I love going for walks here! Very scenic and there is so much to do. Many different places to hike here. I could spend so much time here. read more

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I came here on a relatively warm yet ugly sort of day with snow still melting and the skies a shady grey. The paths were quite sloshy and muddy so I was glad I wore my taller hiking boots. My dog could have cared less about any of it! He loved running and looking what was ahead then waiting on me to catch up. That little speed devil! There were many peaks to climb and look out upon. My favorite part was along The Skyline Trail where Wright's Tower is and of course, a gorgeous skyline. Again, not the prettiest of days, but anytime you can get somewhere looking over the gorgeous Boston Skyline, it doesn't matter what the skies look like, it's still magnificent to look at! There are many trails to follow from easy peasy to a bit more advanced and skinnier trails. I'll admit, I did lose the trail a couple of times, not marked the best, but got back on track pretty quickly! There's relatively a good amount of parking and it was packed when I got there! I barely touched the amount of trails that are here so I will definitely come back with my pup to explore some more! read more

I cannot NOT give the Middlesex Fells Reservation a 5-stars! Located along the 93 Interstate (close to Medford and Winchester), this is a perfect trail to hike while enjoying the beautiful Boston sceneries at its best! There are multiple trails that you can choose based on different levels of difficulty. If you're up for an adventure, I'd recommend the Skyline trail which allows you to see Boston from a higher altitude. Absolutely worth the hike! However, you can also take the Reservoir trail, which loops the Spot Pond and gives you a gorgeous view along the way as well. Unlike the Skyline trail, the Reservoir is more moderate, and perfect for a casual hike. Tip #1: This is also a dog-friendly trail, so bring your furry friends to enjoy the nature with you! Tip #2: Although the trail is pretty well-equipped with signs for direction, I'd still recommend taking the paper map with you just in case :) read more

Unleashed dogs running around everywhere even if it is not the designated spot. This place overall has more dogs than human.... it is not meant to be a dog park. Nothing against dog lovers but I think this is basic human respect. read more

Great location off 93. The mountain bike loop is challenging - not for beginners! I managed to damage my big chain ring. Be careful, or get a bash guard. read more

It's great that you can be so close to the city of Boston yet feel like you're off in the wilderness (except for the hum of cars and trucks driving down Route 93). I'm lucky enough to live nearby so I always enjoy taking weekend trips here. My personal favorite is going through the trails in the fall and winter. Winter hikes are great because there aren't quite as many people, the trails are challenging enough to give you some exercise while not being dangerous (although do need to consider icy days). The large boulders and rocks to climb can give those of you who want to make it little more interesting the chance to have fun while others that you may be with can take the simple trail. While there of course are better places to hike outside of greater Boston, what makes me a fan of this is the proximity to the city. read more

Middlesex Fells Reservation - Trail by the reservoir - Parks Near Me - Stoneham, Massachusetts

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As near as as I can tell, this is the best place for a hike that is less than an hour from Boston, except maybe the Blue hills. There are a few places where there are views such as a tower. That is a highlight. A major downside of this park is it is bisected by the freeway. The freeway sound is a presence for most of the hike. We also had trouble finding parking even in April and drove around a nearby neighborhood until we found a street that didn't have "permit parking only" signs. read more

A veritable tract of green with an abundance of water and woods, this refuge is delightfully accessible by a short car spin from the city. Its serenity attracts nature junkies, easy hikers and mountain bikers, four legged friends and those content to sit and admire its vistas. In college on Fridays with no class, we'd gallop over to bask near Spot Pond to snag a sitting ground sans visitors. Once when the mood struck, after jumping around on the bank like a regular mountain goat, I was feeling particularly amorous and began wrestling with my loverboy only to look up and see two pairs of polo-clad elderly eyes watching us in a mixture of horror and amusement. I try to assuage my embarrassment by thinking that later that night, their hungry, trembling hands wandered for the first time in decades. read more

We were introduced to this park by our friends who bring their dog here every week. Since we have two dogs and a tiny little apartment, we thought this was a great place. We've been a couple times to the Sheepfold, the wide open space where many other people bring their dogs and everyone's allowed to run off-leash (humans, too). Our pups LOVE it. The last time we were there we decided to walk on some of the trails through the woods. It was a gorgeous day and an easy hike. However, although there was a trail that said it was a loop, we couldn't find the loop and ended up just doubling back. So be careful, because the trails are kind of confusing. The only reason I'm giving it three stars and not four is that apparently the woods around the Sheepfold are a popular place for anonymous public sex. We figured that out when we kept running into men in the woods who acted strangely. Then there was the naked man that our dogs found sunbathing behind a boulder (um...AWKward!). Wanna have public sex? Great. Just do it somewhere that families with kids can't so easily find you. It's just not kosher. read more

I not sure how to rate this place... To begin, it is a GORGEOUS woods, with great hiking trails and a nice escape from city life. For that alone, I would easily give it 5 stars! However, there is a serious problem of dogs roaming off-leash, despite the leash-law. There are a lot of dog walkers (which is wonderful, as I am one myself!), however even more dogs let off leashes and who are simply not voice controlled. From my personal experience, I always keep my dog on leash. I would love to let him explore the forest, he is a gentle giant, but his breed has the nature to roam and ignore commands. So guess, what? I do the responsible thing: I keep him on leash at all times because I cannot positively guarantee control of him off-leash. And guess what, he STILL has a nice walk. Yet most owners do not follow this rule; my dog and I have been attacked/charged at on 3 separate occasions from truly aggressive dogs. The first time, I figured it was a rare case. 2nd, I assumed bad luck. Third? Boy, people need to really keep their dogs on leash! Not only is this frightening, it is seriously dangerous for pets, owners, and children. I understand that you want to let your pet roam and have fun. That's wonderful, and totally fine for most dogs. But if you cannot 100% guarantee control of your pet, it is irresponsible, at best. For dog lovers who want to let their pet run free, there is a really great part of the Fells that is a dog park for the dogs to have fun and run wild :) Unfortunately most people don't stay in just this area (off-lease that is). Of course, most dogs you encounter are most likely going to be friendly. But you never know how a dog will behave - It only takes one time that a dog shows aggression and a pet or person is dead or maimed. So with this being said, I have to rate the Fells at 3 stars. I enjoy the walk until I come upon an off-leash dog (which is bound to happen throughout). Experience has led me to instantly get nervous, and to be honest, it dampens the walk to constantly be on edge and on the look-out for a charging dog coming at you through the woods. read more

Beautiful find near Boston! On a warm day in April I found this place on the map and decided to take my dog for a nice little hike. I parked at a parking lot near Melrose and we walked on one of the many trails. After our walk we headed over to Spot Pond, just a few minutes away. Both areas are absolutely beautiful. They also have a dog area called Sheepsfold that I would like to try in the future. The park is clean, covered with trees, and a great place to take a hike or just sit by the pond. read more

Pretty good hiking location, if you are looking to go to Melrose Rock expect that you will have to climb up some rocks to get there.

I am very confused about how to rate the fells. It can be amazing, and horrible at the same time. I only go there for mountain biking which it has a lot of great trails for, however a lot of the best trails are closed to mountain bikes for absolutely no good reason. The trails are good though and there is enough to keep you occupied for a few hours. My biggest complaint however is the DOGS! There are dogs everywhere, and very few of them are on leashes, which is a rule park wide. I believe it is a spot where professional dog walkers bring 5-10 dogs each to walk them all at once in the woods with out leashes. So when you come across this pack of wild dogs in the woods you better be prepared. I have been bitten before, and chased by growling intimidating dogs many times, almost to the point that I feel like I can no longer ride here or I need to carry a weapon of some sort. I don't understand why they have a leash rule yet no one enforces it at all. The Sheepfold area has the highest concentration of dogs off leash as well as men looking to hook up in the woods, so be warned. There is also always glass all over the parking spaces from cars being broken into. I think if they opened up more trails to multi-use and patrolled the park a little more it could be a much better place. Lynn Woods is way better, but a little further drive from Boston read more

Mountain hiking season for the laymen will soon be upon us in New England, where laymen are the people who don't own the things that make your boots stick to ice in the winter so you don't slip, fall off the mountain, and die. Anyway, the Fells are a surprisingly good place to warm up for hikes in the mountains, and a great, low-stakes place to break in your hiking boots. I did the whole Cross-Fells Trail yesterday, solo, and here are my notes: 1. Yes, the Fells are T-Accessible. You can walk to the Goodyear entrance from Oak Grove-- it's about a 15-minute walk up Washington Street-- and other entrances, including the other end of the Cross-Fells Trail, are accessible via a bus connection from the Orange Line. 2. The terrain itself has some steep grades but is mostly flat-ish. It reminded me of other New England mountain hikes I've done, with lots of exposed rock, except there was no mountain. Which, again, is what makes this a great warm-up hike. The Cross-Fells trail was pretty deserted-- I mostly came into contact with other humans when I crossed the seemingly more popular Skyline Trail-- which I liked. No wildlife, though. 3. Hiking boots are helpful but not necessary. Though, if it's rainy, they'd be a good asset on the parts of the trail with more boulders. This would also be a great place to snowshoe. 4. The trails are not particularly well-marked. There are a lot of trail intersections, and more than a few times I had to go down the wrong trail just to verify that I was seeing the wrong color marker. So, figure out which color goes with your trail and be vigilant. Note that if you see an upside-down "L"-shaped marker, it's indicating that you'll be turning ahead. I would second another reviewer's recommendation to download a map of the park (or print one) before you begin your hike. I referenced mine a lot. I also did not see any maps available for the taking at any gates. read more

So I came here on a class field trip for my Environmental Science class and I wasn't all that impressed. I've been to a number of other places like this. If you would like to see my reviews for Breakheart Reservation, Lynn Woods Reservation or Deer Island then by all means check them out because they all got 5 star reviews. This place is far from being the best or even close to it. There was very little parking at the entrance of the park so we had to double back to a side-street that was ahead a bit and park there. It wasn't too bad since it was only like a 3 minute walk to the park after we parked. The place was crawling with Garter snakes and I mean CRAWLING which I personally have no issue with but all the girls on the group were freaking out (so keep that in mind if you're bringing someone who may be afraid of snakes). The scenery wasn't all that spectacular either but I will say that once you do get to the top, it is quite a view to behold. It's very crowded too for the size of the park which is a big downside. I also saw a lot of droppings from pets that people clearly care not to pick up after which goes to show you the type of people who go there. I gave this place a 4 star review solely because of the amazing view at the top but the broken bottles, graffiti and trash that littered the place didn't really add to the majesty of the experience. read more

I'm not a biker, I'm just a person who happens to own a bike and rides it now and then. My bike and I are not one, we are constantly struggling over the easy things, such as taking turns. We're best together on a nice paved bike path, preferably a flat one without a lot of other traffic. Our relationship just isn't that stable yet, we're still getting to know each other. Sunday morning I wake up and decide it's time to check out the Fells. We live a few miles away, I've read all about it, been talking about going, and for some reason decided now was the time. The boyfriend agrees and after an hour plus of procrastinating, we get up off the couch and head outside. The area is beautiful, and luckily we had no trouble finding a parking space. We get on our bikes and so far so good. I'm feeling ok, but that's only because we hadn't gotten too far on the trails. During the initial stages I'm just overwhelmed by the smell of fresh air and the fact that it's bringing me back to my childhood. So far this is turning out to be a great trip. Then.... ...suddenly everything is rocky and uphill/downhill. My flat paths are gone, and I'm battling fear of breaking my teeth versus not being a wimp and peddling through it. In all honestly, if I had seen the car close by I probably would have gravitated towards it, but given that I have close to no sense of direction, I continued to play follow the leader. Keep in mind the leader is someone who is very connected with his bike and in no way is struggling like I am. So in the end I made it out alive and only got off to walk my bike a couple times. I will be back, but next time it will be to go for a nice long walk and really take it all in. My bike and I still have some low-key bonding to do before we head there again, but we will be back. read more

I am a fan of the fells, I hang out mostly on the south border road side. There's 3 parking areas where I can usually get a space then head in to the trails. I go to the fells w/ my pup, Harper. He's got a bunch of energy so its a good area for him to sniff. There's plenty of trails, easy to loop. I am by no means an outdoorsy guy, so 3 miles is about as much as i want to do on a hike. I can get that done in a little over an hour, and it's enough to make my dog sleep for the rest of the day. I'm a fan of hiking on the skyline and reservoir trails. since they aren't bike paths, i don't have to worry about someone sneaking up on me. The Fells is a good place, lots of people go there to walk dogs, ride bikes, trail run, picnic, read, and illegally fish in the reservoir. I know there's a shady side to the fells, i haven't encountered it. My roommate was telling me about 4 people who were charged w/ rape/assault in the fells... so, I wouldn't go there alone. I also wouldn't go off trail if i heard some rustling. A lot of people do have their dogs off leash, which i'm fine with, they are usually friendly dogs, but it could be bad if you have small kids. Some bikers don't really give you notice they are close, I'll always move out of the way, or keep the dog close if i know they are near. The maps at the entrance are completely color faded, so you don't know which trail is which when you find markings. Reservoir - Orange Skyline - White Crossfells - blue bike loop - green ----- EDIT 10/24/11 New trend is apparently taking mountain bikes on the hiking only trails. This is kind of shitty. I specifically take the pups on the hiking trails to avoid mountain bikers, but this past weekend I went twice, and on trails posted as hiking only, there were mountain bikers. I'm ok with it, but the bikers should understand people on foot get priority, i'll let my dog fully extend the leash and won't move out of your way. you are on my turf. Shared space, lets be respectful. Hikers watchout for rogue 40-somethings trying to be big and bad on the skyline trail. read more

FRIENDS OF THE FELLS: http://www.fells.org/ TRAIL MAP: http://www.fellsbiker.com/maps/ FELLS LOCATION MAP: http://www.mass.gov/mdc/maps/FELLS.GIF FELLS PHOTOS: http://www.geocities.com/amcwalks/areas2.html NOTE: DARK GREEN AREAS on the Map are offlimits. You can get fined $50 if they catch you in there. And they do patrol the area with a DPW person and sometimes a COP. BIKING IN THE FELLS: http://www.fellsbiker.com/ Fells" is the Saxon word for rocky, hilly tracts of land - an apt name for this scenic area which is rich in local history. This picturesque area was once favored for timber, granite quarrying, ice industry, and water power for the many mills including one that manufactured some of the first vulcanized rubber products. Today, the Middlesex Fells Reservation's 2,575 acres offer a welcome retreat for city dwellers and a suitable terrain for hikers, horseback riders, rock climbers, cross-country skiers and picnickers as well as natural and cultural history buffs. Special features for visitors include the Sheepfold picnic area, Bellevue Pond, Virginia Wood, and Spot Pond. The Sheepfold is 10 acres of open field, ideal for picnics, frisbee playing and informal games. Bellevue Pond is a seasonal pond surrounded by trails and wide fire roads, some leading up to Wrights Tower which looks out over the Boston Basin. Virginia Wood, the site of a vanished mill village called "Haywardville" is now a dense hemlock enclave. read more

Driving home from too many hours spent inside on a beautiful summer day, I knew I needed to find a place to release some energy and enjoy the sun. Middlesex Fells ended up being the stop for this trip, and I am happy that I came upon it. It took me awhile to figure out where to acquire a map, park, and start each trail. I opted for the 2 mile Crystal Springs trail this time. The trail was a mix of wide and narrow paths and hit a lot of intersections along the way. While, for the most part it is well marked, there were definitely some intersections where I had to double back. I was also surprised to find that the path was not a complete loop. I ended up in a playground and had to use my intuition to navigate the random other paths to return back to my starting point. Besides those hiccups, the woods themselves were beautiful. It seems like this is a big place for mountain bikers and I can see why. So, while I would definitely return, make sure you're with someone who has a good sense of direction and pay attention to those red dots. read more

What a wonderful water reservoir! We went today with our two small dogs, and were able to let them off leash without anyone complaining. They were able to bound, leap, and trollop through the tall grass in the dog park field, play in the mud along the trails, and drink the fresh water --- even though they weren't supposed to! We got a stern warning from the park ranger for the dogs being too close to the water. Such an awesome place. Close to civilization, but far enough to feel like you're the only person on the planet...with a canine companion. The dogs gave this place five "Woofs" ! read more

The signage really sucks and you'll very likely get lost. But if you're ready to just "get away" from Boston without actually having to go far, this is the place for you! In the middle of a very busy semester, I was craving a good hike so I took my parents here in late October. I would definitely recommend our hike: we parked at the Sheepfold Parking Lot and chose our own adventure from there. The parking lot opens up into a dog park/meadow. Then you can choose to stay in the meadow or veer off into the woods. We decided to go into the woods with the ultimate goal of making it to the Bear Hill Tower. We definitely got lost and had to ask some fellow hikers + use my dad's iPhone to point us in the right direction. It was very easy walking, and once we got to Bear Hill, we climbed 5 flights to the top (a little scary on a windy day but totally safe) and OMG. 360 degree views. You can see the Boston skyline, Cambridge, fall foliage, everything. It was so breathtaking, I felt like I had won the lottery. It's a much better view than Wright's Tower (although Wright's is a lot easier to find). I know there have been complaints that there are too many people there with their dogs. I didn't feel this at all. Once we were in the woods, we passed a total of 15 people over ~3 hours. And we went right in primetime fall foliage season. Highly recommended, beautiful park! Just bring your smartphone so you don't get *completely* lost! read more

I've been bring my dogs to the Fells for a couple of years now every Saturday morning. If you live within 20 mins of the Fells and you've never brought your dog here you don't really love your dog! Best time to get there is before 9am (yeah I know that's early) parking is abundant and most of the Dogs/Owners are well behaved. Honestly I don't spend a lot of time at the Dog Park (Sheepfold) my dogs love to run the trails and are pretty anti-social. Well adjusted but snobs none the less. They usually sniff around and then bolt for the trails. Which is great because this is the largest park in the area and seldom do you run into other groups. Especially if you know the smaller trails. You could spend the day in there and not walk the same path. 3 lakes and a couple of hills make for great exercise for your pups.... just don't get caught swimming. The only issue I have is in the winter with the cross country skiers. They think they own the trailers and give you dirty looks for having dog. Guess my pups aren't the only snobs! I know this post is puppy-centric but the Fells is also a great place to go on picnic, bike off-road, or just a plan old hike. read more

3 Stars for the Fells. I have some complaints. 1. The parking area and some trails are absolutley littered with broken glass. Huge issue for many reasons. Be careful. 2. The trails are not well maintained. Wanna follow a trail? Good luck, they aren't well marked. 3. I can hear/see 93. But, it's a little slice of nature very close to Boston. It's a treat to go venture outside on a Sunday morning. I enjoyed visiting in the dead of winter compared to this recent spring day. At least, you should visit. It beats staying inside. read more

I have a few comments that sort of bother me, so here goes... As far as parking goes up at the "Sheepfolds" it use to be back in the 70's, and 80's that anyone could park along Route 28, and enjoy the woods.There was never any problem with lots being full. I want to know WHY CAN"T PEOPLE PARK NOW ALONG ROUTE 28?? And please don;t tell me its cause of safety.Yes, the MDC back then were a rotten bunch, but now we got the other ones and the Rangers,think they are "Dick Tracey". Second, I wish people that bring their dogs up there would keep them on a leash like it says, and pick up the shit..There are poop bags available or bring your own, since its a good bet your dog is going to poop while running..Nothing worse than walking and stepping in a fresh pile of dog crap. Third, I wish people would "Enjoy the Fells" and the "Sheepfolds" for what they are..A huge gift from Mother nature, and Free at that..Acres and acres of woods, with nature at its best..No matter where one goes in life be it a rest stop, bathroom, etc, there will always be people playing around..Yes, I have seen Men, doing women up there, but NEVER has anyone reported that as inappropriate behavior?? People have to go pretty deep, and climb some pretty steep rock to find men fooling around. It's not like they do it in the parking lot? So, next time someone see it, accept it for what it is, don;t write it up as something, no one has ever seen, and warn the world...Just enjoy the park for what it is..NATURE AT HER BEST..In other words, Mind your own business..People are not there harassing you, so don't harrass them. I grew up in Medford, and use to cross country ski up here all the time, hiking is the best..I come back every summer..Once you like in Massachusetts, no matter where u move to, its in your blood and u return..Sure I love Palm trees and beaches and 100 degree weather and Key West, but give me Kelly's Fried Clams and Cranes Beach anyday! And of course the beautiful "Sheepfolds". read more

Wonderful area in which you can leisurely stroll (fit for kids, adults, seniors...maybe not for aggressive trail junkies, but whatever, go climb Mt. Washington) -- enough trails that you may never see another soul, though you feel perfectly safe the entire time -- my only complaint is that the trails are HORRIBLY marked, so obviously we got lost in the woods for 45 minutes -- I mean, you won't secretly end up in New Hampshire, but you might have to duck out of the woods and back into the neighborhood surrounding it to get back to your car. V. random location -- you'd never know it was there driving by on the highway. A+ spot to walk your pup as well. read more

I'm a dog owner that hates dog parks. Dogs run around--but usually don't. Owners just stand there drinking coffee or watching over their dog like a helicopter parent. Dog park people can be cliquish and annoying. So what's an owner to do: hike! There's so much more to the Fells than just Sheepfold. Get away from the parts near the freeway and let your dog run free as you hike the hills and wander the paths where the happy people and happy dogs roam. read more

I am so glad the warm weather is coming! We practically live at the Fells when it's nice out. My boyfriend & I bring the dog here and spend hours. We either go to Sheepfolds & let him run around with other dogs for a while and we play frisbee with him. This is a good place to picnic too. Sometimes we'll trail run here too. Or, we hike at the Eastern Fells and my boyfriend Mountain bike's here too. The entire reservation is so big that you really have to learn your way around. I got lost once while running and it was a little scary. I had no idea there was this much green space for hiking etc. so close to the city. PS - As tempting as it is on a hot day, don't swim in the Reservoir (you or your dog). You'll get caught eventually. read more

If you have a dog and live in the Boston area, this is one place you need to know. It is truly doggy heaven. Lots of open space and endless trails where they can run off leash, play with lots of other dogs, go on long walks... what else can they ask for? Weather permitting, you can find people and their dogs at the Sheepfold area almost anytime on the weekends. Just a couple of things you should know: 1. Most of the popular park entrances open only at 9am, so if you're an early morning person, you'll need to head to some of the off-the-road spots. My favorite early-morning spot is by the Flynn Ice Rink where you can park and enter the Fells through a small opening in the woods. Take care that you don't get lost though as it isn't on any marked trails. 2. Trails aren't as well marked as they could be, so you need to keep alert as many trails cross each other and it can get confusing if you lose your trail. read more

Lovely little hidden gem right outside of Boston. Nice area to get away from the city, and to return to nature without have to take a super long drive. Trails are a bit confusing, and when you park, the maps are very faded. While on some smaller trails, they're not that well marked and you could get a little lost (I suggest downloading a map and getting a compass just in case) They have easy to hard trails here. Very hilly and some parts are very rocky. But the water views and natural scenes are just beautiful. We saw a lot of different berries and mushrooms growing all over this place. Next visit we'll have a better idea of the trails, and how this place is mapped out. Don't forget your camera, there are some beautiful things to be photographed out here. read more

Great place for trail running; all paths are pretty clearly color-coded. It's also a popular destination for mountain bikers, dog-walkers, and people looking to spend the afternoon out in nature. Though a short drive from the city, it is a great escape with many scenic vistas. My only complaint is that 93 cuts right through the middle of the park. See this website for trail descriptions: http://www.fellsbiker.com/trails/bigtrails.php And this one for the map: http://www.fellsbiker.com/maps/ read more

Love this reservation - it's so big (east and west of 93!). Full of many different bodies of water and trails. Sometimes you can even see the tops of Boston buildings. I love the rocky feel as well! read more

Went for some hiking in a chilly April with my lady friend. We walked a few miles along a number of paths, some along road, some relatively flat woodsy parts, and some up hill hikes. She said she often runs the trails and I can imagine it's really good for that. Not too many rocks or things to trip on and cool terrain. Went to a cool tower with a view of the city and Medford. Looking at the map, it's huge and has Spy Pond and a lot going on. Also, there's a huge green at the beginning, perfect for dogs and finding poop to step in. Soooo much poop. Overall, quick drive from the city, really nice reserve-like park with lots of options and really feels like you're in the woods, not surrounded by city. I'll definitely be going back. read more

I've come twice to Middlesex Fells. The first time we went both of the dog park, and enjoyed the scenery and a fairly easy trail. Loved climbing the tower. Recently returned and went south on Skyline trail. It was a fun, moderately challenging trail (most challenging I'd say of the trails within an hour of Boston). Really enjoyed it. Quite a bit of rocky steep trails (but easier options if desired), and a bit of fun climbing around the Panther Cave. We got to the tower at the south end but we're disappointed to find it locked up. The view didn't disappoint, and the actual hike was far more interesting than Bluehills. We walked back within view of the reservoir but there are lots of signs saying the road there is closed so it was unclear whether hiking that path was permissible (we stuck to the trail nearby). Absolutely beautiful, lots of miles (we got in six miles on the last hike), and plenty of free parking. read more

A hidden gem! Trails are well marked and very peaceful. I highly recommend this website for some great parking maps: http://www.fellsbiker.com/information/ read more

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Our puppy loves the big open field that is the Sheepsfold. There are always tons of dogs for her to romp around with and, as far as I've seen, all of the owners have been aware of their dogs and stepped in if things started to get to be too much. Also for the amount of dogs and the amount of space I'm pleasantly surprised that there wasn't dog poo covering the whole place. We've been hiking on the trails a couple of times and everyone is right, they aren't the best marked trails, but we were just wandering around so it was fine. After the first time we bought a map at either the bookstore in Porter Square or the hardware store next door- I can't remember who had them in the end. Also to be noted if you have a skittish dog: we've seen several mountain bikers on the trails which can be a little unexpected (to both you and your dog) in the woods, twice there have been skateboarders on the long cement path (I think it's an old soap box derby road) on the edge of the dog area (which scared the crap out of my poor girl), and every once in a great while there is someone who decides to set off little rockets or let their kid ride whatever those off road bikes are called in the field as well. Because that's totally the thing you want to do around 50 dogs. But those are all rare (except the mountain bikers which is the most benign in my opinion) So why only 4 stars you ask? PARKING. For the first month we parked in the median since everyone else did and life was grand. Then one day a police car showed up and he brought along a tow truck. Now not sure if they towed anyone but we hightailed it out of there quickly and thankfully didn't get a ticket. Ever single time we've been there since someone has shown up to ticket. One time my husband circled for 45 minutes trying to find a spot while I took the dog out to play and that is the only parking lot anywhere near that entrance. Oh. I'll also note I've never seen anyone doing anythign "inappropriate" in the woods but when I first read about it in the reviews I nearly peed my pants laughing. read more

By far our favorite local dog park. We live in Medford so it's less than a 10 minute drive to the Stoneham Dog Park. To note, with the new Apple Maps it doesn't show on the map and thus directions were a challenge. Using Google Maps in the browser however got us there and Google Maps also shows some trails as well. There are two parking areas (lower and upper). The last time we went their was a line for parking but typically there is a few spaces open on the weekend. When you first get there, there is a large wide open area with countless dogs off leash playing and running around together. While there is a dumpster at the entrance where you park there is no trash areas in the park and thus you'll find lots of dog bags on the ground. There is a table where you can site while the dogs run around as well. While most dogs are friendly and range from toy dogs to large breeds, there is typically at least once dog that usually is on the aggressive side so as with any dog park you will want to keep and eye on your dog and others. We let our boxer puppy run around with the other dogs for 30 minutes or so and then take him with us on a hike. Surround the open area is woods and several trails to take. We've only explored a few but tend to spend a couple hours walking around with the dog of leash. If you don't have control over your dog with verbal commands or if someone is approaching you may want to put yours on leash in case the other person isn't dog friendly. There are signs to follow labeling the trails but still a bit easy to get lost. As such bring a phone with GPS or at least be willing to walk around a lot to find your way out. When you leave the entrance to 93 is right there. read more

The Fellsway and Woodland Road desperately need crosswalks, sidewalks, and crossing buttons that start indicator lights. Crossing between the sections was very dangerous. Very frustrating to deal with so many trailheads ending as a dead ends on busy roads, couldn't figure out where to cross between E/W. Traffic was going about 50mph with no regard to would be crossers as well. We almost just called an Uber from a dead end trailhead to get out of there out of frustration, since the sun was starting to go down and we were tired from a day of wandering around. Finally found a trail crossing the Fellsway but I had walk into traffic and stand in the middle of the road to stop traffic so my wife and roommate felt comfortable crossing. Really got a bad vibe from the whole area being so pedestrian unfriendly, for a park like this, right outside of Boston; you think that would be a priority. TL:DR; while little risk from wildlife, you might be mauled by a car trying to cross the road, so stick with one section of the park :P read more

Who knew this was tucked away in Medford, just off the highway? Certainly not me, but a friend told me about it, and I went right away to see it. Not a bad drive. There look to be numerous ways to access it. My friend and I went via Stoneham because the highway traffic was brutal. Your route may vary, of course. First impression- awesome parking lot. So big. So many spaces! One question- what does "no live parking" mean? Should I be on the watch for zombies and vampires using the lot?! Huge field for your doggie to get his or her socializing on. My dog was very overwhelmed. She's a shy girl! Tons and tons of friendly dogs, all off leash. Note that you're supposed to keep your dog leashed if you leave this area. We decided to do a short trail walk as it was getting late. Not bad, not great, but I think it was expansive and would love to see more of the trail. You could almost always hear the roar of cars just off to the side, and that sort of took away from the feeling of roaming the woods. On the other hand, you never felt like you were lost and that's a reassuring thing! Trails were overgrown if you took the side paths. Lots of roots and rocks. Not many bugs, phew. I can't wait to go back and explore more. It looks like the area is huge, and has tons of walking trails and bike paths. read more

The Fells is a great area to hike, the reservoirs are really beautiful and have a very nice road to walk on with lots of good views. It's technically trespassing to be on the inner road, but talking with locals, it doesn't sound like it's heavily enforced. There are tons of trails, and you can't beat how close it is to downtown. read more

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Middlesex Fells is a really big, useful park. You can have a relaxing scenic walk through the rolling hills, take a dog for an energetic stroll, mountain bike the fun trails, feed the ducks floating on the little pond, or play some outdoorsy games at the wide open Sheeps Fold area in the north section of the park. Heck, I even filmed part of my recent short movie here, easily the most beautiful scene in the film. With Middlesex Fells there's something for everyone, even parking! And let's not forget (cue deep, ominous voice) "the tower," or at least that's what I call the little lookout atop the eastern slope bordering I-93. Ascend the big hill and plant yourself in that little stone building for some of the best 360 degree views in the Boston area. This place is dy-no-mite! read more