Hawk, Kitchamakin, and Chickatawbut Hills (Blue Hills Reservation)
Hike Type: Loop
Distance: 5.5 miles
Elevation: 833 feet
Time: 2 hours, 25 minutes
Hiking Challenges: 52 Hike Challenge, Blue Hills Winter Trace
The Hike
Another bizarre spring like day in the Blue Hills! It was in the low 40s with the sun popping in and out of clouds, and from previous experience, I remembered to wear shorts for this one. I had a slow start to my Saturday so I didn’t get to the trailhead until around 10:30, so I was mentally preparing to share the trails (aka not getting my needed me-time) - I would be okay. I took a few photos at the start, put on my waterproof winter boots due to anticipated wetness after a week of rain, and started my hike.
I followed the Braintree Pass Path for the first part of the hike, hitting up the spur to 28 that I believe is an extension of the Headquarters Path, and worked my way to the Bouncing Brook Path. I remember doing a similar hike last March on a similar spring-like day, and I remember being impressed with how well this trail held onto winter - and it was the same today! There were remnants of last night’s snow, even when the rest of the snow had already melted. I stayed on the Bouncing Brook Path up until an unmarked intersection with the Hemlock Bound Trail, which leads up to Hawk Hill.
The turn onto the Hemlock Bound Trail had a comical straight up 6 foot climb, but then mellowed out. The trail narrowed drastically, and suddenly I was completely alone! This trail was considerably more rugged, and suddenly got very steep with a good amount of scrambles. I remember this from a cold cold hike I did the previous winter (before I was working on doing all the trails) when I had to do the “sit-n-scootch” to get down safely - going up on this wet wet day was just as sketchy. There were some yellow-dot blazes (either old or illegal) which I was incredibly grateful for.
After the scrambles there is an excellent view of Buck Hill which was a welcomed surprise! It also looks like there is a faux-bypass around the scrambles. The trail drastically calms down after the view as it meanders up to the top of Hawk Hill, which is a nice calm open area, but no view. I wish there were summit markers in this park (discs, cairns, canisters, signs?). The trail down the south side of Hawk Hill was also steep and slippery, but would be fine on a drier day.
My hike continued along the Hawk Hill Path, were I think I found the upper end of the old Great Dome Trail (I flirted with exploring this, but I want to save it for another day). I stayed on the Hawk Hill Path until its terminus at 3072, and then the mini-loop at 3072, combining the Sreamside Edge Path and the Branch Path. I loved this bonus loop - the trails were wide and clear, there were nice bits of drainage infrastructure, and I appreciated the irony that comes with hiking in the Blue Hills - the deeper into the reservation you go, the further away from people you get, but the closer you get to the highway. The Streamside Edge Path turns left on what feels like an old road, which looked like it would be beautiful during peak foliage.
The road narrows to a footpath as it follows the fence along I-93 and crosses some wetlands on some firm planks of wood. I was taking some photos on the mini footbridge when my heart jumped out of my chest - I nearly stepped on (nearly) fully intact deer ribcage! It was equally disgusting and fascinating. No skull or limbs, just the ribcage and some spine. I took some more photos of the skeleton, and continued my journey. The Streamside Edge Path stops at what resembles an old road barrier - two concrete posts and old rotted wood - curious about its story.
I returned via the Branch path all the way to 3072, and then turned right back onto the Braintree Pass Path, and then turned left at 3090 down the Barberry Bush Spring Trail. I hiked that trail last winter while the world was mostly frozen over. I had inadvertently landed on top of the wetlands near the junction marker, and it sounded like I was about to fall in. It was much easier to get around today! It was also at this point that I realized I probably should invest in uninsulated waterproof boots - my feet were swampy.
The Barberry Bush Spring Trail was slightly longer than I remembered, and I also came to the conclusion that I will simply always be sweaty. Regardless, at the terminus at 3121, I turned left onto the Laurel Path to hike along the Great Cedar Swamp. I thought about doing the mini loop right there, but it was already so wet I didn’t want to tempt fate. The area around 3111 is absolutely beautiful, with running water everywhere. The mysterious old or illegal yellow dot blazes reappeared for this section - I wonder if someone tried to mark the old Great Dome Trail?
The yellow blazes continued when I turned left onto 3111 onto the Great Dome Foot Path, which is a beautiful section of trail, paralleling the Bouncing Brook. I crossed the Bouncing Brook Foot Path at 3085, and continued on the Great Dome Foot Path up Kitchamakin Hill. This part was steep and tricky, but with occasional yellow dots and one small cairn that saved the day. This is another beautiful section of trail with a nice view after the initial steep climb. I found myself really enjoying this hike, because I was hiking on trails that I hadn’t visited in a long time, and I have a newfound appreciation and context for everything around me in the reservation.
Up on Kitchamakin Hill the sun was fully out and I was cooking in the heat. There were partial views of surrounding hills and the South Shore Plaza through the trees. I meandered my way through the narrow path, which was easier to follow now, but still with the occasional yellow dot. The trail terminates at the Skyline Trail, which I turned left onto and wiggled my way to the Stowe Path, and then Thayer Path to Chickatawbut Hill. I followed the Thayer Path around the border fence, crossing the road, and then finally started my descent.
There was a nice peek-a-boo view of Boston soon after the paved road, and then It was a moderate steady descent. The SEM AMC patch requires the dirt road up to the water tower, but I wasn’t able to easily find it, so it’ll become a later problem. I followed the power cut down, which experienced some fire damage. There were some power lines down on the trail - I had the intrusive thought to touch them to see if they were live, but thankfully I didn’t act on it! The last thing I did on my hike was hike the small bit of Headquarters Path around 3024 before getting back to the car. Great day!
Step-By-Step
Start hike at Braintree Pass Path parking area at the junction of MA-28 and Chickatawbut Road.
Hike on Braintree Pass Path (red dots), hitting the Headquarters Path spur that connects to MA-28.
At 3022, continue following Braintree Pass Path (red dots).
At 3042, leave blazes and continue on Braintree Pass Path.
Soon after 3042, turn right onto Bouncing Brook Path.
At unmarked intersection, turn left to steeply join Hemlock Bound Foot Path up to Hawk Hill (occasional old yellow dots).
At 3030, turn left onto Hawk Hill Path.
At 3072, turn right onto Streamside Edge Path.
At terminus, turn left to continue on Streamside Edge Path
At terminus, turn left onto Branch Path.
At 3066, turn right to rejoin Streamside Edge Path.
At 3072, turn right onto Braintree Pass Path.
At 3090, Turn left onto Barberry Bush Spring Trail.
At 3121, turn left onto Laurel Path.
At 3111, turn left onto Great Dome Foot Path up Kitchamakin Hill.
At terminus, turn left onto Skyline Trail (southbound).
At next junction, turn right onto Slide Notch Path (red dot).
At immediate next junction, turn left onto Stowe Path.
At next junction, turn left to continue on Stowe Path.
At next junction, turn right onto Thayer Path around the fence of Chickatawbut Hill.
Cross paved road, continue on Thayer Path.
Cut over to water tower, follow power line route down to 3024 to complete hike.
Map of Blue Hills Reservation
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