Your hiking guide for Malden
Location: Middlesex Fells, Malden MA
What is hiking?
Hiking is a simple sport – all you have to do is go for a walk on a dirt or rocky trail to a specific location you’d like to visit. Some hikes are incredibly challenging like hiking Mount Washington in New Hampshire, while others are very approachable, like many of the hikes in the Middlesex Fells in Malden.
Hiking is a year-round activity: you can snowshoe on the same trail you did in the summer for a completely new experience.
To help both the trails and other people enjoy these spaces, please follow the Department of Conservation’s Be Kind Campaign which advocates for:
Listening for other people on trails and make space to pass
Keep dogs leashed outside of designated off-leash areas
Leave no trace of litter or waste
Stay on the trails - on foot, paw, or bike
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Local community groups like the Friends of Oak Grove (FOOGI) host hikes, and The Friends of the Fells offer numerous hiking programs for kids, new parents, and experienced hikers. A great place to start is the Friends of the Fells Plan A Trip page.
The Malden Public Library also has a Great Malden Outdoors reading list for hiking to help you learn and inspire people to get outside! -
Malden has many great hiking trails, mostly in the Middlesex Fells Reservation and accessible hiking for beginners, children, and people with disabilities at Waitts Mount. See the Great Malden Outdoors map and sort by “hiking” to see all of the best areas for hiking in the city.
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For people who’ve been recreating outside for years, this can be a common feeling. The desire to keep “your special place” a secret can be a strong one, but let’s change that perspective.
Instead of thinking about one more person in your way, think about one more person to help: maintain a trail, pick up trash, advocate for a new bill that increases funding to protect that place, and one more steward for The Great Outdoors. To help limit the impact on these precious natural spaces, we ask that everyone — from first-timers to lifers —follow the 7 Leave No Trace Principles so that we can all get outside.
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Hiking only requires a good pair of sneakers, trail running shoes, or hiking boots. Some people prefer tough hiking books, while others prefer lighter-weight waterproof sneakers when rain, snow, or mud are on the trails. Wear what makes you comfortable.
You can also use a light backpack to bring along water and snacks, bug spray, or a trekking pole if you’re worried about your balance on the trail.
While your phone’s GPS works on almost every trail in the city, downloading a DCR Fells Map before you leave is recommended just in case you need to exit your hike earlier than you planned.
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With a membership, residents of Malden have access to The Malden Public Library’s Library of Things which offers the ability to borrow outdoor equipment at no cost. Filter by “Outdoors” to see what they have.
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Yes! There are many hiking events and groups in Malden. Please visit the Friends of the Fells website.
To stay up to date on the latest upcoming events, sign up for the Great Malden Outdoors email list.
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Yes, please sign up for The Great Malden Outdoors email list for more information.
The Friends of the Fells is usually looking for seasonal help and occasional full-time roles. Visit their job board for open positions.
The Department of Conservation and Recreation who manage the Middlesex Fells Reservation are also looking to hire! See job listings here.
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Yes, please join the Friends of the Fells Get Involved Pages for more information.
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The Friends of the Fells calendar is a great place to keep up to date on all hiking events in and around Malden.
Sign up for the Great Malden Outdoors emails in the form below to get updates about upcoming events.
Have you been outside in Malden? We need your help!
Please fill out the survey so we can better understand who and how you are going outside. Information is power and if we are to protect these spaces, we need to hear from you with this anonymous survey generously provided by the Outdoor Industry Association.
