Easy
Massachusetts · United States
- Distance
- 1.4 km / 0.9 mi
- Elevation gain
- 31 m
- Typical duration
- 20 min
Bay Circuit Trail
ExpertMassachusetts · United States
- Distance
- 381 km (237 mi)
- Elevation gain
- 8,391 m (27,530 ft)
- Typical time
- 103 hr
- Difficulty
- Expert
- Route type
- Point to point
- Highest point
- Not recorded
About Bay Circuit Trail
Bay Circuit Trail is a 381 km hiking route in Massachusetts, United States. It climbs roughly 8,391 m (27,530 ft) along the way. Most people take around 17 days at a comfortable pace, plus stops. The combination of distance, ascent and exposure puts this at the top end of what a day hike can be.
It forms part of a long-distance path, so it links cleanly into multi-day itineraries.
Start and finish are in different places, which means public transport or a second car is part of the planning. It is not consistently waymarked, so carry a map or a downloaded track rather than relying on signs.
Spring through autumn is the natural window, and shoulder season means fewer people on the narrow sections. The nearest town of any size is Brighton, about 2.5 km away, which is where most people base themselves.
In short, Bay Circuit Trail suits experienced mountain walkers who are comfortable with exposure, navigation and long descents. Dog access is not formally recorded here, so check locally before bringing one.
Route map
Expert381 km8,391 m
Numbered marks every 50 km
Route line from OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL. View the source relation
The route in detail
The route is normally walked in the direction described below. The first third does most of the climbing, so settle into a slow rhythm early rather than trying to hold a flat-ground pace. Because the finish is away from the start, check return transport before committing to the second half.
Highlights
- Long-distance path
- Part of a long-distance path
- Over 1,000 m (3,281 ft) of ascent
Know before you go
- Best season
- April to October
- Waymarked
- Not consistently
- Surface
- Mixed natural surface
- Dogs
- Not recorded, check locally
- Wheelchair access
- Not accessible
- Entrance fee
- No fee recorded
- Camping
- Not recorded
- Drinking water
- Carry your own
- Toilets
- Not recorded
- Mobile coverage
- Generally usable
- Parking
- Park at the trailhead, arrive early in high season
- Emergency
- 112 in Europe, 911 in North America
How this trail scores
Computed from distance, ascent, terrain features, surface and access data.
- Scenery
- 56/100
- Adventure
- 94/100
- Difficulty
- 100/100
- Accessibility
- 13/100
- Family
- 7/100
- Dogs
- 47/100
Terrain features, relief and photographic interest
Distance, ascent and how wild the ground is
Effort index from distance and climbing
Surface, gradient and ease of reaching it
Suitability for children who already walk
Access rules, terrain and water along the way
Tips from the trail
- Start at first light. A long day is far more pleasant when you are not racing the sunset on the descent.
- Aim for april to october for the most reliable conditions.
- Download the track to your phone before you leave. Signal is not guaranteed.
- Break the route into stages and decide your turnaround time before you set off.
- Leave nothing behind, including fruit peel, and stay on the marked line to protect the ground either side.
Warnings
- This route is long and sustained. Turn back early rather than late if the weather closes in.
- Outside the main season expect snow, ice or closed access on the higher sections.
Safety
Emergency services in United States are reached on 911. Tell someone your route and expected finish time before you set off, particularly if you are walking alone. Mobile coverage is generally usable along this route, but do not rely on it as your only plan. If the weather deteriorates, descending the way you came is almost always the safer option.
What to bring
- Comfortable, broken-in hiking shoes or boots
- Weatherproof jacket
- At least 1.5 litres of water
- Trekking poles for the descent
- Offline map and compass
- Head torch and spare battery
- Extra warm layer
- Sun hat, sunglasses and high-factor sun cream
- Real food, not just snacks
Photography
Overcast light suits this route better than harsh midday sun, especially under tree cover. Take the shot on the way out. Conditions rarely improve by the time you come back past. A wide lens captures the scale, but a short telephoto is what turns a good view into a photograph.
Frequently asked questions
Reviews
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Trails near Bay Circuit Trail
Other routes within a short drive, ranked by distance from this trailhead.
Easy
Massachusetts · United States
- Distance
- 1.4 km / 0.9 mi
- Elevation gain
- 31 m
- Typical duration
- 20 min
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Moderate
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- Elevation gain
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- Waymarked route
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- Distance
- 5.7 km / 3.5 mi
- Elevation gain
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- Typical duration
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