A bird sitting on a nest of eggs.

Hiking Near Sterling, Massachusetts

Shorter Routes icon

Shorter Routes

These hikes keep it under 5 miles and climb less than 1,500 feet, making them ideal for quicker outings or lower-key days. Perfect for a morning stretch, a casual afternoon, or getting outside without committing to a big push. Don’t let the stats fool you — many still pack in great views and rewarding moments.

Trout Brook Conservation Area Loop

Hike Route

Trout Brook Conservation Area Loop

Dogs Allowed
moderate
3.8 mi
+211 ft
Mill Street Loop

Hike Route

Mill Street Loop

Spring
moderate
3.86 mi
+242 ft
Mount Wachusett

Hike Route

Mount Wachusett

Views
moderate
4.28 mi
+1,120 ft
Wachusett Friendly Loop

Hike Route

Wachusett Friendly Loop

Family Friendly
moderate
3.36 mi
+864 ft
Beaver Bend Loop

Hike Route

Beaver Bend Loop

Birding
moderate
0.84 mi
+114 ft
Savage Hill Wildlife Management Area

Hike Route

Savage Hill Wildlife Management Area

Birding
strenuous
4.07 mi
+326 ft
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Adventurous Routes

These routes go beyond 10 miles and are built for days when you want to cover more ground and push a little deeper. Expect longer distances, more effort, and bigger payoffs — whether that’s remote terrain, summit views, or a full-day challenge. Ideal for hikers looking to go farther and stay out longer.

Wapack and Back

Hike Route

Wapack and Back

Birding
strenuous
41.05 mi
+9,206 ft

Other Nearby Routes

Not finding what you're looking for? These additional nearby hikes offer more ways to get outside and explore the area. With a mix of lengths, difficulty levels, and terrain, you're likely to find something that fits your plans for the day. And remember, you can always use the onX Route Builder to create your own adventure from scratch.

Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge + Rail Trail

Hike Route

Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge + Rail Trail

Less Crowded
moderate
9.28 mi
+112 ft
Eight Mile Tour

Hike Route

Eight Mile Tour

strenuous
7.12 mi
+954 ft
Wapack Trail to Mount Watatic and Pratt Mountain

Hike Route

Wapack Trail to Mount Watatic and Pratt Mountain

Views
strenuous
8.56 mi
+1,681 ft
Two Rod Road and Davis Corridor

Hike Route

Two Rod Road and Davis Corridor

Lake
easy
6.48 mi
+271 ft
Noanet Peak - Powissett Peak

Hike Route

Noanet Peak - Powissett Peak

Views
moderate
5.89 mi
+554 ft
Purgatory Falls Out-and-Back

Hike Route

Purgatory Falls Out-and-Back

Birding
moderate
5.04 mi
+318 ft