Park information
Acreage
7,000 acres
Park hours
Monday
dawn - dusk
Tuesday
dawn - dusk
Wednesday
dawn - dusk
Thursday
dawn - dusk
Friday
dawn - dusk
Saturday
dawn - dusk
Sunday
dawn - dusk
Contact
617-698-1802
Helpful links
Top trails (69)
- Great Blue Hill via Skyline TrailModerate•4.6(8039)#1 - Great Blue Hill via Skyline TrailLength: 3.0 mi•Est. 1h 43mGreat Blue Hill via Skyline Trail is a relatively short and moderate hike in the forests of the Blue Hills Reservation. The hiking trail offers great views of the downtown Boston skyline and Eliot Tower is a fantastic lookout point to see the entire Boston region. Although the trail is not too technical, trekking poles can help you keep your footing in tricky and steep areas. There is a parking lot across the street from the Blue Hills Reservation Headquarters off of Hillside Street in...
- Blue Hills Skyline LoopThis loop follows the Pipe Line, Indian Camp, Skyline, Headquarters, and Crags Foot Path Trail creating a loop around the northeast part of Blue Hills Reservation. The trail has views of the Boston skyline, has some steep rocks sections, and passes by Saint Moritz Pond. Parking is available on Willard Street.
- Blue Hills Skyline Trail: Route 138 to Willard StreetHard•4.7(1331)#3 - Blue Hills Skyline Trail: Route 138 to Willard StreetLength: 6.7 mi•Est. 3h 37mA point-to-point hike across the Blue Hills, mostly following the Skyline trail. Easily done using public transport without the need to drive. Take a train to the 128 Route station and from there, follow the Blue Hill Drive until you reach a small, easy-to-miss path on the left-hand side of the road, heading downhill. Follow the path under the I-95 and head right, along the I-95 slipway, and toward Little Blue Hill. Beyond the Little Blue Hill, you need to cross a road and head up the Great...
- Blue Hills Skyline TrailThe route on this page has the hiker starting at the eastern terminus on Willard Street and completing the route east to west. Hikers can also start from the western terminus. This alternate route can also be found on AllTrails. Blue Hills Reservation is a popular hiking and mountain biking destination located about 10 miles south of downtown Boston. The Massachusetts State Park offers more than 125 miles of trails and is one of the largest parcels of undeveloped conservation land within...
- Buck HillThe summit of Buck Hill can be accessed by following the Headquarters Trail from the parking area to the junction with the Skyline Trail. Follow the Skyline Trail from this point over Tucker Hill and then to the top of Buck Hill. The top of Buck Hill is covered in small shrubs and has some great viewpoints.
- Museum to Skyline LoopBegin from the Blue Hills Trailside Museum. From here, head up to Eliot Tower and then continue over to Hemenway and Hancock Hill. You will hike along Hillside Street and then follow Skyline Trail South back to Eliot Tower. Enjoy the view from here before heading back down to the start point at the museum.
- Great Blue Hill via Coon Hollow PathModerate•4.6(981)#7 - Great Blue Hill via Coon Hollow PathLength: 1.4 mi•Est. 46mThis route begins near the base of the ski hill and heads up through the forest passing the Eliot Tower before arriving at the top of Great Blue Hill. The top of the hill has several antennas in place, but there are still great views of the surrounding area. From Eliot Tower, there are excellent views of the Boston skyline.
- Buck Hill via Skyline LoopThis loop will take you over Tucker Hill, Buck Hill, and Breeze Hill starting from Hillside Street. There are some partial viewpoints on Tucker Hill, but the best views will be from the top of Buck Hill. Some sections of the trail are very steep, so some hikers might benefit from bringing trekking poles along.
- Skyline LoopThis tour of Blue Hills Reservation and a sample of the famous Skyline Trail begins at Houghton's Pond. You'll summit the tops of Kitchamakin Hill, Chickatawbut Hill, Buck Hill, Tucker Hill, Hancock Hill, Hemenway Hill, Wolcott Hill, and Great Blue Hill. There are excellent views along the way. Sections of the trail are not well marked, downloading your map ahead of time is helpful.
- Ponkapoag Pond TrailStart from a parking area near the ice rink and golf course to start the loop. The trail loops through the forest and around Ponkapoag Pond. At one point you will pass the Ponkapoag Camp that is operated by the Appalachian Mountain Club. Anglers fishing in the pond should be familiar with Massachusetts fishing regulations.
Showing results 1 - 10 of 69
Helpful reviews of trails in Blue Hills Reservation
Just what we needed for a sunny, warm-ish March day! My boys have been complaining that our hikes have been too easy, so this trail was a great combination of steepness, rock scrambles, icy & muddy patches, and summit views for them. I had not realized how many trails are in the Blue Hills Reservation, so we will have to explore the area more another day!
The infamous Blue Hills Reservation, one fairly close to the City of Boston, so expect some level of busy, and today was one of them. Partially my fault for leaving home in area of 4 PM; aside from my poor decision, Blue Hills Reservation has something for everyone, many trailheads to kick things off, some legit with restrooms and picnic areas, plenty of parking, and trails are marked well, trails comprise of rocky ups / downs to carriage road, and so on. One of those places you visit once a year or so given it’s renowned reputation.
Redline #3 in the northern blue hills reservation. Hubby biked and pup ran along with me. A spur to the north from the western end of the Saw Cut led to a hill at Granite Links golf course with a clear view of Boston. Just south and west from there was the site of the CCC camp of 1934-1937, which housed 100K WWI vets who developed the trails and towers for $30/mo.
Another interesting point was a gas pumping station north of the big dome.
Plenty of parking at the starting point indicated on our route. Ignore the last mile which I traversed in my car. Trail is an old dirt road, not very hilly. It is in the blue hills reservation. It is all tree covered and at a low elevation, so there are no views aside from the trees. Some parts are rocky. It is well marked. The trail intersections are numbered for cross reference with the map.
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Frequently asked trail questions about Blue Hills Reservation
Where is the best place to hike in Blue Hills Reservation?
According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in Blue Hills Reservation is Great Blue Hill via Skyline Trail, which has a 4.6 star rating from 8,039 reviews. This trail is 3.0 mi long with an elevation gain of 813 ft.
What is the longest trail in Blue Hills Reservation?
According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Blue Hills Reservation is Blue Hills Skyline Trail. This trail is estimated to be 15.2 mi long.
How many trails are in Blue Hills Reservation?
There are 69 trails in Blue Hills Reservation. These trails have an average 4.5-star rating from 44,223 AllTrails community reviews.
Which trail has the most elevation gain in Blue Hills Reservation?
If you're looking for elevation gain, Blue Hills Reservation has you covered. Blue Hills Skyline Trail boasts the most elevation gain with 3,513 ft of total ascent. The park's runner-up is Buck Hill via North and South Skyline Trail, which will get you 2,234 ft of elevation gain.
Are there camping trails available in Blue Hills Reservation?
According to AllTrails.com, there is 1 camping trail in Blue Hills Reservation which is Ponkapoag Pond Trail with an average 4.5 star rating from 1,241 community reviews.
Are there running trails available in Blue Hills Reservation?
According to AllTrails.com, there are 42 running trails in Blue Hills Reservation and the most popular is Great Blue Hill via Skyline Trail with an average 4.6 star rating from 8,039 community reviews.
Are there biking trails available in Blue Hills Reservation?
According to AllTrails.com, there are 7 biking trails in Blue Hills Reservation and the most popular is Blue Hills Skyline Loop with an average 4.5 star rating from 2,799 community reviews.
