Skyline Loop via Trailside Museum (w/ Sonya)

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

Hike Type: Lollipop Loop

Distance: 4.24 miles

Elevation: 1,175 feet

Time: 1 hours, 45 minutes
Hiking Challenges: 52 Hike Challenge, Great Blue Hill Summits

The Hike 

As is unfortunately a theme this spring, I had yet another angry, sleepy drive after school and simply needed to blow off some steam in the woods. It was a warm 83 degrees out with wildfire smoke in the air. The sky was white and the sun was orange, which was hauntingly pretty. There were an annoying amount of cars in the parking lot and I was already sweating while putting my shoes on - oof!

The climb up Eliot Path was buggy but visually beautiful due to the faux golden hour. The shade felt significantly cooler than the sun, which was helpful. There were unique, hazy views from Eliot Tower and I trailed a group of four women loudly talking about toenail health in front of me before finally letting me pass near Wildcat Notch. My legs felt wobbly as I climbed up Wolcott Hill and I finally caved and put on bug spray, which unfortunately did help.

I didn't see the famous owl, but I did hear some bullfrogs in the first col, and I soon made it up and over Hemenway and Hancock, too. My hips were still chafing slightly from my trip to Hibbard, Square Ledge, and Passaconaway, and I did stop to relieve my bladder on Hancocok.

At the reservation headquarters, I made use of the water fountain, which provided me with some wonderful, chilly water - thank goodness! I watched bugs drown in my sweat as I was getting humbled by Houghton Hill, and as per usual I zoned out from Houghton to the final climb up Big Blue. My legs were TIRED going up Shadow Cliff, and I found myself wishing for a water fountain up top after this climb. I ran into a bunch of bikers at the summit, which was also annoying (a theme today), but I had a wonderful descent down Patriots & Sonya. I also got to watch the ski area management setting up their new ice cream stand! I was not in the best headspace for this hike, but I am glad to have done it nonetheless.

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.

Blue Hills Reservation Map

Photo Album