Park HQ to Big Blue via Accord Path (Blue Hills Reservation)

Park HQ to Big Blue via Accord Path (Blue Hills Reservation)

Hike Type: Spaghetti Loop 

Distance: 6.48  miles

Elevation: 1056 feet
Time: 2 hours, 49 minutes

Hiking Challenges: Blue Hills Winter Trace

The Hike

Another step up in the maybe pneumonia recovery! After today I’m feeling good and like I’m ready for some more serious hikes again… but it’s been actually snowing up north and I am simply not emotionally ready to make the jump to snowshoes - someday! My original plan was to do a big loop from the Trailside Museum to Houghton Hill, then the Accord Path to Skyline up to Big Blue. My Taco Bell last night did not agree with that, and I needed to start from a trailhead with a bathroom… so I landed to headquarters! My favorite spot (the one in the corner) was open, I christened that porta potty, and got my day started! It was in the upper 20’s with a slight breeze. There was still some snow in the woods, but not much. 

I crossed Hillside St. and hiked on the wide Wolcott Path, which I read in the 1st edition of the Mass. & RI Trail Guide used to be “Wolcott Road,” which is neat. The trail very gently climbs up to the col between Houghton and Hancock Hills. The trail turned into a winter wonderland the higher up I went - it was beautiful! I was lucky that the trails themselves were completely snow free, but everything else was completely snow-crusted. Houghton Hill Path was more narrow than Wolcott Path, which made the scenery that more stunning. 

The trail down Houghton Hill had describing snow and increasing ice - with a few slipper spots and good amount of my favorite thing - needle ice! I always start singing “needle ice” to the tune of “Edelweiss” from the Sound of Music when I see it. It was at this point I realized I forgot to take an inhaler puff before the hike, but I did take one when I woke up, so we were experimenting. I also remember that I’m supposed to be controlling how much I sweat, which I’m miraculously terrible at. 

The longest stretch of this hike was on the Accord Path - which I hiked all of (minus the stretch that is closed in winter) and the spur paths to the parking areas. The path itself reminded me of a rollercoasters, with lots of twists and turns and ups and downs - if I were a mountain biker I could see how this could be fun. After the junction with Racoon Hollow Path there were two water crossings with an unmapped spur to the road in the middle. The first crossing was flowing hard with only a few sticks to aid the crossing. I tried to balance, and failed, and my waterproof boots saved the day again! The spur to the road after the second crossing (much easier) was overgrown, thorny, and unclear. Apparently not many people hike from the Accord Path to the stop sign with Hillside and Blue Hill River Rd…

The trail from here climbs decently, which is where my back sweat really hit. The biggest item on my hiking wish list right now is a lightweight zip-up hooded fleece with thumb holes and a super thin back and pits… someday I’ll find it. Continuing on, near Brookwood Farm and Blue Hill River Rd., I think I saw an old granite trail marker in the woods, and I tried to investigate but got hit with thorns so I gave up. There was no evidence of a trail, but the other side of the road was the eastern part of the Brookwood Farm road. The path nears the road for a while and there are tall cliffs overhead - there must be a decent view from the top, but it looks steep.

There is a creepy shack (probably pump house), and then the trail gets very “landscaped,” with rocks lining the trail in a very scenic way. Only qualm here was how leaf-ridden the trail was, and therefore it was SOAKED. Another shoutout to the waterproof boots! Just before the junction with the Skyline Trail there is a rocky outcrop just off trail with limited views in the south-ish direction. 

I dreaded taking the Skyline up Big Blue just from remembering how steep it is, so to break it up I hiked from 1003 to 1001 first, and then finished the Accord Path to 1002. I noticed my legs were much more tired today than yesterday, which I mostly attributed to being tired and getting my hiking legs back. The Skyline Trail up Big Blue was steep as expected, but actually really fun. I moved comically slowly, but was delighted to not have anyone around during this climb. With each step I ventured deeper and deeper back into a winter wonderland. It was impressive the temperature difference, too! It acted like it was a big mountain! The upper quarter of the trail was completely snow-crusted and beautiful, with great views to the west.

Finally at the top of Great Blue Hill, I wiggled my way to the actual summit, which I realized I had only been to once or twice before… whoops! I was thinking it could be a fun hiking challenge to summit Big Blue x times (something like the Operation Alaska Benchmark Challenge - 25 times is a bronze patch, 50 silver, etc.). I was blown away by the beauty of the snow on the trees - it made it feel like I was exploring a whole new area, instead of somewhere I’ve been dozens of times. There were a bunch of people around the Eliot Tower, but thankfully only a couple up top (I was going to skip it, but I couldn’t resist the views!). 

The rest of my hike was much more relaxed and uneventful. I took the Racoon Hollow Path down to the Wildcat Notch Path. Now that it was nearing noon, the snow and ice was starting to melt from the trees, and the afternoon people were out. Wildcat Notch Path was filled with deep leaves and was basically a running stream, but the Wolcott Path back to the car was wide and easy. I made my way through 1141, which I dubbed “Times Square” (would Downtown Crossing be more appropriate??), and finished my hike by crossing Hillside St. and getting back to my car! This hike was so beautiful, and my lungs were feeling good! I did a post-hike inhaler puff, and I think I’m ready to keep doing some more serious hikes again!

Step-By-Step

• Start hike at parking area across from Park HQ.

• Cross Hillside St, start hike on Wolcott Path.

• Between 1147 and 1160, turn left onto Houghton Hill Path and hike both forks.

• At 1156, hike down Houghton Trail to road.

• Road walk up along Hillside St., turn left onto Accord Path.

• Hike Accord Path to 1050, hiking spur trails to parking areas.

• Backtrack to 1003, hike on Skyline down to MA-138, and then up to 1030. 

• Follow road up to summit, then hike to Eliot Tower.

• Follow Racoon Hollow Path to 1092.

• At 1092, follow Wildcat Notch Path.

• At 1115, follow Wolcott Path back to car.

Map of Blue Hills Reservation

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St. Moritz Pond to Fox Hill Loop (Blue Hills Reservation)

St. Moritz Pond to Fox Hill Loop (Blue Hills Reservation)

Hike Type: Spaghetti Loop 

Distance: 5.64  miles

Elevation: 577 feet
Time: 2 hours, 28 minutes

Hiking Challenges: Blue Hills Winter Trace

The Hike

It finally stopped raining and snowing after what seemed like 1000 day. Today brought me to the St. Moritz/Quarries area of the reservation. I parked at the Shea Rink and started on the Skyline Trail. The woods were snow-covered and the ground was muddy. I followed the green dot blazes counter clockwise for the first part of this hike. The weather was just below freezing and the views were lovely. The green dot blazes then brought me to the infamous Pipe Line, which was just as dreadfully wet as I remembered!

I turned onto Murphy Path which led me to the Skyline Trail. It’s been about a year since I’d last been on this section, and it was great to be back! I crossed Wampatuck Road and followed the blue blazes. There was one tree labeled with its species and age which was really cool to see - I wonder if there are any more of these in the reservation? The dusting of snow was absolutely beautiful on the trails and trees. 

The trail goes around an old quarry that was beautiful in the snow (curious the history of this area), and then curves around the pit up the side of Rattlesnake Hill. I meant to find the abandoned side path to the summit of Rattlesnake Hill, but didn’t realize I was there until it was too late! The trail climbs a little more up to the Crags, which I realized I’ve never taken the spur to the view. It was breathtaking! The nearby hills covered in snow were beautiful. There were also remnants of an old fence at the view - which of course I’m now curious about. 

The trail is sketchy getting down from the Crags, but I made it unscathed! The trail at the bottom (4155) was fully inundated with water, and I tried to rock hop, but hit a loose rock and landed right in the stream. Thankfully my waterproof boots saved the day! The trail gently climbs up Wampatuck Hill and provides some more views. I saw on a map there is (or used to be) a USGS marker at the summit, but I couldn’t find it (the snow didn’t help) - I’m sure there would at least be a drill hole somewhere. 

Coming down Wampatuck was the moment where I remembered that I’m supposed to be working on sweat regulation - I was not doing a good job. My whole body was steaming! The steam turned into condensation, which then froze on my shoulders. Thankfully, I was feeling warm and fine. I hiked the loops of trails around the Pipe Line and then made my way up the gentle trail to Fox Hill, and turned at the summit to hike down the north side.

This trail was similar to that around Hawk or Kitchamakin Hills - unclear and blazed with mysterious yellow dots (which I was delighted to see). The trail was easy to follow with the dots, and it opened up to a nice view north (with a bit of Boston behind the trees). The trail was harder to follow after the view, especially in the final ~25 feet, but I made it!

The rest of my hike was long but uneventful. The green dots led me through very wet and wide trails, with a few afternoon folks out and about. I decided, while on the theme of wet, to take the Old Furnace Brook Path, which has been flooded every time I’ve hiked it (it was today too!). My final stretch of new trail was on the Sawcut Notch Path, which led me to Wampatuck Road, and the Skyline Trail back to the car. The ponds were beautiful, but the trail between them was a muddy disaster. Either way, it was a lovely morning and my lungs were feeling good!

*Edit to add: the old quarry the Skyline Trail skirts around is called “Sullivan Quarry.” The fence posts atop the Crags used to have a horizontal bar connecting them as a barrier to ideally prevent falling. There are likely no USGS discs in the Blue Hills (sad).

Step-By-Step

• Start hike on Skyline Trail from Shea Rink.

• At first junction, turn left and follow green dot blazes. 

• At 4205, turn left onto Pipe Line and continue following green dot blazes.

• At 4202, turn right onto Murphy Path.

• At 4220, turn left onto Skyline Trail.

• Follow Skyline Trail to 4134.

• At 4134, hike area trails around Pipe Line.

• Where Pipe Line reaches Chickatawbut Road, turn right onto Fox Hill Path.

• At summit of Fox Hill, turn right to follow trail down to 4120.

• At 4120, turn left and follow green dot blazes.

• At 4145, turn left onto Old Furnace Brook Path.

• Rejoin Skyline Trail, cross Wampatuck Road, and follow Skyline Trail 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

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Houghton's Pond Extended Loop (Blue Hills Revervation)

Houghton’s Pond Extended Loop (Blue Hills Reservation-)

Hike Type: Spaghetti Loop

Distance: 3 miles

Elevation: 69 feet
Time: 1 hours, 3 minutes

Hiking Challenges: 52 Hike Challenge, Blue Hills Winter Trace

The Hike

I’ve been down for the past week+ with what one doctor said was “early stages of pneumonia” - so I’ve been taking it extremely easy the past few days and after a round of antibiotics, steroid inhaler, and normal inhaler, I was feeling good enough to get out there again! My goal was just to get moving outside, I can try adding elevation another day. It had been snowing all morning, so I was procrastinating, but after a couple hours I bit the bullet and headed over to Houghton’s Pond - a beautiful drive, not many people out, and thankfully most of the roads were clear!

Originally my plan was just to do the standard loop, and see where my body took me. Right off the bat, I started wiggling and hiking the random trails in the northwest corner of the area (the middle one is called “Nursery Trail” according to Friends of Blue Hills). There was 1-3 inches of snow on the ground, and it was still falling - just beautiful. I made my way back to the main loop and the tall trees contrasted the white background beautifully. There were nice views of Houghtons Hill from the Southwest side of the pond.

I hiked the three spur trails on the south side of the pond, and then admired the view of Great Blue Hill from the east side of the pond. From there, I followed the path to the restrooms by the baseball fields, and wiggled my way near 2053 and the connector trail to Bugbee Path (aka Paddock Trail). I finished my loop taking the Bugbee Path to the Headquarters Path, and then took the long(ish) walk back to the car on the Headquarters Path. My lungs were feeling good, and I was so happy to be back at it!

Map of Blue Hills Reservation

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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