Great Blue, Accord, Halfway, Houghton, Puddle (Blue Hills Reservation)

Great Blue, Accord, Halfway, Houghton, Puddle (Blue Hills Reservation)

Hike Type: Loop with Spaghetti

Distance: 8.96 miles

Elevation: 1673 feet

Time: 3 hours, 38 minutes (3 hours, 34 minutes moving)
Hiking Challenges: 52 Hike Challenge, Blue Hills 125 Mile Club, Sunset Six, Summit Beer Society, Great Blue Summits, Blue Hills Grid

The Hike

A big afternoon in the Blue Hills! Weather was supposed to be beautiful, so I planned a long hike that would hopefully get me back up top for sunset - completing my Sunset Six challenge (it worked!). I drove to the Trailside Museum/Ski Area parking area after school, got suited up, and started my afternoon hike soon after.

I kept going back and forth with my plan, originally involving going up Eliot Path, down Skyline to 138, and then hitting the west side of Accord via out-and-back, but then I thought to start the hike on Accord and go up Skyline, but then I saw the "Accord Path Closed for Winter" sign, but winter was over, but then I saw workers at the ski area and finally decided to stick to the original plan - up Eliot Path I go! I'm always a big fan of this trail. Just steep enough to get the heart pumping, but not as ridiculous as the Skyline Trail(s). My legs were a bit tired from my jaunt around Wachusett, but the beautiful weather - warm sun, cool breeze - kept me going. I passed a few people and one LARGE group of children, and before I knew it was back up top! I followed the Eliot Circle counter clockwise to the summit road to hit the true summit and noticed the scaffolding was off of the weather observatory - yay!

From the summit I continued down the gravel path to the Skyline Trail and descended the comically steep trail all the way to MA-138. I realized if I descended via Skyline after sunset I could hit the final stretch of Accord Path without doing an out-and-back, so the first change of plans was officially in effect! I followed the Accord Path around the base of Great Blue Hill, making my way to the Brookwood Trail. The Accord Path would be a beautiful hike if there were less leaves at the curve. I'm also very curious about the old Cliff Trail - there were a few herd paths leading up - I'm sure it was a beautiful, strenuous hike. I passed the mysterious granite marker along the Accord Path and realized that it's in-line with an old stone wall... maybe it's a town boundary?

The next section of my hike involved a LOT of wiggling steeply up and down with the Accord Path, Brookwood Trail, Halfway Path, Five Corners Path, Raccoon Hollow Path, and a few no-name spurs. I surprisingly passed my only other person on the Brookwood Trail of all place, and he had headphones in so he did not hear me say hello. I may have spooked him when I passed him - he loudly said "HELLO" I gave a smile and a wave... a bit strange but I'm glad he was enjoying his hike!

I could help but appreciate how nice the dry(er) trails felt compared to my last two hikes at Wachusett - it was revitalizing! There were some slippery leaves at the steeper areas, but overall trail conditions were great. I always wonder what cars think when they see me walk up to the road and immediately turn around - especially at the spur to the stop sign with Blue Hill River Road/Hillside Street when I had a cut up leg from all the prickers. I was DELIGHTED to see that the ever-flooded area where the Accord Path connects to Raccoon Hollow was easy to cross. 

Now my main wiggling was finally complete, I turned onto the Raccoon Hollow Path to start ascending up near Houghton Hill, took the rest of the Halfway Path to meet Skyline, and then found the summit of Houghton Hill without too much difficulty. My lungs were PUMPING, but it was still a beautiful day. I couldn't help but notice some a**hat decided to spraypaint the blue blazes a different shade of blue, which is just icky. It's not like the blazes have been neglected or they were unclear. I'm sure they were just trying to help, but it's irritating. ANYWAY, I made my way over to Times Square (1141), and thought I was taking the Five Corners Path, but accidentally took the Raccoon Hollow Path. Thankfully, I've hiked here enough now to realize when I've messed up, and to also have solutions. I took Rotch Path to the unnamed trail at 1121, and then hit the final section of Five Corners Path that I needed.

I made my way onto the Border Path, hiked a small bit I had left of Wolcott Path, and then took the Samoset Path up to meet the Puddle Path for my "final ascent." My legs were for sure beat at this point, but I was nearing 8 miles, so I was definitely feeling good about myself. I continued along, decided to skip the Eliot Tower just so I would definitely make the sunset, got a few pictures at the top of the ski area, hit the true summit, and then stationed myself ~10 before sunset along the Skyline Trail. It was COLD now, but peaceful and gorgeous. I was completely alone, I enjoyed a beef stick and a summit beverage (my favorite, pumpkin mule), and saw the sun reappear from behind the clouds. It was beautiful. As the sun got lower while still behind, the horizon began to light up, starting with the ground and then the horizon filled it. There was almost a flash when the sun finally dipped below the clouds, and then it peacefully set. I can't get over how beautiful it was! I'm so lucky I get to do this. I'm also so grateful for the Sunset Six challenge for inspiring me to take my time and actually watch the sunsets. 

My return trip was quick and easy (the drink probably helped a little...). I scooted my way down Skyline with minimal knee pain, and Accord Path was straightforward. There was a beautiful almost-full moon above the ski slopes, and some folks still working on the chair lift (thankfully no one yelled at me!). There were traces of ice left on the snow, but it was almost fully melted at this point. What a great afternoon! 

Writing this a couple days later, I will say that my power hiking did bite me back a little - I had activated some plantar fasciitis I haven't dealt with in a while the following morning. Thankfully I'm already doing much better.

"The beautiful thing about the Blue Hills is that the trail system mimics the Boston Streets... a complete beautiful mess."

Step-By-Step

- Park at Trailside Museum/Ski Area Parking.

- Start hike by walking to Accord Path, but don't be sure if its open or not, so go up Eliot Path instead.

- At 1055, turn right onto Eliot Circle.

- At Summit Road, turn left onto Summit Road.

- Summit Great Blue Hill.

- Descend via Gravel Road.

- Turn right onto Eliot Circle/Skyline Trail.

- At 1030, turn left onto Skyline Trail.

- At 1001, turn around. 

- At 1003, turn right onto Accord Path.

- At 1062, hike to road and back.

- At 1062, turn right onto Accord Path.

- At 1081, turn around.

- At 1062, turn right onto Brookwood Trail.

- At terminus, turn left onto Wildcat Notch Path.

- At jct. with Raccoon Hollow Path, turn around.

- At 1093, turn right onto Half Way Path.

- At 1081, turn left onto Accord Path.

- At 1086, turn right and hike spurs to parking areas - then retrace steps.

- At 1086, continue right onto Wildcat Notch Path.

- At 1093, turn right onto Half Way Path.

- At jct. with Raccoon Hollow Path, turn left onto Raccoon Hollow Path.

- At 1120, turn left onto Five Corners Path.

- Hike mini loop to and from parking area. 

- Follow Accord Path toward Raccoon Hollow Path.

- At jct. with Raccoon Hollow Path, turn left onto Raccoon Hollow Path.

- At next jct., turn right onto Half Way Path.

- At 1143, turn left onto Houghton Path.

- Immediately after, turn right onto Skyline Trail.

- Summit Houghton Hill.

- Hike western side of Houghton Hill Path.

- At terminus, turn left onto Wolcott Path.

- At 1141, continue straight onto Wolcott Path.

- At 1122, turn right onto Rotch Path.

- At 1121, turn right onto trail.

- At 1140, turn left onto Wolcott Path.

- At 1135, turn left onto Border Path. 

- At 1100, turn left onto Wolcott Path.

- At next jct., turn around.

- At 1100, turn left onto Samoset Path.

- At 1105, turn left onto Puddle Path.

- At 1103, turn right onto Wildcat Notch Path.

- At 1092, turn sharply right onto Raccoon Hollow Path.

- At summit plateau, turn right onto Eliot Circle.

- At jct. after crossing Summit Road, turn left to summit Great Blue Hill again.

- Follow gravel road down.

- Turn right onto Eliot Circle/Skyline Trail.

- At 1030, turn left onto Skyline Trail.

- Watch sunset, then descend.

- At 1003, turn right onto Accord Path. 

- At 1050, hike to 1002 and turn around.

- At 1050, turn sharply left and hike Accord Path.

- At terminus, hike across ski area and to parking lot.

Blue Hills Reservation Map

Photo Album

Five Corners, Carberry, Great Blue Hill (Blue Hills Reservation)

Five Corners, Carberry, Great Blue Hill (Blue Hills Reservation)

Hike Type: Loop w/ Spurs

Distance: 5.60 miles

Elevation: 797 feet

Time: 2 hours, 4 minutes
Hiking Challenges: 52 Hike Challenge; Blue Hills Winter Trace; Blue Hills Grid; Great Blue Hill Summits; Sunset Six

The Hike

I wasn't sure what my goal was for this day beside get moving outside. It was a lovely afternoon in the high 40s with occasional wind gusts. I made my way to the parking area where the Five Corners and Wildcat Notch Paths start, got suited up in clothes that were probably too warm for the day, and got started! 

There's three trails that branch off of this parking area - a spur to the Wildcat Notch Path on the left, the Five Corners Path on the right, and an additional spur to the Five Corners Path straight in the middle. I needed the middle path, which was steep at first, so I took that up to the Five Corners Path, and then followed the Path all the way to its terminus on the other side of the area! The trail was bone dry from the trailhead to "Times Square" at 1141, where it was a slushy mess between 2-5". The rest of the Five Corners Path alternated between dry, soaked, leafy, muddy, slushy, and icy. A little bit of everything!

The path terminates at 1135, where the Bartol Path starts. I love this little dead-end trail. It's very scenic, and I'm a sucker for a good "dead end trail" sign. The beautiful angle of the sunlight also helped here! I retraced my steps and made my way to the Carberry Path, which was aggressively overgrown last time I tried it - thankfully everything was dead now so I was able to wiggle my way through. The sound of new homes being built was LOUD, and rather irrtating. I wish they just turned it into more trails, or at least reserved a house for me for free! I realized I had never actually made it to the end of the Carberry Path before (whoops) but it was actually very pretty!

I made my way back and then did some wiggle trail tracing - Samoset to Puddle to Chickadee to Puddle. These trail were very slushy and made me work for my miles. It was lovely to be completely alone, though. The puddle path from 1085 to 1103 was especially beautiful. No features in particular, I just felt very good hiking through this section. Next I turned onto Wildcat Notch Path, and then I had to decide to go up Big Blue for the sunset or make my way back to my car... sunset it is!

I took Racoon Hollow Path up Great Blue Hill in an attempt to save my lungs, and I was medium successful. The ridiculous springtime trail conditions continued, and suddenly I made it up! About 20 minues to sunset, so I hopped up the Eliot Tower to see Boston at golden hour and see the shadow of Big Blue cast over the land below. I would have stayed for longer, but it was chilly up there. I wiggled my way over to the summit of Great Blue Hill, and then continued wiggling over to the view from the Skyline Trail where I parked for a few minutes to go blind/watch the beautiful sunset. I hiked past a couple arguing about their route - the woman said "we could have taken the easy trail but NO we had to go through the snow!" - thankfully they made up once the sunset endorphins hit. 

Once the sun was set (and I waited for it to all be down - god I love sunsets) I turned around and began my POWER hike down to my car. I was simply too lazy to find my headlamp, and I was too determined to take short cuts. The return trip involved the Racoon Hollow Path to Five Corners to Half Way to Wildcat Notch. Thankfully uneventful, but the slight incline on Half Way Path was brutal and I had some choice words for it, but I made it down in one piece with just enough light to see my feet! My favorite part about the return trip was the owls waking up and starting to hoot - just magical.

Step-By-Step

    - Park at Five Corners Path Trailhead.

    - Start hike from middle of parking area.

    - Merge left onto Five Corners Path.

    - Follow Five Corners Path all the way to its terminus at 1135.

    - At 1135, continue straight onto Bartol Path.

    - At terminus, turn around and retrace steps to 1135.

    - At 1135, turn right onto Border Path.

    - At 1100, turn right to hike Carberry Path.

    - At terminus, turn around and retrace steps to 1100.

    - At 1100, continue straight/right onto Samoset Path.

    - At 1105, turn right onto Puddle Path.

    - At 1085, turn left onto Chickadee Path.

    - At 1072, turn around and retrace steps to 1105.

    - At 1105, continue on Puddle Path.

    - At 1103, turn right onto Wildcat Notch Path.

    - At 1092, turn right onto Racoon Hollow Path and follow to Eliot Tower.

    - From Eliot Tower, hike to summit of Great Blue Hill, and then watch sunset over Skyline Trail.

    - After sunset, power hike to the Skyline North Trail and descend.

    - At 1092, turn right to follow Raccoon Hollow Path.

    - At 1120, turn right onto Five Corners Path.

    - At 1110, turn right onto Half Way Path.

    - At 1093, turn left onto Wildcat Notch Path, and follow to car.

Blue Hills Reservation Map

Photo Album

Skyline Loop from Trailside Museum (Blue Hills Reservation)

Skyline Loop from Trailside Museum (Blue Hills Reservation)

Hike Type: Lollipop Loop

Distance: 4.55  miles

Elevation: 1155 feet
Time: 1 hour, 58  minutes

Hiking Challenges: Blue Hills Winter Trace, Blue Hill Grid, Great Blue Summits, Sunset Six

The Hike

Happy Valentine’s Day! It was (another) beautiful, spring-like day with temperatures in the 50s, and after my recent skiing weekend, I wanted to get in a “fitness hike.” My go-to fitness hike is always the Skyline Trail Loop (N & S) either from Park HQ, or from the Trailside Museum by adding in the red-dot trail(s). I decided to go big for this hike, and made my way to the north Trailside Museum parking lot (I like the south one better, but it gets crowded during ski season). I retraced my steps from my sunset hike last week around the back side of the Trailside Museum and eventually linking up with the Eliot Path to climb all the way up to the Eliot Tower. I’ve said it before, but I love this trail. It’s reminiscent of the rocky, slabby trails in the whites, and gets the heart pumping without taking any lives. There were beautiful pre-golden hour colors shining on the trees, and I decided to not climb the tower this day because there were a few people already up there.

I also love this loop because you don’t need a map or a phone to follow - just stay on the Skyline Trail! I made my way steeply down the North branch of the Skyline Trail, first down Great Blue Hill, through Wildcat Notch, and then up Wolcott Hill. There was a new bridge over the usually muddy section in the notch which was a welcomed surprise. The climb up Wolcott always takes me by surprise - my legs were already tired!

The trail through Wolcott is featureless yet beautiful. It’s been really interesting watching the forest regrow after the fires of last spring - I find it amazing how quickly it can repair itself. There is still obvious sign of damage, but it’s far less obvious than it was last time I was up this way.

Meandering over a bonus knob of Wolcott Hill, the Skyline Trail then dips out at what I call “times square” - a large intersection with a trail map at 1141, before climbing up Hemenway Hill with a few scrambles. There’s a great view of Great Blue Hill just after the high point of Hemenway Hill. Continuing on, the trail slightly descends and then climbs steeply twice to the high point of Hancock Hill, which is full of views. The best view of Great Blue Hill, in my opinion, is soon after the last steep climb, and then there’s amazing views of Chickatawbut, Buck, and the surrounding hills further down.

Descending Hancock Hill is always a little dicey - equal parts steep, slabby, and either wet and/or dusty (the views help!). Once at Park Headquarters, I followed the herd path sidewalk along Hillside Street, passing the DCR stables, before reaching the next junction, where the Skyline Trail South steeply climbs up Houghton Hill. This section of trail is in my book for “always knocks my on my ass for no good reason” - but I made it up in one piece! I started flirting with making it to the top for sunset, but I knew that I didn’t want to sprint up the trail like I essentially did last week. I would check the time and assess at 1083.

Leaving Houghton Hill, the trail meanders up and down, never too aggressively. It crosses a small stream just after 1143, some wetlands after the junction with Five Corners Path, and then finally the beginnings of the Blue Hill River. When I finally made it to 1083, the sunset was about 10 minutes away, and I was feeling the burn at this point. I allowed myself to let go of the sunset, and slowly worked my way up. After reading some of the old guidebooks, either the junction at 1083, or just at the big scramble is called “Shadow Cliff/Shadow Point” - still trying to figure out which one! Either way, I made it up in one piece, and continued my slog up the final stretch, delighted to see the intersection marker at 1066!

I turned left to continue on Skyline Trail, then turned right to hit the summit of Great Blue Hill. Just as I turned the corner around the observatory, I was surprised with the tail end of the sunset! I was so happy and it felt so good to be illuminated by that famous orange glow. I touched the plaque at the summit and enjoyed the sun’s final moments for the day - what a fantastic way to end my day!

With that final boost of endorphins, I followed the trail down to the Ski Area from the summit, crossing the Eliot Circle, to get a few final photos of the ski area before finishing my hike. I took the Eliot Circle back to 1055, and then quickly made my way down the Eliot Path to the south Trailside Museum parking lot (light was getting low so this was easier), and then I followed the sidewalk in front of the museum back to my car. A great day!

Step-By-Step

• Start hike at north Trailside Museum parking lot.

• Hike trails around trailside museum to meet up with red-dot Eliot Path.

• Follow Eliot Path to Eliot Tower.

• From Eliot Tower, take Skyline Trail North all the way to Hillside Street.

• Turn right onto Hillside Street.

• Turn right onto Skyline Trail South.

• Follow Skyline Trail South to 1066.

• At 1066, turn left to continue on Skyline Trail.

• At next junction, turn right onto trail to summit of Great Blue Hill.

• Gawk at the surprise sunset, then take trail from summit down to top of the ski area.

• Retrace steps from top of ski area to Eliot Circle, follow Eliot Circle clockwise.

• At 1055, follow Eliot Path down to Trailside Museum south parking lot.

• Walk in front of Trailside Museum to get back to the car.

Map of Blue Hills Reservation

Photo Album

Great Blue Hill Double Loop (Blue Hills Reservation)

Great Blue Hill Double Loop (Blue Hills Reservation)

Hike Type: Double Loop

Distance: 3.64  miles

Elevation: 850 feet
Time: 1 hour, 35 minutes

Hiking Challenges: 52 Hike Challenge; Blue Hills Winter Trace, Blue Hill Grid, Great Blue Summits, Sunset 6

The Hike

The hike that ended up being a full cardio workout - I drove down to the Trailside Museum north parking lot right after school on a beautiful spring-like day, wearing shorts! My first goal was to hike the trail that goes behind the Trailside Museum, which has a confusing entrance but clears up after 10-15 feet. I then turned onto the Eliot Path (red-dot) for a classic climb up to Great Blue Hill (one of my favorite trails), and immediately noticed how little snow there was on the ski hill. This warm winter has been delightful on the skin but very concerning to the brian. There were just a few patches of leftover ice on the way up, and the warm weather truly made it smell like a forested springtime. 

At the road, I hiked the spur to the ski slopes, which has a great view and I was able to watch some skiers belt out “I Want it That Way” by the Backstreet Boys - excellent taste in music! I wiggled my way back to the road and continued my climb on the Eliot Path, which then brought me to the Eliot Circle and Eliot Tower. I had 1,000 ideas in my head about what trails to hike, and I eventually decided I could work my way down the Brookwood Trail and back up again for the sunset (I didn’t realize how ambitious this would be…). 

I went down the Skyline North, then turned right onto Wildcat Notch, and just after 1083 took the small footpath on the right, joining the Brookwood Trail. The trail is steep and leafy, which made for slightly slippery conditions. The trail crosses the Accord Path at 1062, and fizzles out before it reaches the road. I backtracked to 1062, and then followed Accord Path to 1081, and then 1093. Now back on the Wildcat Notch Path, I worked my way back up to the South Skyline Trail.

I realized I was getting dangerously close to the sunset time, but I was REALLY wanting to see it, so I aggressively picked up the pace. Heading up the Skyline South was ROUGH and I swore a lot. The trees were either lit up with a deep orange or already in the shade. I had a chance of making it! My heart was fighting for its lift and I kept on my power walk, realizing the last time I pushed this hard with cardio was probably when I was doing drum corps. 

I could have cried when I made it to 1066 - the hard part was over! I kept hauling toward 1030, seeing some sun through the trees still. I turned at 1030, and made it to the sunset! I truly felt like I could have cried (again). It was so beautiful and peaceful, with only a few others enjoying the last moments of the day. My heart rate slowly went back down as I basked in the calmness of the sunset. Once the sun dipped below the horizon (and after I took 1,000 photos), I made my way to the summit and then back down the Eliot Path to the car. I was WIPED but so happy I was able to end on such a high note. In my notes I wrote “endorphins are high, stench is high.”

Step-By-Step

• Start hike at north Trailside Museum parking lot.

• Hike trails around trailside museum to meet up with red-dot Eliot Path.

• Climb Eliot Path to auto road, then hike spur trail to ski area viewpoint.

• Retrace steps to auto road, continue along Eliot Path to Eliot Tower.

• From Eliot Tower, take Skyline North down.

• At 1092, turn right onto Raccoon Hollow Path.

• Just after 1083, follow Brookwood Trail to road.

• Retrace to 1062, turn right onto Accord Path.

• At 1081, turn left onto Half Way Path.

• At 1093, turn left onto Wildcat Notch Path.

• At junction with Skyline Trail, follow Skyline Trail to 1066.

• At 1066, follow Skyline Trail to sunset view just after 1030.

• Backtrack to 1030, follow gravel path to summit of Great Blue Hill.

• Follow trail NW to Eliot Circle.

• At 1055, retrace steps back to car.

Map of Blue Hills Reservation

Photo Album

Skyline Trail & East Dam Road (Middlesex Fells Reservation)

Skyline Trail & East Dam Road (Middlesex Fells Reservation)

Hike Type: Lollipop Figure-8

Distance: 3.32 miles

Elevation: 433 feet
Time: 1 hour, 24 minutes

Hiking Challenges: 52 Hike Challenge, Operation Alaska Benchmark Challenge, Sunset Six

The Hike

I feel like my life is turning into a series of breaks and then slow reentries to hiking… Oh well. Still getting over my (maybe) pneumonia (?) but it was a BEAUTIFUL day in mid-January - 50 degrees and sunny with a slight breeze. I was in my winter boots because it had been very wet the past few days, but also in shorts. I took the 20 minute drive from work to the Fells and parked at the Bellevue Pond parking area. I only intended for this to count toward the 52-Hike Challenge and a “reintroduction to elevation” - trying to see how my lungs do with some huffing and puffing - without damaging them further. My hike started on Quarry Road, along Bellevue Pond, and I soon turned onto the Skyline Trail at intersection D6-2 to Wright’s Tower.

The view from Wright’s Tower was beautiful as always - one of the more “urban” views with a major highway at the forefront and a major city in the background, but still takes the breath away. My favorite part of the view is seeing the Blue Hills out in the distance to the left of Boston - they look so big! I was also surprised to stumble upon a USGS marker near the tower on Pine Hill that I had not seen before - exciting! I only need one more for the Operation Alaska Benchmark Challenge bronze patch. 

Continuing on, my lungs were doing okay, but I was moving much slower than usual. I did notice a tightness when I took an exceptionally deep breath, but that’s more or less expected right now. The Skyline trail was as I remembered it, up-and-down-y, and it was also quite muddy. I do appreciate how well marked these trails are, though. I always joke about the Blue Hills being right next to a highway, but you can literally see the cars from the Fells. Not that it’s a particularly bad thing, but something of note.

I continued following the Skyline Trail up and over Silver Mine Hill, and then I missed my turn for the All Trail track, but still moved a little further north for funsies. I had to pee around this time, and I quickly remembered how hard it is to find a secluded spot to use the bathroom in this reservation - trails everywhere and no foliage this time of year to hide behind! Thankfully I survived. I went from C4-12 to C4-9 and then to C4-8, where I started following the Reservoir Trail. I realized I might be able to make it back to Wright’s Tower for the sunset, so I started to pick up my pace.

At this point I completely bailed on the All Trails route and was working my way back as fast as I could without breaking my broken lungs. I made my way ro C5-3, pondered the legality of hiking the reservoir roads again (there’s a few signs that say no trespassing but do they mean the roads or the water???), and then followed East Dam Road back toward Wright Tower. East Dam Road was a great choice, the grade was easy and the trail was wide. I did pass one person and his dog that reminded me of how dreadfully unfriendly afternoon Fells hikers are, and kept on my way. East Dam Road turned into Red Cross Path, and then at C6-4 I turned onto Mud Road. 

I realized I was definitely not going to make it to Wright Tower in time for sunset, but I saw an unmarked unmapped side trail that went up the notch in Little Pine Hill, so I decided to do some exploring. I think the trail connected Mud Road with Quarry Road, but then I saw the south knob of Little Pine Hill and thought that would be my best chance for a sunset view (I had decided I needed to see the sun actually set for it to count for the patch). The sun was a glowing orange orb through the dense pine trees, and it was beautiful. I was taking some photos, and then saw a backpack with no human? How strange… Then I heard someone say “I don’t usually see people up here sorry!” and the backpack’s owner was enjoying the sunset literally in a tree. We made short small talk as the sun went behind the hills. I wished him a good day, found a small vista in the south-ish direction, and then worked my way to Quarry Road. I should have backtracked, but I didn’t want to socialize anymore, so I slip and slided down the leafy hillside, found what felt like ALL of the deer pop in the reservation, and made it back to Quarry Road, finishing my hike back to the car! 

Step-By-Step

• Park at Bellevue Pond parking area.

• Start hike on Quarry Road.

• At D6-2, turn right onto Skyline Trail. 

• Follow Skyline Trail to C4-13, over Silver Mine Hill.

• Follow green Mountain Bike Loop to C4-12.

• Turn right at C4-12 to C4-9 on Mountain Bike Loop and blue Cross-Fells Trail.

• At C4-9, turn left onto trail.

• At C4-8, turn left onto orange Reservoir Trail.

• At C5-3, turn left onto East Dam Road.

• At C5-20, continue on Red Cross Path.

• At C6-4, very left onto Mud Road. 

• At bend in Mud Road, turn left onto unmapped unmarked path up notch in Little Pine Hill.

• At col, turn right to small vistas.

• Bushwhack down to Quarry Road.

• Follow Quarry Road back to car. 

Map of Middlesex Fells Reservation

Photo Album

Buck Hill via HQ, Doe Hollow, Bugbee, Pig Rock, and Summit Trails (Blue Hills Reservation)

Buck Hill via HQ, Doe Hollow, Bugbee, Pig Rock, and Summit Trails (Blue Hills Reservation)

Hike Type: BH Loop (Loop w/ Spurs)
Distance: 3.4 miles
Elevation: 403 feet
Time: 1 hour, 30 minutes

Hiking Challenges: 52 Hike Challenge, Blue Hills 125-Mile Club (2x), Sunset Six

The Hike

This hike is filed under the usual category of "I just wanted to go home until I stepped foot in the woods." I had a long afternoon of meetings followed by a long, slow drive to the Blue Hills, and I was simply not having it, but thankfully once I got going I was thrilled to be back! I parked on the side of Chickatawbut Road at the Headquarters Path granite marker (not labeled on the map, but you can kind of tell where it is if you follow the Headquarters Path to where it seems to terminate), awkwardly got suited up as cars flew past me, and then dipped into the woods to start the journey.

It was a gorgeous, almost chilly, fall afternoon, and I knew I wanted to see some views from Buck Hill. I started by following the Headquarters Path back along the road for a little while, and when I hit the wide path, I turned left. I skirted around the base of N. Boyce, and then made a sharp right at 2151, to hike along the Doe Hollow Path, which was easy hiking through some scenic woods. It crosses the Skyline Trail and then coincides with the red-dot route for a bit. 

I turned onto the Bugbee Path at 2129 and hiked along "Beech Run," which is a swampy area, but had some beautiful fall colors, and then hit some other trails in the area, making a small speghetti moment, before ultimately hitting the Pig Rock Path and the Buck Hill Summit Trail, which I remembered is one of the most beautiful in the park. It meanders upward and then along a ridgy area with views south, then turns into a recently burned section of forest before crossing the red-dot route. Past that junction, there is a beautiful stretch of unique forest, and then the trail emerges to the "tree line" with beautiful views. The highlight of the view this day was the sun setting next to Big Blue, but also the ocean, Chickatawbut Hill, and the Boston skyline were all beautiful. Monadnock and Wachusett were also visible, but not crystal clear due to some clouds out west. I took some time here to take a million photos and enjoy the moment. 

To close out the loop, I continued along the Buck Hill Summit Trail, which zigzags down the north side of the hill through beautiful, changing woods. There is one great view of Boston near the top, and the rest is wooded. This would be a very gentle way to ascend Buck Hill, for people who don't hike as often but still want the good good views. As the sun set, the woods began to darken, and I may have spooked myself at one point, but we survived and made it home in one piece!

Step-By-Step

• Park on the side of Chickatawbut Road at Headquarters Path granite marker (unmarked on map).
• Enter woods, and turn right to hike on Headquarters Path. 
• Turn left onto wide path toward 2130.
• Continue toward 2151.
• At 2151, turn right onto Doe Hollow Path and follow to 2129.
• Turn left onto Bugbee Path at 2129.
• Turn left at 2140.
• Turn right at 2149.
• Turn right at 2154. 
• Turn left onto Bugbee Path.
• Sharp left at 2172 onto Pig Rock Path.
• Back at 2154, turn right onto Buck Hill Summit Trail.
• Summit Buck Hill.
• Descend all the way to car via Buck Hill Summit Trail. 

Map of Blue Hills Reservation

Photo Album