Prospect Hill (Waltham)

Prospect Hill (Waltham)

Hike Type: Loop
Distance: 3.1 miles
Elevation: 499 feet
Time: 1 hour, 12 minutes
Hiking Challenges: 52 Hike Challenge

The Hike

This hike was a continuation in the series "time to get hiking again so I don't die in Vermont next weekend." I've had this on my short list for a few months now, but always ended up going to either the Fells or Blue Hills - not any longer! This was the day! The parking area is right off of the busy busy Totten Pond Road and looks just like a municipal park. It was a little confusing getting started, but I used AllTrails and followed the track to a T and found my way at the "trailhead!"

After walking across the lawn of the park, I climbed what appears to be a sledding hill which had an opening into the woods, which I believe was the Hawks Run Trail. In the woods, the trail was short, steep, and to the point. Looked like an old power cut, ski run, or sled run? Not sure, but it was right up and straight. At the top of the first hill there is a cute picnic area with a view of the tops of trees, which is something! 

Continuing in the same direction (and after taking a breather at the picnic benches), the trail becomes the Hanson Slope Trail, which felt more like a hiking trail than an old ski path. Neither of the trails have had any markings at this point, but they were easy to follow. The concrete water towers were a cool industrial surprise - I walked counterclockwise around the closest one. After a very short road walk, the hike dips back into the woods past a gate on what seems to be the Whitney Trail. At the junction, I turned right to climb again to the radio tower, which seemed like it belonged in a lecture on post-moderism-concrete-industrial-brutalism. Kind of steampunk-y. Either way, I think I missed a view from the Sunset Shelter.

From the tower, I followed the sparsely blazed Ridge Trail that went down into a col before climbing to the magnificent view of the Boston area! I loved this view. There was a second view a little further down, but there were a group of friends there, so I let them be. 

The return trip followed a random network of trails - I just followed whatever the AllTrails recommendation was. There wasn't much to write home about here, but it was a nice walk in the woods. I ultimately ended up on the Malloy Trail, the Bond Trail, and then the Sunset Trail, all which paralleled I-95. The hike ended with a road walk back to the main parking area. I will definitely be back, but will adjust the route to probably add some mileage and avoid some road walks. 

Step-By-Step

• Park at main parking area off of Totten Pond Road.
• Walk to West side of parking lot, follow sidewalk towards the grassy area.
• Cross the grassy area towards what appears to be a sledding hill (Hawks Run Trail).
• Ascend the right side of the sledding hill and follow the steep, defined trail up. 
• Merge with unnamed trail at view with picnic tables.
• Continue along, following the Hansen Slop Trail (not blazed).
• At water tank, travel in either direction (I did counter clockwise because that's what the route I was following took, but I would have rather done it clockwise to avoid more road walking).
• Walk on road for brief moment, turn left at gated road onto unblazed Whitney Trail.
• At next junction, turn right onto unnamed trail and climb to radio tower. 
• I think there's a view at the Sunset Shelter just north of the radio tower, but I did not check.
• Turn onto the Ridge Trail (marked) and follow into the col, climb back up to the view of Boston.
• Descend briefly, and walk along paved road, pass Summer House Shelter, and turn left onto Summer House Trail.
• Cross the road, merge onto Buttrick Trail.
• At junction, turn left onto Barry Trail.
• At junction, turn left onto Blueberry Trail.
• At junction, turn onto Malloy Trail.
• At junction, turn left onto Bond Trail.
• At junction, turn left onto Sunset Trail.
• At road, road walk back to the parking lot. 

Map of Prospect Hill

Photo Album