Back at your car by 7:49 PM, after dark — bring a headlamp.

   1.6 mi to the viewpoint · 180 ft climb · 87 min of walking

9. Prendiville Road;Town Farm Road 6.2 mi away

   Leave by 5:57 PM

   1. Leave trailhead5:57 PM
   2. Sunset6:52 PM
   3. Head back7:07 PM
   4. At your car7:48 PM
   5. Dark7:20 PM

   Back at your car by 7:48 PM, after dark — bring a headlamp.

   1.4 mi to the viewpoint · 76 min of walking

10. Quabbin Reservoir–Dead Man's Curve, 5 sights 5.3 mi away

    Leave by 5:22 PM

    1. Leave trailhead5:22 PM
    2. Sunset6:52 PM
    3. Head back7:07 PM
    4. At your car8:14 PM
    5. Dark7:20 PM

    Back at your car by 8:14 PM, after dark — bring a headlamp.

    2.7 mi to the viewpoint · 140 ft climb · 138 min of walking

11. Connor Pond–Buell Trail, 6 sights 8.6 mi away

    Leave by 5:40 PM

    1. Leave trailhead5:40 PM
    2. Sunset6:52 PM
    3. Head back7:07 PM
    4. At your car8:01 PM
    5. Dark7:20 PM

    Back at your car by 8:01 PM, after dark — bring a headlamp.

    1.8 mi to the viewpoint · 250 ft climb · 106 min of walkingTrailhead visible from the viewpoint

12. Dudley Trail–Old Town Road, 5 sights 8.7 mi away

    Leave by 5:53 PM

    1. Leave trailhead5:53 PM
    2. Sunset6:51 PM
    3. Head back7:06 PM
    4. At your car7:46 PM
    5. Dark7:20 PM

    Back at your car by 7:46 PM, after dark — bring a headlamp.

    1.3 mi to the viewpoint · 210 ft climb · 78 min of walkingTrailhead visible from the viewpoint