Hiking for Beginners

An MBA graduate from Boston College Carroll Graduate School of Management, finance professional R. Scott Bushley has more than two decades of finance experience. Scott Bushley’s free time pursuits include travel and hiking. Here are some fundamentals for beginning hikers.

To begin, avoid hiking with experienced hikers; you may not be able to keep up. Choose short treks with other beginners instead. It is advisable to start with a trail shorter than what you would walk on paved ground. After that, you can get a map of your chosen trail to acquaint yourself with its surroundings.

Pack light, especially essentials such as water, a first-aid kit, and appropriate clothing and footwear. What you wear will depend on the path you are hiking. It is also advisable to check the weather prediction a few hours or even minutes before your trek. This information can also assist you in selecting the appropriate attire and items to bring on your trip.

If you have never hiked before, embarking on a solo hike might be daunting, lonely, and even dangerous. Having hiking friends makes the experience considerably more adventurous, and they can also assist in an emergency. Also, keep your family or friends informed about your whereabouts regularly.

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Three Trails Near Boston

R. Scott Bushley is an executive who has served as partner at the Boston-based hedge fund Granite Point Capital since 2018. Outside of work, Scott Bushley enjoys hiking, skiing, and biking.

While many Boston residents enjoy wandering the city’s meandering streets, those who like enjoy hiking in nature have plenty of options. Here are some of the trails near or in the city.

1. Emerald Necklace. Designed by Central Park’s Frederick Law Olmstead, Emerald Necklace connects six different parks across 1,000 acres from Boston Common to Franklin Park. The entire expanse is seven miles long, making it a good destination for people looking for a long, diverse walk.

2. Battle Road Trail. Found in Lincoln, Massachusetts, this five-mile trail is perfect for history buffs, as it is rich in American Revolution lore. While the trail is open year-round, there’s a visitor center open from April through October for extra context.

3. World’s End. Located 15 miles outside of Boston, World’s End offers 4.5 miles of moderate trails and carriage paths that afford views of the Boston skyline, as well as access to saltwater marshes, meadows, and woodlands that are home to many plants and birds.