Madden Road, Randolph Path, AMC Cabins (Blue Hills Reservation)
Distance: 4.20 miles
Elevation: 302 feet
Time: 1 hour, 40 minutes
Elevation: 302 feet
Time: 1 hour, 40 minutes
Hike Type: Lollipop Loop
Hiking Challenges: 125-Mile Club (2x); 52 Hike Challenge 2023
The Hike
Unfortunately, I'm still sick from my Baldfaces hike. Fortunately, there's ways to still hike in the Blue Hills without over-exerting myself! Sarah asked about hiking, and I needed some trails in the North/East side of Ponkapoag, so we met up after school and got right to it!
The first leg of our hike was from the parking area off of Exit 3, which we had to ourselves, to Duck Pond. The Prescott Foot Path and No Name Paths were both lovely, dry trails with leaves and needles on the ground. Madden Road was equally as lovely, but wider. We saw a few mountain bikers in this area following some of the many unmapped trails. I'm always curious why DCR decides to put some trails on the map and not others (and when they make the decision to omit certain trails, why not formally close them?).
Continuing on, we turned onto the spur to Duck Pond, which was narrower than the surrounding trails, and led to the muddy banks of the pond. A view of the pond was obstructed by some mangrove-looking plants, but with a bit of maneuvering, we were able to get at least a unique view. The fall colors were beginning to really pop!
From Duck Pond, we followed Hemlock Road to the bridge, and then the Randolph Path all the way to the AMC Cabins.
The goal was just to hike the perimeter trail today, and I could save the inner trails for another day. The southern side of the perimeter trail leads past a pavillion and a rack of chained-up canoes, and then, with some careful rock stepping, a marvelous view of Ponkapoag Pond, which was eeriely still on this day. Looking left we could see ominous clouds with just a sliver of golden light shining through, and Great Blue Hill loomed on the right, surrounded by lovely fall colors. The clouds, leaves, and mirror-like water were really putting on a show!
We continued down the path, ultimately taking a long break at the fishing dock near the northern corner of the perimeter trail, and wow - I've never been so stunned by a low-elevation pond before! I couldn't get over how reflective the water was and how dramatic the clouds and lighting were. We only started moving when we noticed the water started to... sparkle. The rain was definitely approaching!
Our last stop was at the northern corner of the perimeter trail where we took a few final photos of the pond, which was no longer reflective as the rain had fully entered the area.
Our return trip was quick, chilly, and wet. The woods were absolutely stunning, even in the soaking rain. Another great day in the woods!
Step-By-Step
- Park at Ponkapoag Trail (Exit 3 off of I-93)
- Start hike on Ponkapoag Trail.
- At 5322, turn left onto Prescott Foot Path
- At 5330, turn left onto No Name Path.
- At 5344, turn left onto Ponkapoag Trail.
- At unsigned junction, turn left onto Madden Road.
- Follow Madden Road, follow logical footpath (many other paths).
- Turn right onto Three Pines Path.
- At 5383, continue left onto Three Pines Path.
- At 5382, turn left onto Jones Link.
- At 5381, turn around.
- At 5382, turn right onto Three Pines Path.
- At 5385, turn left to hike spur to Duck Pond.
- At Duck Pond, turn around.
- At 5385, turn left onto Hemlock Road.
- At 5401, turn left onto Randolph Path/bridge.
- Halfway across MA-24, turn around.
- Continue straight through 5401, veering left (not turning left) on Randolph Path.
- At 5360, turn left onto Acton Path.
- At 5332, turn right to hike trail around AMC Cabins.
- At 5364, turn left onto Acton Path.
- At 5343, turn slightly right onto Prescott Foot Path.
- At 5322, turn right onto Ponkapoag Trail to return to car.
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