Geology Loop Trail (Whipple Hill Conservation Area)

Geology Loop (Whipple Hill Conservation Area)

Hike Type: Lollipop Loop

Distance: 2.05 miles

Elevation: 207 feet
Time: 49 minutes

Hiking Challenges: 52 Hike Challenge, Operation Alaska Benchmark Challenge

The Hike

Hike #2 of 2023! I’ve driven past the entrance to the Whipple Hill Conservation Area dozens of times, and with the dreadfully early sunsets this time of year (4:19 PM), a hike 5 minutes from work sounded just right! It had been foggy and rainy all day, so I used the good ol winter boots even though temperatures were in the 40s. I did a quick clothing change in the car, got my bag together in the small parking lot, and headed out on my adventure!

There was a map right at the trailhead showing the two main trails in the conservation area (Geology Loop-Red and Farm/Wetland Loop-Yellow). There were additional green trails that were unnamed connecting trails, and the blue ACROSS Lexington Trail. Right after the kiosk was an excellent surprise - an Alpaca farm! There were three out when I walked past, and there was a sign stating to not feed them, which makes complete sense. The blue-blazes ACROSS Lexington trail leads into the conservation area, and after crossing some wetlands, I turned left to start the red-blazed Geology Loop.

The trail quickly gains elevation to the higher terrain of the conservation area, which was viewless but very scenic hiking. It reminded me of the Skyline Trail in the Middlesex Fells Reservation. Focky, but not grueling. Naturally, I started sweating more than I had planned, and I’m a dummy who only had a cotton hoodie, so I was not thriving. There were plenty of red-arrow blazes, which made following the correct trail very easy.

There was a false summit area that skirted near some back yards, and the actual summit had very partial views over the trees. It looked like there used to be a USGS disc here, or at least a survey point. I also learned that Whipple Hill, the summit, is the highest point in Lexington! I flirted with extending my hike here and break away from the Geology Loop, but I was soaked with sweat and ready to be in dry clothes, so I finished out the loop as god intended.

The return trip was pretty uneventful. There were some children playing around a vernal pool which put my teacher-off-duty senses into fight or flight, but I made it through alive. The section of trail where the red, blue, and yellow trails all coincide was very wet, but my boots kept me dry (except for my insanely sweaty feet). The final bit of excitement were two teenagers sitting on a log, smoking weed, and talking about getting cheated on - I wish them the best. I made it back just as the sun was setting, and thrilled with my after school hike, started the drive home.

Step-By-Step

• Park at Whipple Hill Conservation Area parking lot on Summer St.

• Start hike on blue-blazed ACROSS Lexington Trail.

• At first marked junction, turn left onto red-blazed Geology Loop.

• Follow red arrows to hike Geology Loop in its entirety. 

• At original junction, return to car on blue-blazed ACROSS Lexington Trail.

“Whipple Hill” from Lexington Conservation Lands

        120 acres, 3.9miles of trails.Whipple Hill is Lexington’s second largest conservation area and includes the highest point in town, the summit of Whipple Hill (375 feet).Trails wind across ledge outcrops, through mature stands of northern hardwoods and white pines, and along Whipple Brook and Locke Pond. Many species of birds visit Whipple Hill, particularly during migration, and the vegetation is richly varied, including a few species that are considered to be uncommon to rare in our area.

Map of Whipple Hill Conservation Area

Photo Album