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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
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.
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!
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
Great hike. Easy to moderate. Open year round. Plenty of parking. Great for family fun. Awesome!
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.
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.
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 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.
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!
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!
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!
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.
1 year ago
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 read more
2 years ago
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. read more
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! read more
3 years ago
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 read more
3 years ago
Great hike. Easy to moderate. Open year round. Plenty of parking. Great for family fun. Awesome! read more
6 years ago
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. read more
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. read more
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" read more
7 years ago
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. read more
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! read more
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! read more
7 years ago
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! read more
6 years ago
10 years ago
Great hiking just 1 hr. south of Boston. Well-marked trails with blue blazes on trees, good range of trail difficulty. If you're here to hike, the Skyline Trail boasts many rolling hills - Hancock Hill, Hemingway Hill, and Wolcott Hill, which offer varying views along the way. Hikers reward is Blue Hills Weather Observatory at the top of Great Blue Hill, where you can take in unobstructed vistas of the entire reservation. Bonus: Houghton's Pond nearby is beautiful and offers waterfront access for family-friendly swimming. read more
4 years ago
16 years ago
Rocks and views I've been hearing about Blue Hills Reservation for years. Some people loving it and others claiming it's not worth the time. So when some friends told me they were going I decided to tag along. It turned out to be pretty much what I expected, a nice place with some interesting geology and nice views from the top. The trails are very rocky and can be slippery in wet weather but nothing really treacherous. Just some relaxing and mellow hiking and with some pretty nice views on top, including one of Boston. An interesting feature are the number and variation of rocks and boulders. Huge ones, medium size ones and little ones, rocks everywhere. The area was heavily glaciated 15,000 years ago and many survivors remain. Everyone we met while hiking was very friendly and the location is convenient and easy to find. A nice place to get outside, see some foliage and examine some rocks. A pleasant and enjoyable place to hike just as long as you don't expect too much. read more
17 years ago
Want to hike but can't be bothered to go to NH? Well come to Blue Hills and you can have the fake mountain hike experience - all year round! Just park you car or bicycle at a trailhead, start walking and within minutes you've left suburbia and the city behind. There's not really any massive peaks to scale but Great Blue Hill (635ft) and Buck Hill (496ft) both offer splendid views of the Boston skyline, the suburban basin, the bay and Southern Mass in the other direction. I think I even saw Providence. What I definitely did see which was even cooler was a bunch of wild turkeys running along our path and later a family of deer making their way through the forest. I wasn't in NH or the Berkshires but for 30 mins from town I really felt like I'd entered a different land. read more
14 years ago
I spy something pink....a bag of dog poo. I spy something blue....a pair of men's underwear. I spy something black....another bag of dog poo. I spy something else black....another pair of men's underwear. That was a fun conversation to have with my 8 year old! Inquiring minds want to know: Why do men pull off and leave their drawers in the middle of the forest? As a parent, you learn to get pretty creative with your answers. Anywho, despite the few bulging bags of excrement and the signs of back woods lovin' we really enjoyed hiking through the trails! Some paths made me huff and puff, while others were quite leisurely and a tad uneventful. The skyline views are A.M.A.Z.I.N.G! read more
Peaceful easy nature hike, where have you been all my life? Just about 20-30 minutes outside the city, you have this gem of a quick day getaway that allows you to breathe a little better, appreciate a little solitude, and take in some gorgeous scenic views. There are a dozen or so different trails that range from easy to moderate around the reservation, with lakes and ponds scattered about. My friend and I hiked for a few hours around a massive pond, easily something you can do in sneakers, no hiking boots necessary. Watch out for the horse poop though--apparently a lot of people own horses around here, or maybe there's a stable nearby--but half the hiking trails feel like 100m hurdles over 2 ft piles of horse poo. It's not bad as long as you look where you're going, but I could do without the little horse momentos... We ended up checking out a Husky Race around here too...really random, but the DCR apparently hosts cool stuff like this every once in awhile (next one is happening in February, apparently!), so we got to hang out with 40 adorable huskies for part of the afternoon. If you don't want to make a trip to NH or Maine for a taste of nature, this is your best bet. So glad we discovered it on a whim. read more
14 years ago
The summit at Blue Hills Reservation is the highest point on the Atlantic coast, believe it or not, and probably the best hiking spot in the Boston area. There are miles and miles of trails, some easy, others more difficult, and just because these are "hills" doesn't mean they aren't challenging. Maps on site have a suggested donation, so print a map from the website and plan ahead. I proposed to my fiancé here! We hiked several hours on the north skyline trail where there are plenty of openings with scenic views. I recommend it. The south skyline trail is probably nice too, but we didn't hike that one. We could easily spend an entire day here, and we probably will again. read more
When you get overwhelmed with the busyness of city life, it's nice to get out and enjoy a hike outside of all the chaos! Blue Hills is perfect since it's only about 30 minutes from Boston, which makes taking a hike there convenient, yet refreshing :) There are literally trails EVERYWHERE, so drive around and take your pick :) The skyline trail will take you to a nice breathtaking 360 degree view of everything in the area, but wish Boston had a nice skyline to actually look it lol. Come and bring your dog, your friend, your friend's dog and just enjoy a nice outdoor adventure that will be sure to refresh your mind and body :) The trails aren't too intense, but that's okay because intensity can be saved for other things (like skydiving or bear wrestling). This place is just a convenient and relaxing getaway from the city! Hope to see you here :) read more
This is definitely a great hike with a great view and often on weekends they have events going on for everyone. The day we went up there was a Kite Festival on the top so that you had to walk up the paved trail(HUGE bonus for that) or take a complimentary shuttle from the parking lot. We walked but it really wasn't that steep and the views of the valleys and the whole area is so great to take in. The staff at the top comprised of mostly volunteers were amazing and awesome to the kids and full of good information about the area. There was a kite building and art area to put all that extra energy to good use and so much other fun stuff going on. The walk down was much easier then the walk up but the view is so worth the trip. We didn't know about the Kite Festival until we actually got there but it was a nice addition to an already beautiful trip. This place is wonderful for taken pictures and making memories. read more
The weather was above average; therefore, I went on a solo foliage trip. The Blue Hills was a perfect choice. I arrived at Houghton's Pond just as families were departing to put on their Halloween costumes. Timing really does matter in life. Experiencing the perfect New England foliage with no one around was breathtaking. You can see the colors in my attached pictures below. During much of the walk, I encountered very few people. It was lovely. The solitude was a precious gift because there are usually hordes of people parking, hiking, and eating. It's hard to find alone time in modern life even when communing with nature. New England visitors should know that the Blue Hills offers everything from stroller friendly trails to semi-rocky terrain. It's no Acadia National Park. It does, however, offer Massachusetts residents a nature filled experience in close proximity to Boston. read more
Great dog friendly hiking! I come here with my dogs and it's not a crazy hike up or down, unless you want it to be and take a weird entrance to the park. We hiked up from the parking lot and it was an easy and quick walk. Going down, however, we decided to take a different route. The dogs did not enjoy going down a steeper side with tons of rocks. Sorry babies, but mama loves. It takes you out to the side of the road but it's only like 1/3 mile from where you parked, so no big deal! And a better work out read more
Blue Hills never disappoints for a short or long hike in the Boston area. Great views of the city, great views of natural wooded scenery, challenging hills/rocks to climb, and easy trails for those with dogs or looking for a relaxing stroll. There are plenty of places to start a hike, I typically find a spot on the side of the road by the State Police station. Across from the station, an entrance to the trails leads you inward to several trail choices. I always go for the Skyline Trail given the challenging ups and downs throughout as well as the great views mentioned above. In the summertime, be prepared for lots of foot traffic and few places to find good parking. Like many places in the Boston area, nice days and outdoor activities always lead to crowds at the popular spots. That said - go early or stay later and you'll avoid the mid-day peaks. read more
Went for a long hike here in the winter and absolutely loved it! It's great for dogs, friends or family- so pretty much everyone. The lake is really nice and the trails are very well kept. There are three trails, one 1.5 hours, and the others a bit longer, up to 4 hours. There's also a ton of parking and multiple lots. I'm looking forward to going back here in the summer, but I think it makes for a really nice winter hike. read more
7 years ago
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I've seen A LOT of people with their dogs. Unsure if it's "allowed" though.
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