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    Blue Hills Reservation

    4.4 (138 reviews)

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    Trail outline
    Katie H.

    I did the 5 mile skyline trail loop starting near the Shea Memorial Skating Rink in late November and it was beautiful! Great views of the Boston skyline and a moderate hike given some scrambling and many off-shoots from the main path making it somewhat easy to end up on a different route. A little icy this time of year but overall an amazing and easy way to find some nature just outside of Boston! Link to trail map: https://www.mass.gov/doc/blue-hills-trail-map-guide/download

    Savannah H.

    Very fun hike, tougher going up than down but lovely. Took about 3 hours round trip for our group. There's also a lake and an amazing looking bbq area with even a playground so next time we will have to bring our swimsuits to cool off after a good hike. Views were stunning.

    Fall Foliage
    Adina S.

    If you're in Boston and looking for some local hiking, this is the place! It's not quite the White Mountains, but there are plenty of trails, so you can reach a solid total elevation gain and hit a bunch of miles. I really enjoyed some of the rocky areas, but it can be a little tough to navigate if the ground is wet or slushy. I'd recommend coming in the Fall, so you can take in some foliage. It's pretty cool to look out into the distance and see the Boston skyline, as well as the harbor and the ocean just beyond it. The overall experience was seamless. Parking was pretty easy - there were a few lots right by the trailheads, so if the first one is full, just proceeed to the next one. There were also a few maps by the entrances and the trails were well marked. Pro tip: Don't miss the animal exhibits, they're worth visiting!

    Near trail side museum
    Joe P.

    Fun to hike with the family, although be prepared for many rocks along the way. Or you can see the rescued animals like deer, fox, eagle at the animal area up the hill! Free parking

    View from Eliot tower.
    LifeListener X.

    Great hike. Easy to moderate. Open year round. Plenty of parking. Great for family fun. Awesome!

    Jenny T.

    Came here during Fall and I LOVED it. Trails were not too hard, great views for seeing fall foliage, stunning trees, ponds and would def come back. However, like most hiking places this place isn't the most public transport accessible.

    More trees
    June-Young C.

    So many miles of trails, and great vuews of the mountains and even Boston. It's really beautiful in the fall when the leaves change color. There aren't a lot of signs, so I recommend bringing a map or an extra battery charger for your phone if you use an app. The only downside to getting here is that there isn't a lot of parking in peak season. If you're a rock climber, there's a cool spot to hang out with a bunch of graffiti and climb.

    View of Boston from Eliot tower on blue hills!
    R C.

    Great hike. Did the Skyline Trail 2.7 mile loop. There were many people and Dogs on the trail but didn't get backed up anywhere. There are some steep areas but not hard. Views of Boston from the Eliot Tower was awesome. There are many trails and easy to get lost. Carry a map.

    Map!!
    Le T.

    Probably the closest hiking trail from Boston! Recently started hiking here pretty often. There are multiple trails that run through the forest. Make sure to always keep a lookout of the color markings on the trees. We tend to do the blue and red trails. I believe it's the skyline trail. Pretty steep and narrow. Definitely got me huffing and puffing. "We travel not to escape life... but for life not to escape us"

    Great Blue Hill from the Skyline Trail
    Watsachusetts ?.

    Boston created the first regional park system in the United States, of which the Blue Hills are still the largest portion and capstone. Only 10 miles from the downtown of New England's biggest city, the hills themselves are on the National Register of Historic Places. It's here from which the anglicized, Algonquin name "Massachusetts" derives! The Blue Hills are now an excellent place to take a break from the bustle and reconnect with life whether you're visiting or living in the area, and you can even access them via public transit. There are several attractions within the reservation including a museum, the oldest continuously operating weather station in the United States, and vistas of the Boston Skyline. With over 100 miles of official trails ranging in difficulty, it's easy to find a hike that works for you from the contoured Mass Audubon and DCR map. The highest point in the entire reservation is 635 ft, so don't concern too much if you're not an avid hiker. Even the most difficult trails are over before you know it, and you'll still feel accomplished!

    Me climbing up a rock stairwell
    Ashley P.

    Blue Hills Reservation is a peaceful yet adventurous land reservation in Canton, MA. Close to the hustle and bustle of city life in Boston, it is the perfect place to escape. Though I have not explored nearly the extent of the entire grounds, I have climbed the Great Blue Hill on several occasions. Using the parking lot on Rt. 138 and following the blue trail up the hill, I have enjoyed some particularly fantastic views of the surrounding area. Eliot Tower and a weather observatory stand on the summit of this hill. Summiting a hill or mountain is always exciting, no matter the location. I have reached the summit of Pikes Peak in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and granted I could see two states at one time from the top. . . reaching the top of the Great Blue Hill had equally of great views (minus the snow and freezing temperatures like Pikes Peak). The paths are well marked with rock stairs and blue dots indicating the way. The area surrounding Eliot Tower reminds me of something from a Medieval period. A stone archway bridge leads the way to the stonework tower. Picnic benches and stone fireplaces litter the grounds. Few people milling around the last time I climbed. Watch out for the wild animals that stalk the grounds and loose/slippery rocks along the paths. Be mindful of your surroundings and you can have a great time as well at this reservation!

    Panorama view of the skyline at this top !
    Angela L.

    The skyline trail was a very refreshing start to the morning! Who doesn't love the feeling of reaching the top during a hike to a great view? Wish they had more challenging trails to try and more signs directing us where to go! But I'd have to say, nothing beats the sweet company of other hikers you meet along the way during the journey. Everyone is extremely friendly and warm, striking up conversations as you walk past one another! ... And did I mention the adorable dogs you get to meet on the way? Yes. If you are a dog lover, you and your dogs will love it here!

    Kaori M.

    Nice local park and good for some weekend day walk. We did blue dot trail about 8 miles. From some hills you can see nice view including Boston in the distance. I will come back in spring again.

    Blue Hills

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    Ask the Community - Blue Hills Reservation

    Are dogs allowed?

    I've seen A LOT of people with their dogs. Unsure if it's "allowed" though.

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    Review Highlights - Blue Hills Reservation

    The Skyline Trail is great if you've got some time on your hands but for a short hike, I wouldn't recommend.

    Mentioned in 23 reviews

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    Pope John Paul II Park

    Pope John Paul II Park

    4.4(20 reviews)
    5.0 mi

    Super beautiful great place to go on a walk, run, jog, or to go cycling. There are always people…read morewalking their dog so even if it is a little chilly outside, you will see people enjoying the views. The park is quite long, it starts in Quincy/Dorcester area, goes through Milton, and I believe ends in Mattapan (Since it is a long path, I have not quite walked/cycled the whole way). On warmer days, there are more people out and about, but it doesn't feel crammed at all. Pros: - View of the water & the city depending on where you start - A few places to park your car (I normally park on the Dorcester side and have yet to see the lot completely full) - There are a few athletic fields so could be a great place to play some ball Cons: - There is almost always dog poop in the grassy area so be careful about where you step & if you are considering a picnic I would carefully inspect the floor before laying claim to a piece of grass.

    Have always liked the idea of this park with all the land, and the parking right there & picnic…read moretables... There is often not a rush or HUGE amount of people... But after going today with my (almost) 2 Y.O., I realized its not really suitable for a toddler thats just learning how to maneuver the Slides & climbing things... The ground was that rubbery surface, but if he fell he was going to hurt himself & the slides are really high & he has no concept of slow down or be careful... So it is a beautiful place for walks or flying a kite, but the playground is for older kids... Other than that a great place to visit!

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    Pope John Paul II Park - Jellyfish!

    Jellyfish!

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    Pope John Paul II Park

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    Blue Hills Reservation - parks - Updated May 2026

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