Sassaman Notch, Streamside Edge, Slide Notch Loop (Blue Hills Reservation)
Hike Type: Loop w/ Spurs
Distance: 4.93 miles
Elevation: 709 feet
Time: 1 hour, 39 minutes
Hiking Challenges: 52 Hike Challenge 2025; Blue Hills Winter Trace (2x)
Hiking Challenges: 52 Hike Challenge 2025; Blue Hills Winter Trace (2x)
The Hike
Hike #3 and day #3 in a row of hiking, and of being sick! I think I'm starting to feel better, but oof. Whatever virus got me, got me good. I had grand plans of a sunrise hike somewhere in New Hampshire and then skiing, but I came to my senses when the little angel my shoulder said "do you ever want to feel better??" - so here we are! It was 31 degrees, cloudy, and breezy, and I found myself back at the Chickatawbut Overlook.
I hiked up to the tower and turn worked toward Sassaman Notch Path, which I hiked out-and-back to the road and then continued on towards the interior. I love how quiet this side of the park is, even on a weekend. I crossed paths with a trail runner, and then continued in toward the Laurel Path and Great Cedar Swamp. I love this area - it was very mossy and covered in mountain laurel further in.
I dipped into "the grove" as I decided to call it - the leftover spur of the Hemlock Bound Trail - which is just a delightful small bit of trail. Dark, moody, and donning a few old blazes.
From there, I made my way up Barberry Bush Spring Trail and then wiggled my way toward the Streamside Edge Path mini-loop. Another thing I appreciate about the Chickatawbut side of the park is how you can really feel the character of the old roads. The trail network is less dense than other areas of the park, which give it a feeling of solitude.
From the old road gate when they put Route 128 through the Blue Hills, I started my return trip back toward Braintree Pass Path, Lee Path (a short, lovely trail), and then Slide Notch Path. There was an eerie burned clearing on Slide Notch - I wasn't sure if its been there or if its from this past fall's fires. I slowly ascended, being mindful of my heart rate, and then made my way back to my car! For the past three hikes I've been wearing my Outdoor Research Trail Mix fleece (the one that's from the 2023 season, not last year's), and I can't figure out if it's not wicking moisture the way I want becuase I'm not wearing a wool long sleeve underneath (I'd been wearing a polyester T-shirt) or if it's just poorly made. I'll have to experiment in the coming weeks.
- Park at Chickatawbut Overlook.
- Hike up to tower, turn right onto Tower Path.
- At 3075, turn right onto Sassaman Notch Path.
- At Chickatawbut Road, turn around and hike Sassaman Notch Path.
- At 3135, turn right onto Curve Path.
- At 3130, turn right onto Laurel Path.
- Before 3121, turn left onto Hemlock Bound Trail.
- At terminus, turn right onto Laurel Path.
- At 3121, turn left onto Barberry Bush Spring Trail.
- At 3090, turn right onto Braintree Pass Path.
- At 3073, turn left onto Streamside Edge Path.
- At I-93, turn left to continue on Streamside Edge Path.
- At terminus, turn left onto Branch Path.
- At 3066, turn right onto Streamside Edge Path.
- At 3072, continue onto Braintree Pass Path.
- At 3155, turn right onto Lee Path.
- At terminus, turn right onto Bouncing Brook Path.
- At 3073, turn left onto Slide Notch Path.
- At jct., turn left onto Tower Path.
- Retrace steps to car.
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