Bald Peak via Mt. Kinsman Trail (White Mountain National Forest)

Bald Peak via Mt. Kinsman Trail (White Mountain National Forest)

Distance: 4.48 miles
Elevation: 1,391 feet

Time: 3 hours, 48 minutes (3 hours moving)
Hike Type: Out-and-Back
Hiking Challenges: N/A

The Hike

First trip up to the Whites in 2024! I took a mental health day off of work (read as: played hookie), got up at 4:00am, had a LONG search for my wallet (it was in my lunchbox/shopping bag), and started my drive after 4:30am. It was misty out for quite literally the entire drive, which, paired with temperatures between 24 and 28 degrees, made for a very interesting, slow drive. The stretch to Hookset was rough, BUT I was blessed with needing to use the bathroom (better here than the woods) and breakfast sandwiches! The rest of the drive was slow, wet, and slippery. I stopped at the Lincoln McDonalds for a final bathroom break and then started my drive along 112 and then 116 which was just beautiful. The trees were frosted in white and I almost pulled over to get a photo of the Beaver Brook Trailhead just because of how gorgeous it was. The mountains began to peek through the clouds, but it was not looking too promising for me. I was definitely feeling nervous, with my 31lbs pack (new record!) and that this would be my first time snowshoeing (also first time snowshoeing up a mountain), but I was going in realisticly with my goal being Bald Peak and my dream being the Kinsmans. The trailhead had 2-3 inches of fresh powder, it was 24 degrees, the air was still, I got dressed, and the adventure began!

Right away, the trees were beautiful marshmallows, and I had plenty of time to admire them as I was hiking very slowly to account for the weight. My fleece was taken off after five minutes and I was an absolute disaster maneuvering my full pack (dropped my camera in the snow - its taken a beating before, but the poor lens...). After a few more minutes my spikes went on, just adding to my glacial speed. I wasn't bothered though, the woods were absolutely beautiful. 

I made my way into the hemlock grove mentioned in the guidebook which was equally beautiful and mysterious, and I admired how well blazed this trail was. I made my way onto an old logging road, where the snow was a bit deeper, but grades were nearly flat. At this point I began to wonder when it would be appropriate to put on snowshoes, but then I thought about how this would be perfect timing because 1) I've never worn them before and 2) the trail was currently flat so I would have a moment to get my clumsiness out of the way. At the 0.9 mile mark snowshoes went on rather smoothly (thank you Costco), and I was off again!

My first impressions on the snowshoes were... weird. I had to step wider and be more intentional with my foot placements. My hips soon became sore, but apparently that's likely just muscles getting used that never get used. Over time, I began to adjust. I kept it snow and steady with small steps, generally leading with my thigh/knee. When the trail began to pick up in grade, I kicked up the televators, which I am a big fan of! I felt so fancy using my poles to pop them up and down.

I continued my climb, doing a horrible job at not sweating. Thankfully, temperatures remained in the 20s with no wind at all. I was just happy to be in such a beautiful forest! Near the halfway point it began to flurry, but nothing ever more than that. 

I do need to get gaiters and snow baskets for my poles, but besides that I was very happy with my equipment. I continued to follow dozens of adorable bunny tracks as I ducked under trees that were weighed down by the recent snow. I soon became a monster, smacking branches with my poles to relieve some of the weight on the branches so I could get under unscathed (moderate success, I had MUCH snow falling down the back of my shirt).

I eventually made it to a few stream crossings - one of which was fully frozen over - I only knew it was a water crossing from the sound of a cascade underneath! The snow bridges were excellent, but definitely made me feel uneasy. Before I knew it, I passed the spur to the flume, which I did not take on this day (not trying to tempt fate), and not too much after, made my way to the Bald Peak spur!

At this point, I had made the decision to not continue to the Kinsmans. This would only be the halfway point up the mountain, I was having a great day, and my hips were hurting. I would rather have my first snowshoe adventure end positively than in pain. I began my trek to Bald Peak, which was more intense in terms of snow and postholes than the main trail. There were some postholes over two feet deep. The trail was short and narrow, with even more bunny tracks! 

I hit the final push and I was very happy with where I had landed. The summit of Bald Peak is wide open with a PERFECT sitting rock. Views were minimal, yet beautiful, with clouds rolling in and out. I think if I was able to see the ridge from here I might have been more tempted to go all the way to the Kinsmans, but it was still deep in the clouds - another day! I had a nice break up here. 

Getting back to the junction was quick and easy, and I had a moment of peace standing still in the silent woods, with only a woodpecker keeping me company. It was so nice to be here. My return trip was simple and straightforward - following my little baby snow trench. I didn't see a single human until my last mile. They were kind, but not wearing snowshoes, and chewing up my hard work! In their defense, I would argue snowshoes weren't necessary except for maybe the last bit up to Bald Peak, but I still worked on hard on the satisfying trench! They sounded like they were going up to the Kinsmans - hope they made it okay!

Soon enough I was back were I began at the trailhead, feeling very accomplished and hungry for more! I had a relatively quick drive home (in comparison to my drive there), with just a quick stop at Hooksett. My hip soreness wore off and I was feeling good! I'm glad I didn't go all the way up, becuase now I got to take a nap once home, but I'm excited to get back out soon!

Step-By-Step

- Park at Mt. Kinsman Trail parking.

- Hike on Mt. Kinsman Trail until junction with Bald Peak Spur.

- Hike on Bald Peak Spur to Bald Peak.

- Retract steps to car.

"Mt. Kinsman Trail" from White Mountain Guide, 31st Ed. (2022)

WMNF This trail climbs from the east side of NH 116 to Kinsman Ridge Trail, 0.4 mi. north of North Kinsman. The trailhead, with a short road leading into a large dirt parking area (usually not plowed in winter, in 2021, the entrance had a small washout to watch for), is 4.7 mi. south of NH 18 in Franconia, just beyond the Tamarack Tennis Camp, and 6.4 mi. north of NH 112 at Bungay Corner; this is 1.7 mi. north of the Easton town hall. Mt. Kinsman Trail climbs at mostly moderate grades.

        The blue-blazed trail leaves the southeast corner of the parking area and in 20 yd. turns sharply left and ascends moderately through a brushy area. At 0.2 mi., the trail enters an attractive hemlock forest, dips to cross a small brook, and ascends generally eastward. At 0.5 mi., the trail swings left and levels off, crossing an unmarked mountain-bike trail, and in another 30 yd. turns right onto a logging road, joining an older route. (In the reverse direction, turn left off the road onto a footpath at a sign.) The trail soon swings left, passes an old sugarhouse on the left at 0.6 mi., and swings right again.

        Mt. Kinsman Trail enters the WMNF at 1.1 mi., turns right off the road (cairn and arrow), and in 30 yd. turns left onto another road. This older, steeper road crosses a brook at 1.5 mi. near the site of the former Kinsman Cabin (up on the left). At 1.8 mi., Mt. Kinsman Trail crosses Mossy Falls Brook, which flows over a mossy ledge to the left of the trail, and then crosses Kendall (Flume) Brook at 2.1 mi. Just over the brook, a side path on the right (sign: “Flume”) descends close to the brook bank for 150 yd. to the top edge of a small, steep-walled Kinsman Flume, a classic eroded dike (use caution here). Mt. Kinsman Trail continues on the road for another 70 yd. and then turns sharply left at the point where a yellow-blazed 0.2-mi. Spur path (sign: “Bald Peak”) diverges sharply right, descends briefly, then makes an easy ascent to Bald Peak, a bare, ledgy dome with fine views that crowns a western spur of Kinsman Mtn. [...].

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Full Quincy Quarries (Blue Hills Reservation)

Full Quincy Quarries (Blue Hills Reservation)

Distance: 6.14 miles
Elevation: 525 feet

Time: 2 hours, 21 minutes
Hike Type: Messy Loop
Hiking Challenges: 125-Mile Club (2nd Time); Blue Hills Winter Trace

The Hike

Okay. It was TIME. I was going to conquer the Quincy Quarries! Last time I attempted this area, I got very overwhelmed and was simply not having fun anymore, so I cut my journey short, BUT I did get very close to finally connecting the dots. It was 35 degrees out, misty air, and I was going in determined, but with an open mind. 

PART 1: THE UPPER QUARRIES

I started my adventure hiking the trail to the pinnacle of the Granite Railway, all while admiring how vibrant the graffiti looked on the wet rocks. I also admired how carefully I was walking, while admiring how vibrant the graffiti looked on the wet, slippery rocks. I was going to do everything on this side twice, to make sure I got everything I needed for the 125-Mile Challenge and AMC's Blue Hills Winter Trace. 

Afterwards, I wiggled my way toward the Little Granite Railway Quarry and the ballfields. The trails here were really pretty, but I just wish there were intersection markers or SOMETHING to help navigate. At the terminus of the trail with the ballfield parking, there is a mattress that's been there for at least two years now - at least that's a constant! On the inner trail along the Little Granite Railway Quarry there are some neat overlooks, but the ground was VERY mushy and slippery, so I did not tempt fate. I hiked this section one and a half times, and planned to do a smaller second lap.

Continuing on, I made my way to the west side of the Little Granite Railway Quarry, which had more interesting views, and I very carefully worked my way onto what I hoped was the trail that leads to 4229. It turns out, there are roughly three parallel trails that head in this direction - I was on the uppermost, which skirts the base of the granite wall of the Little Granite Railway Quarry.

Next, I skirted along the landfill of the Granite Railway Quarry, which was partially flooded, but bridged. The water was partially frozen and looked horribly polluted. From here, I completed my faster, second lap.

I then descended to hike the Granite Railway Incline, awkwardly passing the same person numerous times. I was HORRIFIED to then find the 4229 intersection marker not where I thought it was supposed to be. Did I hike the wrong trail?? [EDIT: I mentioned this on the 125-Mile Club Facebook group, and Bob Vogel confirmed that it was misplaced and the first route I took was correct - yay!]. This trail went through old fenceposts and followed a stream, but the trail quickly fizzled out at the site of some old, rusted, abandoned cars. An old road/railbed emerged after that, but also fizzled out. I eventually connected to the middle of the three parallel trails, so if anything, at least I'm hiking everything!

I did this loop again and then headed back toward the parking area - the northern quarries were officially complete! I am still curious if the 4229 sign is misplaced, but I felt very accomplished nonetheless!

PART 2: THE LOWER QUARRIES

Now things were about to get interesting! I crossed Ricciuti Drive, entered the woods just west of the parking area, and stared by hiking the western side of things. I needed all of this area for both maps, so there was A LOT of backtracking. I meandered to the western terminus, hit the trails near 4238 and then... then I decided I was going to go for it. I was so close to connecting the dots last time, I had a weird, feral determination to do it all!

I followed the Quarries Foot Path  and the side trails to the area I call the "parking lot" - three-ish granite rectangular prisms that one would usually find in a parking lot, heading a party area filled with broken glass and crushed cans. From there, I slowly followed what I thought could have been the trail, cross-referencing AllTrails, until I saw it down below - the Quarries Foot Path I had been on before! I connected the dots!!! It was such a thrill, even if I was cranky about it. I sat-and-scootched down a lichen-covered granite slab, and gleefully hiked down to 4223.

From 4223, I went over the Bunker Hill Lane and hiked back in. Thankfully I had already done the silly rock scramble that doesn't even have a trail, so now I only had to connect the dots to what I had already done. I did some back-and-forths around 4236, made my way back to 4238, hiked past Berry's Quarry, which had a strange man doing... something, and then made my way into the meadow west of 4236, which had a collapsed tent and was partially flooded... interesting.

Finally, I hiked the random loop on the east side of this area, passed the man at Berry's Quarry, who was now lighting a campfire? And made my way back to the parking lot! Quincy Quarries have officially been conquered!! I am equally proud, excited, and relieved. Now I don't have to go back for a long time, when I'll get to do it all again.

Step-by-Step

I truly tried to type this out, but with the lack of intersection numbers/trail names, it immediately became too confusing. I did the upper section twice, the section just south of Riccuiti Drive twice, and then the lower section once. It was a journey!

THE GRANITE RAILWAY

The Granite Railway, originally built to carry stone quarried for the Bunker Hill Monument was among America's first railroads. The Granite Railway Inclined Plane was a remarkable feat of engineering.

1830

When the Bunker Hill Monument Association did now renew the contract with the Granite Railway Company to haul stone from their quarry in the West District the Granite Railway Company opened their own quarry here at Pine Hill Ledge. Gridley Bryant designed and built the Inclined Plane to transport granite down from the ledge to the existing railway that ran to it's wharf at the Neponset River.

        Rendering of the Inclined Plane railway by local artist Ruth Haderski shows the Inclined Plane as it may have appeared in 1830 based on Gridley Bryant's memoirs and the remains we see today. The following is a letter from Gridley Bryant's memoirs written to a friend describing the Inclined Plane. 

        "The Inclined Plane was three hundred and fifteen feet long, at an angle of about fifteen degrees. It had an endless chain, to which the cars were attached in ascending or descending. At teh head of this inclined plane I constructed a swing platform to receive the loaded cars as they came from the quarry. This platform was balanced by weights, and had gearing attached to it in such a manner that it would always return (after having dumped to a horizontal position, being firmly supported on the periphery of an eccentric cam. When the cars were out on the platform there was danger of them running over, and I constructed a self-acting guard, that would rise above the surface of the rail upon the platform as it rose from its connection with the inclined plane, or receded out of the way when the loaded car passed on the track; the weight of the car depressing the platform as it was lowered down. I also constructed a turn - table at the foot of the quarry, which is still in use (1859) as originally constructed. The railroad was continued at different grades around the quarry, the highest part of which was ninety-three feet above the general level; on the top of this was erected an obelisk or momument forty-five feet high."

1890

After the Granite Railway Company sold the railway right of way from West Quincy to the Neponset River to the Old Colony Railroad Company, standard gauge rails were laid over the original Inclined Plane. The quarry operation now could use standard gauge rail cars to transport granite from the quarry to its cutting sheds and for shipment by steam locomotive to any destination in the country. The endless chain system was still being used to control the cars in their ascent and descent from the quarry.

1920

In 1919 the Granite Railway Company upgraded the Inclined Plane again so that motor trucks could now be used in transporting granite from their quarry to their stone sheds at the base. Channel iron rails were placed over the original railbed and motor trucks were assisted in descent by a cable winch at the top of the inclined plane.

EXCAVATION

A section of the original 1826 Granite Railway was excavated in 1957 by archeologist Richard Muzzrole during the construction of the Southeast Expressway. Over three miles of the original railway was excavated and used for fill in the construction of the expressway. The expressway now follows the approximate route of the Granite Railway as it ran to the Neponset River. The archeological excavation shows the original stone foundation and the granite sleepers minus the wooden rails and the strap iron that was attached to the top of the rain. In the photo to the left can be seen the protruding wooden sleepers of the Old Colony and New York New Haven and Hartford Railroad tracks that were laid over the original 1826 railway. The 1826 railway originated at the Bunker Hill Quarry located about one mile southwest of here and terminated at the wharf at Gulliver's Creek and Neponset River. The railway was abandoned in 1829 when the Bunker Hill Monument Association did not renew it's contract with the Granite Railway Company to haul stone for the monument. WIth the loss of the contract the Granite Railway purchased the ledge at Pine Hill and started quarrying stone. To move the granite down from the ledge to their railway level, Gridley Bryant designed the Inclined Plane rail system and the railcars to transport the granite to the base of the incline plane. Gridley Bryant also designed a turn table located on the 1826 railway that is buried some where beneath where you are standing. 

THOMAS HANDASYD PERKINS

PRESIDENT GRANITE RAILWAY COMPANY

Colonel Thomas Handasyd Perkins was born December 15, 1764, one of 10 children of James and Elizabeth Perkins. At the age of 15 he began working in the shipping business and in 1785 when he turned 21 he launched his business career as a merchant and financier. In 1785, when China opened the port of Canton to foreign businesses, Perkins was one of the first Boston merchants to engage in the Chila trade. Perkins was the driving force in the building of the Bunker Hill Monument and the building of the Granite Railway. He served as president of the Granite Railway Company from its establishment in 1826 until 1834. In later years, Perkins became a philanthropist to many organizations through out Boston, one of which was the Perkins School for the Blind. Perkins died on January 11, 1854.

GRIDLEY BRYANT

ENGINEER AND BUILDER

Gridley Bryant was born on August 26, 1789 in Scituate, Massachusetts. Bryant's opportunities for schooling were limited, amounting to only a few months in each year in a common country school in Scituate. At the age of 15, Bryant was apprenticed to a prominent builder in Boston. At 21 he commenced business as a builder on his own. Bryant was a self-taught engineer. He always had a great desire for books, especially those of mechanics. His skills, industry and energy secured many important contracts with the United States government. Bryant's early inventions include the portable derrick, four and eight wheel rail cars, railway turntables and many types of railway switches. Bryant never patented any of his inventions, stating "I have abandoned to the public all my inventions for the public good." Gridley Bryant died on June 13, 1867 at the age of 77.

RAILCAR

A cross section drawing by archeologist Richard Mozzrole of the original 1826 railway and railcar positioned on the rails showing details of the construction of the roadbed. Two three feet deep trenches were dug about six feet apart and stones were placed in the trenches to make a dry wall foundation. Granite sleepers were placed across the two walls every eight feet, the entire length of the railway. Pine rails eight inches by six inches by sixteen feet long were fastened to the granite sleepers with iron rods. The rods were used at the joins to keep the rails from twisting out of alignment. A two inch by four inch oak rail was nailed to the pine rail with spikes. An iron strap ran two and one half inches wide by three disteenths of an inch thick was nailed with spikes to the oak rail. The total length of the Granite Railway was about three and one half miles long from the Bunker Hill Quarry to the Granite Railway ____ at Gullivers Creek at the Neponset River. The guage of the railway was five feet and between the rails was loose dirt for the horses to walk on. The wooden rails did not last due to the heavy loads and were replaced with granite rails around 1829. The iron strap rails were salvaged from teh wooden rails and reused on the granite rails.

Blue Hills Reservation Map

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Brookwood Farm Trails (2x) (Blue Hills Reservation)

Brookwood Farm Trails (2x) (Blue Hills Reservation)

Distance: 2.80 miles
Elevation: 62 feet

Time: 56 minutes
Hike Type: Messy Loop
Hiking Challenges: 52 Hike Challenge 2024; 125-Mile Club (2nd Time); Blue Hills Winter Trace

The Hike

I am still adjusting to hiking after school again - I made it to the trailhead with good timing, but had no pack or camera... and it was snowing. Oh well! Temperatures were in the upper 30s and the air was still - very peaceful, even with the roar of MA-138 and I-93 so close by. 

My plan to was to do a redlining loop twice in a row, since I needed these trails for both my 125-Mile Club and Winter Trace maps. I started by following the road toward 1057 and hiking the spur that leads off DCR property (and terminates at a gate at a woods road... spooky). This area was decently flooded and partially frozen, which took some creative bushwhacking through dense prickers to get out. 

From there, I started on the loop, dodging prickers and dog poop. I turned left at 1079, maneuvered around some blowdowns, and then turned right at 1077 around the meadow. The trails over here are... weird. There were some side paths, but overall it felt rather abandoned and desolate. Back at 1079, I turned right, and then walked along the eastern road at 1077 to hit the unpaved connector path back toward the buildings.

The second lap felt mundane and tedious, but I was happy I was getting it done. I could help but imagine how tick-infested this area must be in the spring! I passed the only other person near 1079 on lap #2, and soon enough was back at the car. Not my favorite hike, but happy to have completed it!

Note: There is a kiosk with information about the area near the trailhead, but my phone didn't capture a sharp enough image to type it up here. Next time!

Step-by-Step

- Park at Brookwood Farm parking area.

- Walk toward 1057.

- Stay right on trail, hike to gate, turn around.

- Back at 1057, turn right onto trail.

- At 1079, turn left.

- At 1077, turn right.

- At 1079, turn right.

- At road, turn right.

- At unpaved path, turn left.

- Repeat!

- After hiking unpaved path the second time, return to car.

Blue Hills Reservation Map

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Ponkapoag Boardwalk via Exit 3 (Blue Hills Reservation)

Ponkapoag Boardwalk via Exit 3 (Blue Hills Reservation)

Distance: 3.21 miles
Elevation: 108 feet

Time: 1 hour, 1 minute
Hike Type: Out-and-back
Hiking Challenges: 52 Hike Challenge 2024; 125-Mile Club (2nd Time); Blue Hills Winter Trace

The Hike

Operation Ponkapoag is officially in effect! It had been below freezing for over five days now and this was truly my only window to hit the boardwalk before things heated up again. I woke up northern Vermont, did a few runs at Jay Peak in the -14 degree windchill, had an early lunch and apres, and was on the road heading south by noon. I made it to Ponkapoag Trail just after 3:30am - perfect timing! It was 27 degrees out plus a light breeze. My bag only had a headlamp, spikes (my hillsounds, which I was mad about - I keep forgetting to bring my Kahtoolas, which have been downgraded to rock spikes), and half of a Gatorade. I am READY.

Along the Hogdon Foot Path.

My power hike began on the Ponkapoag Trail and then onto the Hogdon Foot Path, which had about an inch of snow. There were a few muddy spots which made me nervous, but there were even more icy spots, which made me excited. I turned onto the Redman Farm Path (which I hope was someone's last name and not a racial slur...), and then I arrived - the infamous Ponkapoag Boardwalk. Only god knows what's in store now.

The trail right away was frozen solid - excellent. Due to the high water table and the infrequent use of this trail, the surrounding bushes were just below head-hight, so there was a good amount of ducking involved in the first bit. I descended into the darkness (I believe the trees here are cedars? cedar swamp? or I made that up) to find more frozen trail and just beautiful surroundings. I love this trail so much. It kind of stinks how inaccessible it is, but I think that also adds to the allure. 

I went past scenic meadow #1 and scenic meadow #2 and then eventually saw the end of the boardwalk... shrounded in... water? Oh no. Thankfully, there was a human at the very end, and he had dry legs, implying that the final few boards would not sink into the pond. I gently hopped the last few boards, and I did it! I took a quick photo and quickly started my return trip... because I was going to do it again! 

At the time, I thought I would do it once for the 125-Mile Club map and a second for my AMC Blue Hills Winter Trace... but apparently I already did the winter trace portion last year... at least it was nice out (I also wouldn't realize this until I was home, whoops...). The second round felt a bit silly but I was just happy to be out on the trail. I passed the same human again and then saw a few more as I was leaving. There were some visible and audible cracks in the ice toward the end, so I was grateful to have made it when I did.

My spikes came off back at the trailhead and my heart was full! I made a gentle return trip, ran to the grocery store, bought a lasagna, and had a lovely, relaxing end to my weekend.

Step-By-Step

- Start hike on Ponkapoag Trail off of Exit 3.

- At 5320, turn right onto Hogdon Foot Path.

- At 5218 (terminus), turn right onto Redman Farm Path.

- At 5176, turn left onto path toward boardwalk.

- At boardwalk, turn left onto Ponkapoag Boardwalk.

- Hike Boardwalk out-and-back twice.

- Retrace steps to car.

Blue Hills Reservation Map

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Jay Peak Resort

Another ski post? Seems like it! Had my first ski day of the season on January 21st and it went... not as planned. Emma and I got to Jay around 11:00am on Saturday 1/20, I redeemed my Indy for the day, but the ticket guy said the internet was being weird so the pass might not work, and just to come back if it didn't work. Emma dropped me at the lodge so she could get her stuff from the patrol office, and then after 10ish minutes I got a text saying that apparently the mountain lost power and ski patrol might need her to assist in lift evacuations... yikes. Thankfully the lifts were able to offload with diesel engines and Emma was set free after about a half hour, but she said it wasn't looking good and we could cut our losses for the day. We ended up going to a nearby winery and had a great day - but I was going to ski tomorrow so help me god!

Then "tomorrow" rolls around, we get to the mountain promptly at 8:00am (my goal was to be driving home by noon) and it is COLD. The drive was slippery (so bad at the top of the mountain road there was a U-Haul dangling off the side of the road...), but the sun was trying to peek through. I drop my stuff inside and go down to the ticket window - they said if you skied yesterday you'll get a free pass for another day. While I'm waiting in a VERY slow line, Emma says something along the lines of "what if... we don't redeem your pass for today and drive to the Village Chair, ski for free, and then see how it goes" - works for me! We had grand plans of getting me to the top of the Bonnie, but the weekend had other plans in store. We did five runs up the Village Chair and down Raccoon Run and Grammy Jay, and after the fifth we were FROZEN. We SPRINTED to the car to change and warm up - 4 out of my 10 toes were fully numb. I checked the weather back at the car and it said the windchill was -15 degree, which definitely added up! We packed up and headed to the Jay Village Inn for brunch, which was a lovely reward. Hopefully next time I'll make some actual progress!

Some stats...

Distance: 2.64 miles

Time: 13 minutes, 23 seconds

Total Descent: 1,936 feet

Max Speed: 25.6 mph

Number of Runs: 5

Hancock, Wolcott, & Hemenway Hills (Blue Hills Reservation)

Hancock, Wolcott, & Hemenway Hills (Blue Hills Reservation)

Distance: 3.47 miles
Elevation: 594 feet

Time: 1 hour, 51 minutes (1 hour, 18 minutes moving)
Hike Type: Lollipop Loop w/ Spur
Hiking Challenges: 52 Hike Challenge 2024; Sunrise Six

The Hike

Time for my first sunrise hike in a long time! Thankfully this time of year the sun doesn't rise until after 7:00am, so I actually got to sleep in! It was 22 degrees at the Hancock Trail trialhead with no wind and a dusting of snow. I put my headlamp on and got right to work.

I climbed the steep trail up the north side of the trailhead and then jumped onto Breakneck Ledge Path and then Circle Trail, both of which had a mixture of light snow, ice, and running water. I was thankfully much warmer than anticipated and was able to shed a couple layers down to my base layer. I turned onto the Skyline Trail and then the Hancock Trail until I made it to the stunning overlook of Boston, the Blue Hills, and the ocean.

I took out my Yeti filled with hot chocolate only to find out that my Yeti works a little too well - it was WAY too hot! I wish I had brought my camp cup - next time. I ended up pouring small bits of hot coco into the lid and sipping out of that, which worked! Hot chocolate on a cold hike is truly the best thing there is. It was so peaceful sitting up here without another soul around..... until I noticed some smoke coming from the Milton side of the park, followed by darker smoke, followed by fire! Apparently there was a pretty intense house fire just before sunrise (LINK TO ARTICLE).

I was starting to feel a little chilly around 7:00pm, and then I got to admire the sun rising above the clouds at 7:11pm. It was fun watching the surroundings light up, but the sun stayed behind the clouds for a while - the house fire was much more insteresting to watch - multiple firetrucks were there and a helicopter. 

After the sun was up the temperature was down to 21 degrees with a light wind, that would put the windchill into the teens. Once the sun was firmly up and behind a cloud I continued my journey. I wasn't really sure where I wanted to hike or how much I wanted to hike, but I was very grateful that I'm so familiar with the trails here that I don't really need a plan!

I ended up backtracking to the Skyline Trail and then the Hancock Hill Path (very flooded) to the Wolcott Path, where the sun began to shine over the clouds and on to the treetops - a truly beautiful golden light. I decided I'd make my way to Hemenway Hill to catch the view of Great Blue Hill in golden hour.... until I realized I accidentally skipped it and was suddenly on top of Wolcott Hill! I pivoted the plan again, and wiggled my way into Wildcat Notch and then over to the Hemenway Hill Path, and the extra climb was definitely worth it!

After Hemenway Hill I began to make my way back via the Breakneck Ledge Path, all while admiring the endless needle ice on the ground. My tummy began to act up at the end, which was the perfect timing, and I realized this may have been the first time I've hiked in the Blue Hills and never passed another human - what a great morning!

Step-By-Step

- Park at Hancock Trail parking.

- Start hike on trail to 1203.

- At 1203, continue onto Breakneck Ledge Path.

- At 1180, turn left onto Circle Trail.

- At 1170, turn left onto Skyline Trail.

- At top of the climb, turn left onto Hancock Trail.

- Stop and enjoy sunrise at view.

- Turn around.

- Turn left to continue on Skyline Trail.

- At 1172, turn right onto Hancock Hill Path.

- At 1160, turn right onto Wolcott Path.

- At 1141, turn left onto Skyline Trail.

- At 1117, turn right onto Dalton Path.

- At terminus, turn right onto Wildcat Notch Path.

- At 1115, turn right onto Wolcott Path.

- At 1122, turn left onto Rotch Path.

- At 1121, turn right onto Hemenway Hill Path.

- At 1154, turn right toward 1150.

- At 1150, turn left onto Skyline Trail.

- At 1162, turn left onto Breakneck Ledge Path.

- At 1180, retrace steps to car.

Blue Hills Reservation Map

Photo Album

Skyline Loop via Trailside Museum w/ Summit Road (Blue Hills Reservation)

Skyline Loop via Trailside Museum w/ Summit Road (Blue Hills Reservation)

Distance: 5.11 miles
Elevation: 1,224 feet

Time: 2 hours
Hike Type: Figure 8-ish Loop
Hiking Challenges: 52 Hike Challenge 2024; Great Blue Hill Summits, Blue Hills Grid

The Hike

I was out until 1:00am last night, and it had been raining all day, but I was itching to get back to the Blue Hills. Once afternoon hit, I put on shorts and a tshirt, drove to the trailside museum, enjoyed the 55-degree weather (even though it's unsettling for it to be so warm in January), and started on my favorite fitness hike! Right away I knew it was going to be an adventure - the trailhead was basically a cascading waterfall over the stone steps... here we go!

There were some newly painted red blazes on the Eliot Path up to Great Blue Hill, and I was essentially hiking through a river the whole time, which reminded me that I really need to get some insulated waterproof boots. The slight dip before the Summit Road crossing was truly a raging river, which I had never seen before - not even during spring runoff!

I continued my way to the summit of Great Blue Hill and I was feeling weidly strong all things considered (i.e., mild hangover). There was on and off rain BUT the sun was trying to peek through! I went over to the viewpoint on the Skyline Trail to get a photo of the cloudy views, and then continued the classic loop, taking Skyline Trail North first. 

It was very windy out but it was WARM. It never broke 60 degrees, but it sure felt amazing. The sun felt incredible. There were a few new blowdowns after Times Square (1141) and my legs were starting to feel a slight fatigue going up Hemenway Hill, but I was still feeling good (shockingly). I made it to Hancock Hill, and starting passing the weekend afternoon folks who were, as usual, not very friendly.

I noticed the "Blue Hills Reservation" sign was gone down on Hillside Street - maybe caught by the crazy wind a few days ago? I wasn't able to find any info on it, but it definitely looked like the wind took it! I was starting to feel sleepy on the road walk, but quickly woke up when it was time to slog up Houghton Hill, through another stream. I will say though, I made it all the way to the top without stopping, which is monumental compared to how this stretch used to absolutely murder me (I will say, my max heart rate was 186, so I wasn't feeling incredible, but proud nonetheless!). 

The next half mile of trail led me to accept that having dry feet was simply not a possibility - it was WET wet. I started my final climb, my thighs were SCREAMING at me, but I finished my second summit, dodged the 1,000 people at the top (it was probably like seven, but it felt like a million!), and made the executive decision to descend via the auto road so I could stop thinking about foot placement on the trails.

The road was still wet but it was nice to let my brain turn off. By this point the sun was shinging and the sky was blue. What a beautiful day - I couldn't believe it! I was also really proud of myself for having such a strong hike - specifically for the lungs, heart, and body - especially after the night I had! The lower auto road wound through lovely woods, I passed many people, and eventually made it back to my car. It was time for a shower and a long sleep.

Step-By-Step

- Start hike at 1023.

- Follow Eliot Path to 1055.

- At 1055, turn right onto Eliot Circle. 

- At 1030, briefly turn right to see view on Skyline Trail, then continue to follow Eliot Circle/Skyline Trail counter-clockwise.

- At path, turn left and summit Great Blue Hill.

- From summit, follow path toward 1063. 

- At 1063, follow Skyline Trail all the way to Hillside Street.

- Follow Hillside Street to the Skyline Trail South.

- Follow Skyline Trail South to 1066.

- Turn left, then right, and summit Great Blue Hill again,

- Follow Auto Road and sidewalk back to car.

Blue Hills Reservation Map
Photo Album