Skyline Loop via Trailside Museum (w/ Sonya) (Blue Hills Reservation)
Hike Type: Lollipop Loop
Distance: 4.16 miles
Elevation: 1,165 feet
Time: 1 hours, 23 minutes
Hiking Challenges: Great Blue Hill Summits
Hiking Challenges: Great Blue Hill Summits
The Hike
I didn't plan on hiking on this Friday, but my school day ended POORLY and I desperately needed to blow off some steam, so back to the Blue Hills I went! It was a hot 81 degrees out, humid, and I left my water at home - solid start! I opted to do yet another lap of the Skyline Trail loop in hopes of taking the local legend status from Sarah (sadly, I did not succeed). I did blast up Eliot Path up to the summit and enjoyed a breeze as I flew down Skyline North to Wildcat Notch, where were were bullfrogs cheering me on! I passed a familiar trail runner and familiar bugs climbing up Wolcott, which smelled smokier than usual - probably because of recent rain?
Speaking of familiar, the owl was there again - third day this week! I wonder if it's next is nearby or something. I conitnued onto Hemenway and Hancock, crossing paths with more people than I cared for. There were lots of catepillars crawling around Hancock Hill and I made use of the water fountain at the park headquarters for the first time, hoping I wouldn't fully perish from dehydration.
I was cooled off by a wonderful breeze on Hillside Street and the Skyline Trail South smelled like a unique combination of burned trees and fresh flowers. I nearly passed away climbing up Houghton Hill, getting my heart rate up to 189 (which is RARE for me). The only thing that brought me back to life was seeing my first pink lady slipper of the season near Five Corners Path! I audibly gasped in excitement, I was so happy!
I continued my rage hike back up to the summit, dreamed of drinking water, and began to descend via the ski trails. It was hot on Patriots and Sonya, but there was an amazing breeze back at the parking lot, which felt like a reward. I was DRENCHED in sweat - I made sure to hydrate once home, but even still I cramped up on the couch. Tragic! I did get three PRs on Strava, so that's another win!
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 North.
- At Hillside St., turn right onto Hillside St.
- After stables, turn right onto Skyline Trail South.
- Follow Skyline Trail South to Eliot Circle.
- At jct., turn right to summit Great Blue Hill.
- From summit, descend to ski area.
- Follow Patriots and Sonya down.
- Near bottom turn on Sonya, turn right back onto Eliot Path.
- Retrace steps to car.
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