Skyline Loop via Trailside Museum (Blue Hills Reservation)
Hike Type: Lollipop Loop
Distance: 4.51 miles
Elevation: 1,201 feet
Time: 1 hours, 50 minutes
Hiking Challenges: Great Blue Hills Summits
Hiking Challenges: Great Blue Hills Summits
The Hike
A sleepy after school drive resulting in a nice, warm after school hike. A HOT65 degrees at the trailhead! There was a small breeze but I was quickly sweating in these dramatic summer tempeartures. There were a decent number of cars at the trailhead and I didn't have much of plan besides exercise in the woods, especially since I didn't want to be around people. Unfortunately, this hike also kicked off "warm Nalgene szn" - when my water/Nuun gets hot and steamy in my car.
I started up the Eliot Circle and immediately noticed how rapidly spring was beginning to bloom! Green grasses were starting to appear on the ski slopes and small patches of grass were popping up on trails. There were MANY more people out than I was used to, and a very free-range dog, which was annoying. The sun felt delightfully warm on the Eliot Circle, and a breeze up on Great Blue Hill felt amazing. From the summit, I decided I would continue my usual fitness hike loop, but open to changing my plan based on how tired my legs are/how many people are out and about.
The Skyline Trail North had a good amount of grass growing in, the sky was beautifully blue, and the Wolcott Hill area was delightful absent of people, who unfortunately reappeared once I was on Hemenway. I continued along and went through my usual three songs that get stuck in my head when I am devoid of thoughts - "The Sorcerer's Apprentice" by Paul Dukas, "Golem" from Johann Demeij, and "Deck the Halls" from Christmas. I cannot begin to explain why - maybe the tempi just agree with my foot cadence? I really have no explanation for Deck the Halls, though.
I passed some catepillar tents coming down Hancock and the lovely, abundant purple flowers at the base of Houghton. I did my "leg day" exercises this morning, which my legs were definitely feeling at this point, plus, the inspirational quote at the top of Houghton was gone!
The usual wet spots along the Skyline Trail South were beginning to dry up and I passed an interesting hiking duo, maybe a son and mom, or son and grandma(?), taking glam shots at a trail junction, which was just... fastinating. Honestly, power to anyone who doesn't look like a swamp monster (like I do) when hiking. I eventually made my way up the final climb and I was proud of myself for not being a baby (but edit from the future - my legs were SORE the next day). I checked out the top of the ski area which had a nice view of budding trees, and then made my final descent back to my car and to COSTCO!!!
Step-By-Step
- Start hike from Trailside Museum parking on Eliot Path (red dots).
- At terminus, turn right onto Eliot Circle.
- At next jct., turn left onto Summit Road.
- At next jct., turn right onto spur trail to Summit.
- Descend summit towards Skyline Trail South.
- Turn left onto Skyline Trail, and then right onto Skyline Trail South.
- Follow Skyline Trail South to Hillside St.
- At Hillside St., turn left onto Hillside St.
- After stables, turn left onto Skyline Trail North.
- Follow Skyline Trail North to Eliot Tower.
- At Eliot Tower, turn left onto Eliot Circle.
- At second jct., turn right to summit Great Blue Hill.
- Retract steps back to parking lot.
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