Great Dome & Hemlock Bound Trails; Chickatawbut Hill (Blue Hills Reservation)

Great Dome & Hemlock Bound Trails; Chickatawbut Hill (Blue Hills Reservation)

Hike Type: Lollipop Loop

Distance: 4.49 miles

Elevation: 801 feet

Time: 2 hours, 8 minutes
Hiking Challenges: 52 Hike Challenge 2025; Trail Trace the Blue Hills; Blue Hills Grid

The Hike 

Now this was one of my favorite Blue Hills hikes in a long time! Sarah texted me asking if I wanted to join her on a hike, which of course I said yes to! I asked if she wanted to do Skyline or something else, and when she picked "something else" I proposed this route! I had the Hemlock Bound Foot Path on my mind since I saw the old footpath yesterday, and she immediately accepted! My drive wasn't too horrible, which was a welcome reprive after yesterday's abomination of a commute. We met at the Chickatawbut Tower parking area, and soon were off!

We hiked up Tower Path, turned onto Sassaman Notch Path, and then onto Stowe Path, where Sarah officially got the first bug bite of the season! We wiggled our way over to the Skyline Trail, soon turning onto the Great Dome Foot Path - one of my favorites in the area. There was an amazing breeze one on the path as we continued through the beautiful woods and narrow footbed. The only downside was that we encountered a 5 or 6 FOOT long black snake - probably a Racer. It was likely the largest snake I'd ever seen in the while, and we were UPSET. Thankfully, that was the only one, and it quickly ran away as we approached. Definitely got the heart racing, though!

We continued down past the Bouncing Brook, onto Laurel Path, and then turned left onto the existing Hemlock Bound Foot Path. Once back at Laurel Path, it was time for the adventure to begin! We crossed Laurel Path, continuing on the old foot bed, over a blowdown, and up the hillside. The trail here was easy to follow with only a little bit of ducking and with many soft pine needles tickling the legs. Eventually, it topped out at an open, ledgy area, which was a bit difficult to follow, but we found the footpath after some searching, soon crossing over Braintree Pass Path.

After crossing Braintree Pass path, we began to descend in an area that was open and very geologically intereting. Old guidebooks mention an "obscure box gully" in this stretch, but we had no idea what we were actually looking for - we might have hiked right over it without knowing! 

We crossed Branch Path and Streamside Edge Path and entered my favorite stretch of the Hemlock Bound Foot Path. The trail climbed some more to an open canopy with grassy ledges on the right - it was beautiful! We circled the height-of-land before ultimately descending to the terminus at Hawk Hill Path - what a great adventure!

We continued on the Hawk Hill Path and turned at 3030 back onto the Hemlock Bound Foot Path to climb up and over Hawk Hill, which had a heavenly breeze. We noticed some dark clouds rolling in behind Buck Hill (my brain immediately said "oh not again" - since earlier this spring I got caught in some rain out here) as continued to descend to the trail's official terminus at MA-28. 

From MA-28, we continued onto the Slide Hill Trail and climbed back up Chickatawbut on Carve Path, ultimately descending on Stowe, Sassaman Notch, and Tower Paths. It had just started to rain once we hit Stowe, and the spring peepers began to sing! Skies were dark and the wind was howling back at the car - we escaped just in time!

Step-by-Step

- Park at Chickatawbut Overlook

- Start hike on Tower Path.

- At tower, turn right onto Tower Path.

- At 3075, turn left onto Sassaman Notch Path.

- At third jct., turn left onto Stowe Path.

- At jct., turn left onto Stowe Path.

- At terminus, turn right onto Slide Notch Path.

- At jct., turn left onto Skyline Trail.

- At jct., turn right onto Great Dome Foot Path.

- At 3111, turn right onto Laurel Path.

- At jct., turn left onto Hemlock Bound Foot Path.

- At jct., continue straight across Laurel Path onto former Hemlock Bound Foot Path.

- Cross Braintree Pass, Branch, and Streamside Edge Paths.

- At terminus, turn left onto Hawk Hill Path.

- At 3030, turn right onto Hemlock Bound Foot Path.

- At MA-28, turn around.

- At 3013, veer left onto Slide Hill Trail.

- Continue onto path.

- At terminus, turn left onto Bouncing Brook Path.

- At 3051, turn right onto Carve Path.

- At 3065, turn right onto Skyline Trail.

- At 2nd jct., turn right onto Stowe Path.

- At jct., turn left onto Stowe Path.

- At terminus, turn left onto Sassaman Notch Path.

- At 3075, turn right onto Tower Path.

- At tower, turn left and return to car.

Blue Hills Reservation Map

Photo Album

Chickatawbut & Hawk Hills via Chickatawbut Overlook (Blue Hills Reservation)

Chickatawbut & Hawk Hills via Chickatawbut Overlook (Blue Hills Reservation)

Hike Type: Figure 8-ish Loop

Distance: 4.40 miles

Elevation: 981 feet

Time: 1 hour, 31 minutes (1 hour, 29 minutes moving)
Hiking Challenges: Blue Hills Winter Trace (2x); Blue Hills Grid

The Hike

First accidental rain hike of the year! This would also be the last hike of my March-Marathon, as I needed a day of rest or my knees and a potential trip to the Whites on Saturday (tbd - update 10 minutes after writing this, we opted to not hike Carter Dome because winds are forecasted to be actively insane). I made my way, somewhat easily again (traffic has been very easy this week), to the Chickatawbut Tower parking, and got right to work! The plan was to get to Hawk Hill, and everything else would just be random at my discretion. I hiked up to the tower in the warm, humid, 61-degree air while accidentally wearing short shorts, and then made my way over to Thayer Path.

I hiked past the old MDC "No Tresspassing" signs, crossed the road, lamented about how the true summit isn't accessible, and then encountered my only patches of ice as I started my descent. I hit the water tower road via an unmarked spur that kind of followed the power cut, and then meandered my way down to the Braintree Pass Path trailhead. So far I had only passed two people: one guy staring into the void in the pavillion at the Chickatawbut Tower, and now another who was staring at his own reflection on the flooded section of the pipe line. 

There was some pink flagging tape on the right side of Braintree Pass Path, I hiked the Headquarters Path spur, and then made my way over to the Stokes Foot Path, one of my favorites in this area of the reservation - for no other reason than it hikes like a bigger mountain trail. The rocks were slippery, though! Once on the Skyline Trail, I continued to climb back up Chickatawbut Hill, past a burned area, and then followed at least a dozen large cairns down Carve Path. I can't imagine they were built for navigation. Maybe for building the pathway/old road?

I noticed some dark clouds in the near distance, but my weather app said there was a SMALL chance of LIGHT rain at 5pm (it was around 4:15 at this point) and then actual rain at 7pm. I continued down Bouncing Brook Path and Slide Hill Trail down to the Hemlock Bound Foot Path, where it smelled like wet forest, which was just wonderful. It was super dark in here because of the clouds which gave it a neat spooky vibe! I followed the mysterious yellow blazes and carefully scrambled up Hawk Hill (super slippery). There were just a few drizzles of rain at the lookout to Buck Hill, but it soon subsided. I passed an old orange blaze on a rock, made it to the summit, and carefully made my way down.

A light drizzle started up again on my descent - I really love the gentle pitter-patter of the rain in the woods. Only issue, is that once I was on the Hawk Hill Path, the drizzle turned to rain. I stood under a tree for a bit, but the rain turned to RAIN. Oof. This was NOT light rain. After a couple minutes of contemplating my life choices and laughing at how I'm at the furthest point from my car, I eventually just started moving again, accepting my fate as a wet dog. 

I made the decision to skip Kitchamakin Hill because of the wet slabs, which was a good call because it kept raining harder and HARDER. It downpoured for the entirety of the Glover Path. I put my camera in my pack to keep it as safe as possible. The good news was that my body temperature was still good - only the skin on my triceps were cold. I was getting a little chilly at the end of Glover, but I warmed back up as I climbed back up Chickatawbut via Carve Path. I also got a FaceTime call from Elizabeth and Emma here, which was fun and silly. 

FINALLY, the rain started to settle once I was back on Chickatawbut Hill, and I made my way down Stowe to Tower Paths and back to the car. I couldn't see Boston from the viewpoint because of the rain and clouds, but on the bright side, at least 99.9% of the hike was snow/ice-free!

Step-by-Step

- Park at Chickatawbut Overlook.

- Hike to Chickatawbut Tower (yellow blazes).

- At tower, turn right onto Tower Path (yellow blazes).

- At 3075, turn left onto Sassaman Notch Path.

- At next jct., turn right onto Thayer Path.

- At Water Tower, follow power cut and footpath to water tower road.

- Follow power cut down to 3024.

- At 3024, turn left onto Braintree Pass Path.

- After 3022, turn left onto Stokes Foot Path.

- At terminus, turn left onto Skyline Trail.

- At 3065, turn right onto Carve Path.

- At 3051, continue onto Bouncing Brook Path.

- At jct., turn right onto Slide Hill Trail.

- At 3013, turn left onto Hemlock Bound Foot Path.

- At 3030, turn left onto Hawk Hill Path.

- At 3044, turn left onto Glover Path. 

- At 3040, turn right onto Slide Hill Trail.

- Follow paths to 3051. 

- At 3051, turn right onto Carve Path.

- At 3065, turn right onto Skyline Trail.

- After Skyline Trail turns, turn right onto Stowe Path.

- At jct., turn left on Stowe Path.

- At terminus, turn left onto Sassaman Notch Path (yellow).

- At 3075, turn right onto Tower Path (yellow).

- At Chickatawbut Tower, turn left to return to car.

Blue Hills Reservation Map

Photo Album

Hawk, Kitchamakin, & Chickatawbut Hills (Blue Hills Reservation)

Hawk, Kitchamakin, & Chickatawbut Hills (Blue Hills Reservation)

Hike Type: Lollipop Loop

Distance: 4.26 miles

Elevation: 709 feet

Time: 1 hours, 36 minutes
Hiking Challenges: 52 Hike Challenge, Trail Trace the Blue Hills

The Hike

A long day at school followed by a very sleep drive landed me at the Braintree Pass Path trailhead truly questioning my sanity. The trailhead was very buggy and it was HOT outside! Like, actually hot! 80 degrees! The skies were completely blue and I found some will to live, get suited up, and start my afternoon adventure.

The Braintree Pass Path was delightfully green - probably my favorite part about this time of year. Without stick season, I wouldn't have such an appreciation for the "great rebirth." I hiked the little spit that connects with Headquarters Path and continued on with wobbly legs from "leg day" (I exercize now) and past little balls of white fuzzy fungus.

I made my way onto the Hemlock Bound Foot Path, dawned with the illegal yellow blazes that I truly appreciate, and fought my way through a never-ending series of gnats. I guess it's officially bug-spray season... The trail splits with an easy and hard way - I've always done the hard way - some of the most fun (albeit, short) scrambling in the Blue Hills. I also found that I needed to take multiples of the same photo in hopes one of them would be bug-free.

I continued on, up and over Hawk Hill, covered in sweat and dead bugs. My forearms were beginning to chafe from my hip belt pockets. I went through another rough pocket of bugs at 3090 and shockingly was relieved once down at the Great Cedar Swamp, where there was a semblance of a breeze. I continued onto the Great Dome Foot Path, through spider webs and was HORRIFIED at how many bugs there were hovering along the Bouncing Brook (noticing a theme?). At least there were some flowers blooming.

I started the steep, slightly confusing and unclear climb up Kitchamakin Hill, which provide nice views and more bugs. I guess I was just grateful the bugs weren't biting! The plateau of Kitchamakin Hill is COVERED in soon-to-be flowering blueberry bushes, which may just require a re-visit in a month or so. I continued on the just-clear-enough footpath, past some views toward Braintree, and eventually came to a split. One half went straight forward and looked more used, and one turned left. The DCR and AllTrails maps showed that the left was the "correct" one, so off I went! It was more over-grown, but I made it out fine. 

Now on the Skyline Trail, I worked my way up and over the burnt-but-regrowing Fenno Hill and then up to Chickatawbut. I realized that I like the order I did this hike in (counter-clockwise), but the sun's angle made it subpar for photos - oh well! It was better for mental stamina to go this way. I had my usual bout of anger that the top of Chickatawbut Hill is closed to the public, enjoyed a view off-trail to Great Pond further down, and then began my return trip. 

I took a moment to realize and appreciate how these hills used to feel so much bigger than they do now. It's a bummer, but apparently regular exercise is "good for you" blah blah blah. I was rewarded with a nice breeze coming down Stokes Foot Path, and was soon enough back on the Braintree Pass Path and at my car, still covered in bugs, though.

Step-By-Step

- Park at start hike at Braintree Pass Path Trailhead (MA-28 and Chickatawbut Road).

- Take the first right after 3042 onto Bouncing Brook Path.

- At unmarked intersection, turn left onto Hemlock Bound Foot Path.

- At 3030, turn left onto Hawk Hill Path.

- At 3072, continue straight onto Braintree Pass Path.

- At 3090, turn left onto Barberry Bush Spring Trail.

- At 3121, turn left onto Laurel Path.

- At 3111, turn left onto Great Dome Foot Path.

- At 3085, continue straight onto Great Dome Foot Path.

- At terminus, turn left onto Skyline Trail.

- Partway down Chickatawbut Hill, turn right onto Stokes Foot Path.

- At terminus, turn right onto Braintree Pass Path and return to car. 

Blue Hills Reservation Map

Photo Album

Hawk Hill, Streamside, Braintree Pass Path (Blue Hills Reservation)

Hawk Hill, Streamside, Braintree Pass Path (Blue Hills Reservation)

Hike Type: Loopty Loop
Distance: 6.00 miles
Elevation: 679 feet
Time: 2 hours, 14 minutes
Hiking Challenges: Blue Hills 125-Mile Challenge (2x); Blue Hills Grid

The Hike

I started this hike on a mission: to pee. My usual porta-potty across from the Hillside St. State Police Barracks was occupied and I had to GO. I truly have never gotten ready for a hike so fast. Up and out! A little ways down Braintree Pass Path I found the perfect tree and was finally able to think again. My goal for this hike was the dreaded Pipe Line, and then some joyful wiggling around Hawk Hill. I ripped the band-aid off right away with the Pipe Line, which overall was in decent condition, albeit grassy, until it neared the Skyline Trail, where it was a wet, tall grassy mess. Apparently there was a deer before me having just as hard of a time based on its tracks in the mud. I was high stepping like a Big-10 marching band until I escaped with (thankfully) no hitchhikers (ticks). The only saving grace was the cool weather keeping the flying bugs at bay. 

I did a bit of wiggling to hit some spurs and then found my way to the Hemlock Bound Foot Path, where I found my first lady  slipper of the season! Truly my favorite wild flower (second place is probably the red trillium) for reasons of absolute immaturity. There was a new mysterious yellow blaze at the Bouncing Brook Path junction, and then the scrambles began.

This is a fun section of trail with the steep, rugged scrambles. Definitely off-the-beaten-path for a park so close to Boston. There is a lovely view of Buck Hill that hosted a miraculous breeze. Continuing on, I noticed that there were mysterious yellow blazes for both the scrambles I took and a bypass trail around them. I also noticed an old orange blaze nearer the top.

I couldn’t help but admire the distance between trail junctions in this section of the park - it makes me feel like I’m more in the wilderness, which I’m incredibly grateful to have so close to home. I continued to hike towards the Streamside Edge/Brook Path loop, eagerly and anxiously waiting to see if the deer carcass was still there… to my joy and dismay, it was gone! Curious if a human or animal got to it. Now paralleling I-93, I scared a poor bunny possibly into oncoming traffic, and also noticed a granite block in the ground. I originally thought it could have been a town marker, but it doesn’t look like the town line goes past the Blue Hill River on the other side of 93… another mystery! Maybe an old property border. 

I almost accidentally wandered my way to Pakomet Springs because I missed the turn back into the woods, marked by a pile of fallen branches, that I fully stepped over. Whoops. Now climbing back up to the ridge I remembered on old maps there’s an “obscure box gully” somewhere in these parts - I wish I remembered this sooner so I could have done a little exploring. (Note: at this point my brain went into a panic mode becuase chorus concert week was upon us so I spent the rest of the hike singing our songs instead of taking pictures).

The next stretch of the day’s adventure was the Braintree Pass Path/Laurel Path/Barberry Bush Spring Path loop. I can’t stress how much I love this back section of the Braintree Pass Path - it almost takes you back in time! The highest part is more open to sunlight and makes you feel really isolated, in the positive way, even with the highway being so close. I also love coming to the old gate and imagining the path before they blasted through the bedrock to create I-93… why couldn’t they have gone around the reservation? Rude. 

I wiggled my way down the ridge to the Laurel Path and took the old Hemlock Bound Trail spur near the swamp, which is always such a beautiful and different section (also with some old orange blazes!). I looked up toward the sun down here and noticed the pollen literally floating in the wind - almost like a foggy morning, but yellow. I’m so excited for the pollen in to be done. 

The trip back up Barberry Bush Spring Path was moderate and boring, and I noticed there’s a bypass for the wet section that was thankfully dry this day. My final stretch of adventure was a quick jaunt over the Slide Hills Trail and Skyline Trails, and I was quickly rewarded by a beautiful deer enjoying a snack in the Pipe Line. The birds were out and singing as I made my way back to my car, where I noticed yet again that my black shorts now had a yellow hue on them.

Step-By-Step

- Park at Braintree Pass Path parking area.

- Start hike along Braintree Pass Path.

- At 3022, continue straight along Pipe Line. 

- At 3013, hike nearby spurs to MA-28, and then turn right onto Hemlock Bound Foot Path.

- At 3030, turn left onto Hawk Hill Path. 

- At 3072, turn right onto Streamside Edge Path.

- At 3066, turn left onto Branch Path. 

- At terminus, turn right onto Streamside Edge Path.

- At pile of branches, turn right into woods to continue along Streamside Edge Path.

- At 3072, turn right onto Braintree Pass Path.

- At terminus, turn left onto Laurel Path.

- After 3121, turn right onto remaining 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 third junction, turn left onto Slide Hill Trail.

- At 3013, turn right onto Pipe Line. 

- At immediate next junction, turn right onto Skyline Trail.

- At 3042, turn left onto Braintree Pass Path and return to car.

Blue Hills Reservation Map

Photo Album

Hawk, Kitchamakin, and Chickatawbut Hills (Blue Hills Reservation)

Hawk, Kitchamakin, and Chickatawbut Hills (Blue Hills Reservation)

Hike Type: Loop

Distance: 5.5 miles

Elevation: 833 feet
Time: 2 hours, 25 minutes

Hiking Challenges: 52 Hike Challenge, Blue Hills Winter Trace

The Hike

Another bizarre spring like day in the Blue Hills! It was in the low 40s with the sun popping in and out of clouds, and from previous experience, I remembered to wear shorts for this one. I had a slow start to my Saturday so I didn’t get to the trailhead until around 10:30, so I was mentally preparing to share the trails (aka not getting my needed me-time) - I would be okay. I took a few photos at the start, put on my waterproof winter boots due to anticipated wetness after a week of rain, and started my hike.

I followed the Braintree Pass Path for the first part of the hike, hitting up the spur to 28 that I believe is an extension of the Headquarters Path, and worked my way to the Bouncing Brook Path. I remember doing a similar hike last March on a similar spring-like day, and I remember being impressed with how well this trail held onto winter - and it was the same today! There were remnants of last night’s snow, even when the rest of the snow had already melted. I stayed on the Bouncing Brook Path up until an unmarked intersection with the Hemlock Bound Trail, which leads up to Hawk Hill.

The turn onto the Hemlock Bound Trail had a comical straight up 6 foot climb, but then mellowed out. The trail narrowed drastically, and suddenly I was completely alone! This trail was considerably more rugged, and suddenly got very steep with a good amount of scrambles. I remember this from a cold cold hike I did the previous winter (before I was working on doing all the trails) when I had to do the “sit-n-scootch” to get down safely - going up on this wet wet day was just as sketchy. There were some yellow-dot blazes (either old or illegal) which I was incredibly grateful for. 

After the scrambles there is an excellent view of Buck Hill which was a welcomed surprise! It also looks like there is a faux-bypass around the scrambles. The trail drastically calms down after the view as it meanders up to the top of Hawk Hill, which is a nice calm open area, but no view. I wish there were summit markers in this park (discs, cairns, canisters, signs?). The trail down the south side of Hawk Hill was also steep and slippery, but would be fine on a drier day.

My hike continued along the Hawk Hill Path, were I think I found the upper end of the old Great Dome Trail (I flirted with exploring this, but I want to save it for another day). I stayed on the Hawk Hill Path until its terminus at 3072, and then the mini-loop at 3072, combining the Sreamside Edge Path and the Branch Path. I loved this bonus loop - the trails were wide and clear, there were nice bits of drainage infrastructure, and I appreciated the irony that comes with hiking in the Blue Hills - the deeper into the reservation you go, the further away from people you get, but the closer you get to the highway. The Streamside Edge Path turns left on what feels like an old road, which looked like it would be beautiful during peak foliage. 

The road narrows to a footpath as it follows the fence along I-93 and crosses some wetlands on some firm planks of wood. I was taking some photos on the mini footbridge when my heart jumped out of my chest - I nearly stepped on (nearly) fully intact deer ribcage! It was equally disgusting and fascinating. No skull or limbs, just the ribcage and some spine. I took some more photos of the skeleton, and continued my journey. The Streamside Edge Path stops at what resembles an old road barrier - two concrete posts and old rotted wood - curious about its story.

I returned via the Branch path all the way to 3072, and then turned right back onto the Braintree Pass Path, and then turned left at 3090 down the Barberry Bush Spring Trail. I hiked that trail last winter while the world was mostly frozen over. I had inadvertently landed on top of the wetlands near the junction marker, and it sounded like I was about to fall in. It was much easier to get around today! It was also at this point that I realized I probably should invest in uninsulated waterproof boots - my feet were swampy. 

The Barberry Bush Spring Trail was slightly longer than I remembered, and I also came to the conclusion that I will simply always be sweaty. Regardless, at the terminus at 3121, I turned left onto the Laurel Path to hike along the Great Cedar Swamp. I thought about doing the mini loop right there, but it was already so wet I didn’t want to tempt fate. The area around 3111 is absolutely beautiful, with running water everywhere. The mysterious old or illegal yellow dot blazes reappeared for this section - I wonder if someone tried to mark the old Great Dome Trail?

The yellow blazes continued when I turned left onto 3111 onto the Great Dome Foot Path, which is a beautiful section of trail, paralleling the Bouncing Brook. I crossed the Bouncing Brook Foot Path at 3085, and continued on the Great Dome Foot Path up Kitchamakin Hill. This part was steep and tricky, but with occasional yellow dots and one small cairn that saved the day. This is another beautiful section of trail with a nice view after the initial steep climb. I found myself really enjoying this hike, because I was hiking on trails that I hadn’t visited in a long time, and I have a newfound appreciation and context for everything around me in the reservation.

Up on Kitchamakin Hill the sun was fully out and I was cooking in the heat. There were partial views of surrounding hills and the South Shore Plaza through the trees. I meandered my way through the narrow path, which was easier to follow now, but still with the occasional yellow dot. The trail terminates at the Skyline Trail, which I turned left onto and wiggled my way to the Stowe Path, and then Thayer Path to Chickatawbut Hill. I followed the Thayer Path around the border fence, crossing the road, and then finally started my descent.

There was a nice peek-a-boo view of Boston soon after the paved road, and then It was a moderate steady descent. The SEM AMC patch requires the dirt road up to the water tower, but I wasn’t able to easily find it, so it’ll become a later problem. I followed the power cut down, which experienced some fire damage. There were some power lines down on the trail - I had the intrusive thought to touch them to see if they were live, but thankfully I didn’t act on it! The last thing I did on my hike was hike the small bit of Headquarters Path around 3024 before getting back to the car. Great day!

Step-By-Step

• Start hike at Braintree Pass Path parking area at the junction of MA-28 and Chickatawbut Road.

• Hike on Braintree Pass Path (red dots), hitting the Headquarters Path spur that connects to MA-28.

• At 3022, continue following Braintree Pass Path (red dots).

• At 3042, leave blazes and continue on Braintree Pass Path.

• Soon after 3042, turn right onto Bouncing Brook Path.

• At unmarked intersection, turn left to steeply join Hemlock Bound Foot Path up to Hawk Hill (occasional old yellow dots). 

• At 3030, turn left onto Hawk Hill Path.

• At 3072, turn right onto Streamside Edge Path.

• At terminus, turn left to continue on Streamside Edge Path

• At terminus, turn left onto Branch Path.

• At 3066, turn right to rejoin Streamside Edge Path.

• At 3072, turn right onto Braintree Pass Path.

• At 3090, Turn left onto Barberry Bush Spring Trail.

• At 3121, turn left onto Laurel Path.

• At 3111, turn left onto Great Dome Foot Path up Kitchamakin Hill.

• At terminus, turn left onto Skyline Trail (southbound).

• At next junction, turn right onto Slide Notch Path (red dot).

• At immediate next junction, turn left onto Stowe Path.

• At next junction, turn left to continue on Stowe Path.

• At next junction, turn right onto Thayer Path around the fence of Chickatawbut Hill.

• Cross paved road, continue on Thayer Path.

• Cut over to water tower, follow power line route down to 3024 to complete hike.

Map of Blue Hills Reservation

Photo Album