What's a good overnight hiking loop in New England, within a 3 hour range of Boston?
We're looking for an overnight loop near the Boston area. I've checked out the Pemi Loop Hike in New Hampshire, but it's strenuous and we think it might be a little too much for the more novice members in my party. We have 3 days off in November. The Pemi Loop takes 3-4 days, so even if we chose it, it might be pushing it. Any other recommendations?
EDIT I meant that we are from Boston and are willing to drive up to 3 hours away to hike. We have done plenty of day hikes that distance away. I've hiked Mount Monadnock with this same group and we thought it was good terrain for our skill level. So something like that for a few days would be ideal.
We all have a 3 day weekend in November off, so we thought it would be fun to try an overnight.
None of us have hiked overnight before, so I'm not too familiar with how campsites work. I'm guessing it varies a lot depending on the trail. But if I can get any and all suggestions for 2-3 day loops in New England, that would help greatly. Then I can start looking into details and finding the right hike for us.
Also, it doesn't have to be a loop. As long as I can get back to my car to drive us home that works.
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There isn't a lot of wilderness near Boston, but there are many local trails. Camping is not allowed on most land that local trails pass over. However, it is sometimes possible to get permission. It is probably possible to string together a loop on local trails with pre-arranged camping permission in specific areas. You would have to do a lot of digging to find the many local trails, find a decent sized loop, then look for camping permission at a few selected sites along that loop.
If you are willing to spot a car instead of requiring a loop, then you have many more options. There are more regional trails in the area than most people realize. These are long enough for 3 days of hiking. The closest such trail to Boston is probably the Bay Circuit Trail, which runs through 37 towns in Eastern Massachusetts. I don't know what camping restrictions there might be, but I'd start out assuming camping is not allowed without specific permission that needs to be obtained in advance.
For a littler further from Boston but a more wild experience, check out the M+M, and Midstate Trails.
If you are willing to get further from Boston such that the question is really about New England, then there are many more options. These include the Berkshires in western MA, the Green Mountains in VT, the White Mountains in NH, and many other more wild areas than anything near Boston.
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