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

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

Geology Loop Trail (Whipple Hill Conservation Area)

Geology Loop (Whipple Hill Conservation Area)

Hike Type: Lollipop Loop

Distance: 2.05 miles

Elevation: 207 feet
Time: 49 minutes

Hiking Challenges: 52 Hike Challenge, Operation Alaska Benchmark Challenge

The Hike

Hike #2 of 2023! I’ve driven past the entrance to the Whipple Hill Conservation Area dozens of times, and with the dreadfully early sunsets this time of year (4:19 PM), a hike 5 minutes from work sounded just right! It had been foggy and rainy all day, so I used the good ol winter boots even though temperatures were in the 40s. I did a quick clothing change in the car, got my bag together in the small parking lot, and headed out on my adventure!

There was a map right at the trailhead showing the two main trails in the conservation area (Geology Loop-Red and Farm/Wetland Loop-Yellow). There were additional green trails that were unnamed connecting trails, and the blue ACROSS Lexington Trail. Right after the kiosk was an excellent surprise - an Alpaca farm! There were three out when I walked past, and there was a sign stating to not feed them, which makes complete sense. The blue-blazes ACROSS Lexington trail leads into the conservation area, and after crossing some wetlands, I turned left to start the red-blazed Geology Loop.

The trail quickly gains elevation to the higher terrain of the conservation area, which was viewless but very scenic hiking. It reminded me of the Skyline Trail in the Middlesex Fells Reservation. Focky, but not grueling. Naturally, I started sweating more than I had planned, and I’m a dummy who only had a cotton hoodie, so I was not thriving. There were plenty of red-arrow blazes, which made following the correct trail very easy.

There was a false summit area that skirted near some back yards, and the actual summit had very partial views over the trees. It looked like there used to be a USGS disc here, or at least a survey point. I also learned that Whipple Hill, the summit, is the highest point in Lexington! I flirted with extending my hike here and break away from the Geology Loop, but I was soaked with sweat and ready to be in dry clothes, so I finished out the loop as god intended.

The return trip was pretty uneventful. There were some children playing around a vernal pool which put my teacher-off-duty senses into fight or flight, but I made it through alive. The section of trail where the red, blue, and yellow trails all coincide was very wet, but my boots kept me dry (except for my insanely sweaty feet). The final bit of excitement were two teenagers sitting on a log, smoking weed, and talking about getting cheated on - I wish them the best. I made it back just as the sun was setting, and thrilled with my after school hike, started the drive home.

Step-By-Step

• Park at Whipple Hill Conservation Area parking lot on Summer St.

• Start hike on blue-blazed ACROSS Lexington Trail.

• At first marked junction, turn left onto red-blazed Geology Loop.

• Follow red arrows to hike Geology Loop in its entirety. 

• At original junction, return to car on blue-blazed ACROSS Lexington Trail.

“Whipple Hill” from Lexington Conservation Lands

        120 acres, 3.9miles of trails.Whipple Hill is Lexington’s second largest conservation area and includes the highest point in town, the summit of Whipple Hill (375 feet).Trails wind across ledge outcrops, through mature stands of northern hardwoods and white pines, and along Whipple Brook and Locke Pond. Many species of birds visit Whipple Hill, particularly during migration, and the vegetation is richly varied, including a few species that are considered to be uncommon to rare in our area.

Map of Whipple Hill Conservation Area

Photo Album

Pongkapoag Pond & Boardwalk (Blue Hills Reservation)

Ponkapoag Pond & Boardwalk (Blue Hills Reservation)

Hike Type: Loop w/ Spurs

Distance: 6.16 miles

Elevation: 295 feet
Time: 2 hours, 19 minutes

Hiking Challenges: 52 Hike Challenge, Blue Hills Winter Trace

The Hike

New year same hikes! Hopefully some new ones, but for now… same hikes! I am really proud of my hiking last year, even with my lul in November/December, but I’m hoping to get back into it better than ever in this new year! First day hikes are always out of the question for me due to my New Years Eve plans, but nothing wrong with a second day hike (less crowds)! I had seen on Facebook that the Ponkapoag Boardwalk was passable, so that was the plan for the day! I had originally intended to count this hike for my second round of the 125-mile club, but after some more Facebooks scrolling, I decided to start keeping track of hikes for the Southeastern Massachusetts AMC Chapter’s Blue Hills Winter Trace. I parked at the empty and rugged Fisherman’s Beach parking lot, got everything together, and started my journey!

It was 38° outside and fully overcast. Very peaceful, with only a few others on the loop trail around Ponkapoag Pond. I love the view of Great Blue Hill from Fisherman’s Beach. I passed one man who happily and calmly said “Happy New Year!” which made me smile. It felt as if it were early spring, mild temperatures, trace bits of ice, and a squishy ground. I hiked the Pipe Line spur while I was out there, and to no one’s surprise, it was comically wet. I remember this always being a trend with the Pipe Line… The spur ends in people’s literal back yards, so once I felt like I was intruding I backtracked and continued my journey.

I was purposely walking slow this day for two reasons, my lungs have been dying recently and I’ve been working on using my new inhaler for exercise/cold weather induced asthma (yay for being 27!), and I was enjoying being outside. I was walking past the AMC Ponkapoag Camp and could smell fire coming from the cabins which was lovely, and it was relatively uneventful from the camp to the boardwalk. I did pass the “Happy New Year” guy and we chatted a little bit longer, and I quickly realized that he had the most incredible southern California bro-dude accent (think “The Californians” from SNL) - it was amazing. Either way, I hiked a few of the random trails in that area that then made it to the holy land - the Ponkapoag Boardwalk. 

I treaded lightly (as best as I can) and slowly. The beginnings of the boardwalk were just as I remembered, somehow equally rickety and sturdy, surrounded by thick vegetation that is currently leafless. The next section was my downfall on my first visit almost exactly a year ago, the dense, coniferous forest, which is also incredibly beautiful. It feels almost otherworldly to be in this area, which is the same area I had to turn around last time due to sunken boardwalks. Thankfully the water level was at least 1.5-2 feet lower this visit, so it was smooth sailing. 

The dense forest opens up just past the halfway point to a gorgeous meadow. It so easy to forget that there’s a major interstate so close nearby when you’re out here. The red color of the meadow was a beautiful contrast to the gray sky. There were even partial views of Big Blue from the right angles. The boardwalk dips back into another coniferous section, opens up into another meadow, and finally goes back into one final covered section to reach the end. It’s such a beautiful trail, even if terrifying, and I always feel so lucky to make the trip. 

The return trip was faster, but I took time to enjoy the scenery (and not slip into the bog). Some of the boardwalk in the shaded sections were slippery, there was one side-step, and one slanted plank, but I made it unscathed. Interestingly, the bog really holds onto the cold temperature. The weather was now in the mid 40s, but there was ice and pockets of very cold air in the denser sections. Soon enough I made it out alive, and continued my journey.

My goal for the rest of my hike was to hit the extra spur paths on the western side of the pond before getting back to my car. All were successful except for one small section near the boardwalk/YMCA. Facebook tells me it’s not really even a thing anymore, so that’s good I guess! A lot more people were out now that it was the early afternoon, so I controlled my pace to keep my distance (#antisocial). There was a great view of the bog and Big Blue from the dam area, and the final bit of tr
ail was wet as always. The sun finally peaked through the clouds as I was getting back to my car, now in a full parking lot! Cars were parked on the road, and it was also now 50°. Overall an excellent hike, and a great start to the 2023 hiking year!

Step-By-Step

• Park at Fisherman’s Beach and walk to the shoreline.

• Officially start the hike at 5321 on Acton Path (green dots), going counter clockwise. 

• At unmarked junction, hike to YMCA Camp Entrance and back.

• At unmarked junction, turn right and hike along Pipe Line and back (caution: wet).

• Continuing on the Acton Path (green dots), follow blazes and turn left at 5355.

• Continue to follow Acton Path (green dots).

• At 5343, continue to follow green dots, now onto Ponkapoag Trail.

• At 5241, continue to follow green dots, now onto Redman Farm Path.

• Hike extra trails near YMCA Camp and Ponkapoag Boardwalk.

• Hike Ponkapoag Boardwalk.

• Resume hike counter clockwise on Redman Farm Path (green dots).

• At 5174, hike spur trail and return.

• Continue on Redman Farm Path (green dots), hiking the spur on right (paved section).

• At 5175, turn left to cross Ponkapoag Dam and rejoin Acton Path (green dots).

• At 5216, hike spur trail.

• At end of spur trail, follow edge of golf course and hike back to Acton Path along other spur trail.

• Hike missed section of Acton Path, and return to parking lot.

Map of Blue Hills Reservation

Photo Album

2022: A Reflection

Longest Hike: 18.13 miles with Owl’s Head

Most Elevation: 4396 feet with Webster, Jackson, Pierce, and Eisenhower

 

Hardest Hike: Surprisingly, Mt. Tammany on August 8th. It was so hot and humid, it was the first time I really thought I needed to turn around due to heat. I slowly made it to the top and blasted the air conditioning in my car when I was done. By far the hardest I’ve done this year!

 

Easiest Peak: Probably Coney or Goodman Mountains in the Adirondacks would take this title. Easy grades to lovely views. I’d also include Beech Mountain in Acadia in this category. 

 

Easiest Hike: This would be a long tie with any of the sub-100 feet elevation hikes. I love my easy hikes, gets me into the woods without fighting for my life. My favorite of these would be the frozen Ponkapoag boardwalk in January.

 

Favorite Hike: I really love full day hikes. Owl’s Head and the southern Presis come to mind for that reason. It was cool traversing over the four mountains from Webster to Eisenhower with a break at the hut, and Owl’s Head was magical just being so deep in the wilderness. I liked hiking from High Point to the Pochuck Boardwalks on the NJ-AT, but the PUDS at the end and the brutal heat take away from that. I loved my long hike in Acadia, but the crowds in the more popular spots took away from that. If I had to pick one, I truly think the infamous Owl’s Head would be the winner! 

 

Hike(s) I'm Proud Of: The two big NH48 hikes I’m very proud of: Owl’s Head and Webster/Jackson/Pierce/Eisenhower. I’m also very proud of Hedgehog Mountain and Mt. Cube - two hikes in winter conditions. I’m very proud of my Acadia Finale across the Jordan Pond peaks, which was a challenging day, but so rewarding. 

Completed Challenges/Patches

NH Fire Tower Quest	2/19/2022	~	~
Toilet Paper Trio - Winter	3/5/2022	-	-
Toilet Paper Trio	3/23/2022	-	-
Cape Cod National Seashore	3/27/2022	19.1	1,004 ft.
Blue Hills 125 Mile Club	6/2/2022	190.14	21,674 ft.
Hike for Ukraine	6/7/2022	-	-
Wachusett Mountain Redline	6/14/2022	18.81	4,475 ft.
Acadia Ascents	6/29/2022	46.16	13,218 ft.
New Jersey Appalachian Trail	8/1/2022	126.87	17,102 ft.
Catskill Fire Towers	8/10/2022	26.54	8,039 ft.
Fulton Chain Trifecta	8/10/2022	8.25	1,673 ft.
Tupper Lake Triad	8/11/2022	7.9	1,886 ft.
Belknap Range	8/25/2022	26.19	19,346 ft.
Go North 9er	8/29/2022	35.49	11,916 ft.
2022 52 Hike Challenge	12/29/2022	-	-

 

Challenges/Patches in Progress:

• Blue Hills 125 Mile Club (2nd Time): 20.44%

• Blue Hills Winter Trace: 4.93%

• Summit Beer Society 41.67%

• Operation Alaska Benchmark Challenge: 84%

• 52 With a View: 55.77%

• NH48: 27.08%

• Ossipee 10: 10%

• Rocks that Rock: 48%

• Monadnock Redliner: 35.14%

• Northeast Kingdom Mountain Challenge: 65%

And more….

 

 

2023 Goals (Tentative)

• 100 hikes, 500 miles, 100,000 feet.

• 75% on 52WAV

• 75% on Monadnock Redliner

• At least 4 more NH48

• Maine: Either Acadia Redlining, Moosehead Pinnacle, or some 4ks

• 75% on NEK 

• At least one more Catskill 3500

• At least two Harriman Shelters