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

Photo Album