Pipe Line, Fox Hill, CCC Camp (Blue Hills Reservation)

Pipe Line, Fox Hill, CCC Camp (Blue Hills Reservation)

Hike Type: Spaghetti

Distance: 7.07 miles

Elevation: 692 feet

Time: 2 hours, 26 minutes
Hiking Challenges: Blue Hills Winter Trace; Blue Hills Grid

The Hike

We've officially sprung forward with Daylight Savings Time, so I woke up late and slowly made my way over to the Blue Hills to finish out the western edge of the Quarries section. It was a chilly, breezy, sunny morning. I parked at the parking area at Chickatawbut Road and MA 28, carefully crossed the road, and started my hike on the Pipe Line/Headquarters Path. The usually soaked ground was partially frozen, which was welcomed. I slowly worked my way up, getting my joints gently moving, before picking up the pace when I turned onto Pasture Run at 4030, where I spooked a couple deer who has the FLUFFIEST tails I've ever seen!

I did some zig-zagging on Pasture Run, Ridge Path, and the Great Dome Foot Path, and just spent some time reflecting on how much I love the woods (and how much I loved actually seeing the sun!). The Great Dome Foot Path fizzle out for a bit between 4072 and 4073, but I was able to find it and stay on track. I really want them to recomission the Great Dome Trail - I love its rugged feel. It was also in this moment where I realized that I really miss mountains. The snows got to melt soon! (As I'm writing this, Wachusett got about 3 feet of snow...). 

I took the obscure White Tail Path up Fox Hill, which had some mysterious yellow blazes, but was hard to follow. I hit the summit of Fox Hill, then backtracked to descend on the Fox Hill Path, with a nice peek-a-boo view of Boston through the trees. My zig-zagging then continued on the Pine Tree Brook Path (with a slightly tricky water crossing), where I realized I ran out of water (whoops), then took the Pleasant Trail, which was appropriately named, and then eventually linked up with the Sawcut Notch Path, which leads all the way to the CCC area.

There was a beefy blow down halfway to the CCC camp, which was tricky to either get around or go over, but I managed. This area could be referred to as "the land of 1,000 prickers" - they're everywhere! The CCC area is truly fascinating, and I'm so grateful for the informational kiosk at the old foundations. I hit the rest of the trails in the area, and saw a pair of old rusty shears that someone found! I'm curious to find where the foundations of the old ampitheater is currently located (if at all). 

The final stretch of my hike was along the long Pipe Line, which I am truly never a fan of. The hill from the lowest point is a bit painful and unenjoyable, but I survived nonetheless! Eventually, I made my way back to my car, with 7 more miles under my belt! I definitely won't finish the winter trace this winter, but I'll definitely be able to next winter.

Step-By-Step

    - Park at Braintree Pass Path parking area. 

    - Start hike along Headquarters Path.

    - Cross Chickatawbut Road, continue along Headquarters Path.

    - At 4030, turn right onto Pasture Run.

    - At split, turn around and hike toward 4047.

    - At 4047, hike to end and take the loop, return to this spot.

    - Hike along Ridge Path to 4072. 

    - At 4072, turn left onto Great Dome Footpath.

    - At next junction, turn right onto Pine Tree Brook Path.

    - At 4084, turn left onto White Tail Path.

    - At 4096, continue to summit of Fox Hill.

    - Turn around and hike back to 4096.

    - At 4096, turn right onto Fox Hill Path.

    - At 4090, turn left onto Great Dome Foot Path.

    - At 4073, turn right onto Pine Tree Brook Path.

    - At 4049, turn right onto Pipe Line.

    - At 4046, turn right onto Pleasant Trail.

    - Hike to 4082, 4086, 4091, and then 4083.

    - At 4083, turn left onto Sawcut Notch Path.

    - Just before 4042, turn right to hike Minuteman Path.

    - Retrace steps, hike to 4042.

    - At 4042, turn left onto CCC Trail.

    - At 4010, turn left onto Nike Ajax Path.

    - At 4009, turn around.

    - At 4010, continue straight onto CCC Trail.

    - At 4041, turn left onto Sawcut Notch Path and hike to terminus at MA-28.

    - Turn around, hike Sawcut Notch Path to 4066.

    - At 4066, turn right onto Pipe Line, hike to car.

Blue Hills Reservation Map

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