Welcome to DCR’s A World of Nature Rocky Hilltops The Faces and Places quarried in the Blue Hills have
A World of Nature
Blue Hills Reservation
Stretching from Dedham to Quincy, and Milton to
Randolph, the Blue Hills Reservation encompasses over
7,000 acres, providing the largest open space within 35 miles
of Boston. More than 120 miles of trails weave through the
natural fabric of forest and ponds, hilltops and wetlands.
Hikers can count 22 hills in the Blue Hills chain with Great
Blue Hill noted as the highest summit at 635 feet above
sea level. Visitors may enjoy numerous outdoor activities
including hiking, biking, swimming, skiing, and savoring
nature in this four-season park.
T H O M A S PA L M E R
About DCR
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts’ Department of
Conservation and Recreation (DCR) is steward to over
450,000 acres of forests, parks, greenways, trails, historic sites
and landscapes, seashores, beaches, ponds, reservoirs, and
watersheds. The DCR serves to protect, promote, and enhance
our common wealth of natural, cultural, and recreational
resources for the well-being of all; and to cooperate and
partner with those who share this common purpose. To learn
about DCR and discover more about the parks, programs,
and recreational opportunities within Massachusetts state
parks, please visit www.mass.gov/dcr or contact us at
mass.parks@mass.gov .
M A P P R I N T E D C O U R T E S Y O F M A S S AU D U B O N ’ S B LU E
HILLS TRAILSIDE MUSEUM. ALL PROCEEDS FUND THE
P R I N T I N G O F A D D I T I O N A L B LU E H I L L S M A P S .
Blue Hills
Reservation
Blue Hills Reservation
695 Hillside Street
Milton, MA 02186
(617) 698-1802
2020 TRAIL MAP
Rocky Hilltops
The scenery before you is the product of a variety of forces.
Geology, climate, soil, fires, logging, and farming have all
shaped the delicate harmony of land and life you see today.
Trails traverse many habitats: rocky summits, upland and
bottomland forests, meadows, swamp and pond edges,
vernal pools, and bogs.
The reservation supports a rich variety of native plants
and animals, including
13 species listed as endan-
gered or threatened in
Massachusetts. Among
these are small and
declining populations of
timber rattlesnakes and
northern copperheads,
which are native to the
KEN COHEN
Blue Hills and are bene-
ficial for the ecosystem.
Pink Lady’s Slipper · Cypripedium acaule
These shy animals avoid
people and do not bite
unless provoked. Conservation of these endangered animals
is a high priority for both DCR and MassWildlife. They are
protected from any harm or harassment under state law. Stay
on trails, respect trail closures, keep pets leashed, and avoid
any wildlife—including snakes—you may encounter.
A diversity of wildlife finds suitable habitat—food, water,
shelter, and space—among the mix of trees, shrubs, and
flowers of the reservation. The habitat and the season of the
year play a large role in determining what you will observe as
you walk the trails. Nature has its patterns. Note how plant
and animal life change as you travel from the moist lowlands
to the drier, wind-blown summits.
D AV I D G O U T H R O
Enjoying the Reservation
Blue Hills Reservation Headquarters
is located at 695 Hillside Street in Milton, 1/4 mile north of
Houghton’s Pond, beside the State Police Station. A self-
service information station provides trail maps for sale,
park brochures and information, and a unisex restroom,
C O V E R P H O TO : M A G G I B R O W N · D C R
open year-round. Visitor parking is available, limited to 10
minutes only. Please stop by or call (617) 698-1802 for park
information.
Athletic Fields are located on the southeast side of
Houghton’s Pond. Three fields are available. For reservations,
visit www.mass.gov/how-to/athletic-field-scheduling or
call (617) 626-4913.
Blue Hill Observatory and Science Center
is perched atop the summit of Great Blue Hill and has
maintained a continuous weather record since 1885.
Educational programs and tours are offered for a fee. This
National Historic Landmark also features a gift shop with
weather-related items and souvenirs as well as beverages
and trail snacks for sale. Visit www.bluehill.org or
call (617) 696-0562.
Blue Hills Trailside Museum serves as the
interpretive center for the Blue Hills Reservation and is
operated by Mass Audubon. Interior and exterior exhibits
highlight the habitats and wildlife of the park. A variety of
T H O M A S PA L M E R
rescued native wildlife call Trailside home and now serve
important roles as environmental ambassadors. Before
hiking up the red dot trail to the Eliot Tower, head inside
the museum to visit the animals, learn more about the park
and upcoming programs, and purchase a trail map and
snacks in the gift shop. A small admission fee is charged
for the museum exhibits; entry is free for members of Mass
Audubon. A wide variety of programs for all ages and abilities
are offered. Please, no pets or smoking on museum grounds.
Visit www.massaudubon.org/bluehills or call (617) 333-0690.
Boat on Ponkapoag Pond, launching at Fisherman’s
Beach on Randolph Street in Canton. Non-motorized
car-top boats only. For boating on the Neponset River, visit
www.neponset.org for their Neponset River Paddler’s Guide
listing launch sites.
The Faces and Places
The hilltops of the Blue Hills range offer sweeping views of
the Boston basin, the harbor, and beyond. These summits are
the remains of ancient volcanoes, which erupted 440 million
years ago and then collapsed. Hikers climbing Great Blue Hill
on the red dot trail will trace ancient lava flows that poured
out of the volcano and quickly cooled into small crystalline
rock on the surface. Millions of years later, during the last ice
age, a glacier scraped and polished the hilltops leaving only a
thin layer of soil.
Scrub oak, pitch pine, and blueberry shrubs can tolerate
the dry, acidic soils on the hilltops. In early spring and fall,
watch for hawks, turkey vultures, and other birds riding the
air currents, winging gracefully over the hilltops on their
seasonal migration. Over 160 bird species may be seen in the
Blue Hills during the year, including the eastern towhee and
prairie warbler, which favor the brushy hilltops.
MAGGI BROWN · DCR
Our Changing Forest
The Blue Hills Reservation is endowed with a wide variety
of tree species, providing a unique green oasis within sight of
the Boston skyline. Mature oaks, hickories, and eastern white
pine abound throughout the Blue Hills, many over 100 years
old. Fire-adapted pitch pine and scrub oak provide import-
ant habitat for wildlife on our rocky summits. Today, trees
face a number of threats including invasive species such as
gypsy moths, which when combined with periodic drought
conditions have caused some tree mortality. The strength of
the Blue Hills forest includes its overall diversity, which can
provide resilience from environmental pressures and help to
support a green future for the next generation.
Brookwood Community Farm,
through a community-supported agriculture model, grows
produce using organic methods and provides on-farm
educational and community-building opportunities. The
farm also actively supports local food access projects. Visit
brookwoodcommunityfarm.org for more information.
Camp year-round only at the Appalachian Mountain
Club cabins on Ponkapoag Pond. Advance reservations are
required. Visit www.outdoors.org or call (781) 961-7007 for
reservations and information.
Educational & Recreational Programs
are offered by DCR park rangers year-round. Look for
program schedules posted on park bulletin boards, visit
www.mass.gov/dcr/programs or call (617) 698-1802 for
details on these free programs.
Fish in the
reservation’s
ponds including
Houghton’s Pond,
Ponkapoag Pond,
St. Moritz Ponds,
Hillside Pond, the
Blue Hill Reservoir,
and Pine Tree
Brook. Houghton’s
Pond and Pine Tree
Brook are stocked
seasonally with
trout. A state fishing
license is required.
Visit www.mass.gov/dfw/fishing for more information.
Friends of the Blue Hills is a non-profit
volunteer organization founded in the 1970s to protect and
preserve the Blue Hills Reservation. For information about
free family events and trail maintenance opportunities, visit
www.friendsofthebluehills.org or call (781) 828-1805.
Golf at Ponkapoag Golf Course, which features two 18-hole
courses on Route 138 in Canton, 3/4 mile south of Route 93.
In addition, there is a driving range, putting green, golf carts,
snack bar, and pro shop. Lessons, season passes, and gift
certificates are available. Call (781) 828-4242.
quarried in the Blue Hills have been found at sites through-
BILL BYRNE · MASSWILDLIFE
Wet and Wild Ponkapoag Bog
Ponkapoag Bog, in the southwest section of the park, is a
unique and mysterious world. Neither solid land nor water,
the bog is a realm in between. A quaking mat of leatherleaf,
sheep laurel, and sphagnum mosses floats on the surface of
the ancient peat. A wooden floating boardwalk at the north-
west corner of Ponkapoag Pond allows safe access among the
hummocks and hollows of this Atlantic white cedar bog.
Thousands of years ago, a glacier scooped out the pond and
bog, which then filled with melted ice. Poor drainage and the
growth of mosses, ericaceous plants, grasses, and sedges con-
tribute to the acidic conditions. Look along the boardwalk for
carnivorous pitcher plants and sundews, which have adapted
to capture insects to supplement their diet in this sterile en-
vironment. Please use care in this protected, sensitive bog by
staying on the boardwalk.
T H O M A S PA L M E R
T H O M A S PA L M E R
Hike on 120 miles of scenic trails. Purchase a color trail
map at the Reservation Headquarters or the Blue Hills
Trailside Museum. Trails are well-marked and suitable for a
range of abilities, from novice to experienced hikers. Please
dress appropriately and bring water on all hikes.
Horseback Riding is popular among equestrians
from privately-owned stables. Many of the wider trails
throughout the park are former carriage roads and are
suitable for trail riding.
Houghton’s Pond Recreation Area,
located at 840 Hillside Street in Milton, offers a number of
park amenities. A small, free visitor center features park
information and exhibits highlighting the human history
of the Blue Hills. Accessible restroom facilities are provided
year-round. The recreation area also includes a playground,
park benches, and a seasonal food concession. The visitor
center overlooks Marigold Marsh, accessible from a
boardwalk and viewing platforms with interpretive signage.
The supervised swimming beach, picnic areas, and trails are
very popular features, especially in summer.
Ice Skate at a DCR skating rink in the Blue Hills. For the
William T. Shea Rink in Quincy, call (617) 512-8402. For the
Max Ulin Rink in Milton, call (617) 696-9869.
Mountain Bike in designated areas of the reservation.
Please respect “No Mountain Bicycling” signs in restricted
areas and the seasonal closure of bike trails during the month
of March to limit trail impacts during mud season. Stop by
Reservation Headquarters to pick up a mountain bike map or
visit www.mass.gov/dcr for information.
out Massachusetts. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts is
With high vantage points, proximity to the Neponset
named in honor of these first people of the hills.
River, easy access to the coastline and harbor islands, and an
abundance of year-round resources, the Blue Hills have been
attracting people throughout the ages. Today, DCR’s Blue
N A N C Y P U T N A M · D C R E C O LO G Y
Hills Reservation is rich in both archaeological and historic
resources. Interesting structures and other traces of our past
DCR ARCHIVES
include artifacts of the First People, cellar holes and fruit trees
of early settlers, legacies of the granite industry at the Quincy
quarries, and observation towers and trails built by the
Civilian Conservation Corps. Enriching the park are more
Eliot Tower construction, 1937
than 50 prehistoric sites, 15 historic structures listed on the
National Register of Historic Places, and a National Historic
Roosevelt’s Tree Army
Landmark—the Blue Hills Meteorological Observatory.
In 1933, in the midst of the Great Depression, President
Charles Eliot & the Parks System
Franklin D. Roosevelt announced the creation of an emer-
Visionary landscape architect Charles Eliot was a major gency conservation work program, which became known as
force behind the creation of the Blue Hills Reservation, one of the Civilian Conservation Corps or CCC. This program was
the first acquisitions of the new Metropolitan Parks System in designed to provide employment for many young men who
B LU E H I L L S T R A I L S I D E M U S E U M
1893. Eliot’s idea was to set aside beachfront by the bay, land were out of work, and to improve the country’s forest and
along the Charles, Mystic, and Neponset Rivers, and high recreational resources.
ground throughout the Boston metropolitan area. Today, this Here in the Blue Hills, the Civilian Conservation Corps
regional park system has grown statewide to include more lived and labored from 1933 to 1937, adding two stone obser-
than 450,000 acres of open space across Massachusetts, a vation towers, ski runs at Great Blue Hill, miles of trails, and
legacy we must protect and preserve. Enjoy a panoramic view numerous other features to the reservation. Nature is rapidly
of the Boston skyline from the Eliot Memorial Observation overtaking the concrete foundations and remains of the CCC
Tower atop Great Blue Hill and offer thanks to one of the camp located east of Randolph Avenue, but the good works
founding fathers of the Metropolitan Parks System, who live on, a testament to sweat and stone.
The People of the Great Hills “sought out hill, forest, shore for all to enjoy.”
The First People in this region called themselves the
Civilian Conservation Corps workers, c. 1934
Massachuseuk, which translates to “people living near the
“…crowded populations,
great hills.” The Massachuseuk people followed a way of life
if they would live in health
closely tied to the natural rhythms of the seasons. Small fam-
and happiness, must have
ily groups moved within the Blue Hills and Neponset River
space for air, for light,
area harvesting nuts and berries, cultivating corn, beans, and
for exercise, for rest, and
squash, and fishing and hunting among the bays, rivers,
MASSACHUSE T TS ARCHIVES
for the enjoyment of that
and uplands.
peaceful beauty of nature
The Massachuseuk lived in balance with nature. Their
which…is so wonderfully
seasonal movements meant that no single resource was
refreshing to the tired
overexploited. Their survival depended upon a keen knowl-
souls of townspeople.”
edge of local flora and fauna and the changing environ-
—CHARLES ELIOT
ment. Hornfels, a brown volcanic rock found in the Blue
Report of the Board of Metropolitan
Hills, was crafted into tools. Artifacts made from materials
DCR
Park Commissioners, January 1893
Charles Eliot, c. 1892 (1859–1897)
Norman Smith Environmental A Precious Resource…
Education Center is managed by Mass Audubon’s
Blue Hills Trailside Museum. The Environmental Education
We ask that you extend special respect to the parkland:
•  Keep pets leashed at all times and remove all pet waste.
Center hosts programs year-round including Blue Hills
•  Stay on marked trails for your own safety, and to avoid
Summer Camp. The facility is also available for rentals and
disturbing sensitive habitats and wildlife.
overnights by businesses and groups, featuring an industrial
•  Leave no trace. Carry out all that you carry in.
kitchen, dormitories, a large meeting space, beautiful views
•  Leave plants and animals undisturbed.
atop scenic Chickatawbut Hill, and access to numerous trails.
KEN COHEN
•  Note that all rare species are protected under state law
Visit www.massaudubon.org/bluehills or call (617) 333-0690.
from any harm, removal, or harassment.
Picnic tables and charcoal grills are available at
Go Green to the Blue Hills!
Houghton’s Pond and Chickatawbut Overlook. Picnic
Ski (Cross-country) or snowshoe on trails
sites at Houghton’s Pond are in great demand during the Public transportation and ride sharing are strongly
throughout the reservation when there is sufficient snow
summer—plan accordingly. Permits are required for groups encouraged. Public parking is limited—expect heavy use,
cover. A free Cross-Country Ski Routes brochure is available at
of 25 or more persons. For group picnic site reservations at especially on weekends, and plan accordingly.
the Reservation Headquarters.
Houghton’s Pond Recreation Area, visit ReserveAmerica at The Blue Hills Reservation is serviced by three main
www.reserveamerica.com or call (877) 422-6762. Ski (Downhill) or snowboard at the William F. MBTA bus lines. Schedules vary. For more information, visit
Rogers Ski Area on Great Blue Hill on Route 138 in Canton. www.mbta.com or call the MBTA at (800) 392-6100.
Rock Climb at the Quincy Quarries Historic Site
Equipment rentals and instructional classes are available. •  West Area (Trailside Museum, Blue Hills Ski Area, Great
on Ricciuti Drive in Quincy. Proper safety equipment is
Visit www.bluehillsboston.com or call (781) 828-5070. Blue Hill, and Houghton’s Pond): Take the Mattapan
required.
Station–Cobbs Corner (Canton) bus, Route 716 (this
Swim at Houghton’s
route has an unusual schedule—see website)
Pond beach with DCR
•  Central Area (Chickatawbut Overlook): Take the
lifeguard supervision
Ashmont Station–Avon Square bus, Route 240
during the summer season.
•  East Area (St. Moritz Ponds and Shea Rink): Take the
The pond and picnic areas
Quincy Center–Holbrook/Randolph bus, Route 238
are very popular, especially
on weekends. Parking Important Contacts:
MAGGI BROWN · DCR
is limited; ride sharing
T H O M A S PA L M E R
DCR Blue Hills Reservation · 695 Hillside Street,
is encouraged. Seasonal
Milton, MA 02186 · (617) 698-1802
restrooms, outdoor
showers, and changing DCR 24-hour Radio Dispatch: (508) 820-1428
stalls are provided.
Enjoying the view from Eliot Tower Blue Hills Trailside Museum: (617) 333-0690
TrailWatch is an all-volunteer organization of
Comments and concerns: please contact DCR Community
Scenic Viewing from the Eliot Memorial Observation concerned recreational trail users whose goal is to promote
Relations at mass.parks@mass.gov or call (617) 626-4973
Tower atop Great Blue Hill is outstanding. The tower boasts safe and cooperative trail use by acting as an educational
a panoramic view of Boston and the surrounding area, liaison between reservation managers and the public. For For accessibility details, call DCR at (617) 698-1802
accessible via the hiking and biking trails. Chickatawbut information, call (617) 698-1802.
Check DCR website for updates: www.mass.gov/dcr
Overlook on Chickatawbut Road features a striking view
YMCA Camp at Ponkapoag Outdoor Center hosts a
of the Boston skyline; the area is accessible by car, with a In case of emergency, call 911 or contact the State Police
children’s summer camp located near Ponkapoag Bog. Camp
parking area and picnic tables. Milton Barracks at (617) 698-5840
facilities include a lodge, outdoor swimming pool, pavilions,
and activity fields. Visit www.ymcaboston.org or
call (781) 575-9905.
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e

o
s

Pa

30
at 3130 He

Buck
Pip

Wo
1150 Hemenway

Hi
dd

s
6104 1115 Pa h 3042 m
ath

Breakn
3085

ll
Hill 473 ft

ath
1122 th Path l 37

le
P rth h)
TRAILSIDE Pa branc th
Hil
l no Hancock Pat

ock
N otch P
6103 MUSEUM 1023 1072 1105 th ( Hillside k Pa
1170 2182 h Bouncing

H il
H il
1141 Hill

ne
et

o
Pond Broo

Bro

e
l

Path
th
Stre

yli
ne
n

1162 506 ft k

Le

G
Pa
ee

Orchard Trail

yli

Sk
Wolcott Hancock 2151 3155 3111

re
Gr

2081

C o rn ers Path
d WILLIAM 3040

Su
Gre 1051 Glo

Sk
en

at
l

Path ve
Fie

m
en F. ROGERS 1103

t
1172 2112 it T 2181 2210 r

dca

ing
Gre

Lan SKI AREA 1082 1117 1147 1160 ra il Lau

Ce
93

13
2130

Hou
e re

Dark

Pa
30
Wil

Bounc
Ath
Tucker
Skyline

th
N. Boyce 2141

da
oon Hollo

Br
95 Wolcott

ghton
nt

l
1010

ai
o
d

Blu Pat Hill 397 ft Buck Hill 2165 ree

R acc
Hill 465 ft

r
1002 RESERVATION

l Pa
6102
a Roa

6680

w
e 1092 3121

e
128 Hawk Hill
Raccoon

Hollow
1055

Sw
2117 493 ft th
h
1186 B R A I N T R E E
wint d in

Hi EXIT 13 HQ

Fiv
6830 2072 Pa 3072

th
2183

Forest
6101 1063 Tucker Hill

ollow Path
ll 432 ft
er

2152

H il
Dr 1120 a il
C lose

am
Burm

441 ft
iv ELIOT 1083 ch
bran )
S k y li n e r

ll
Ho
6670 6877 Barberry Bush Sprin g T

l
e

Hi
St.
(south Pa

rs
llo

p
TOWER Skyline 3011 t

wk
Moulton

Path
Pa arte
w
1050 Houghton
KP

2094 3090 a s

e
1143

Ha

Streamsid e E d ge Pa
ir.

h
Wil 1123 South Boyce

P
Hill 427 ft 1156

lsid
1066 2162 s
Eliot C

qu
at

6650 Bug

th
3005

Doe H
Little be Hill 396 ft

Path
h

Hil
2054 3066

ad
dc
6880

Fells
Path
Blue Hill B Way Pat h 3030 3044 Path

Beech Run
ro
at Notch

He
331 ft Great WEATHER 2071 West Street

Path
2190

Pat
f
e 1110
Hal
Path

1151 2137
Blue Hill River
ln 1030 Blue Hill OBSERVATORY 2149

Path
ok

th
Breeze Hill

h
y VISITOR

Pa
6900
wood Trai l

Sk
i

290 ft 2070

Br
635 ft CENTER 2096 Pig R ock Path 5620

an
a th 2111 2135 2154

th
o

ch
6896 1003 Sav

y
P
ROUTE 128 os e 1093 2172
1001

H ill Pa
C

mo 6700 ylin 2129 5610

Pa
6800 6891 th
Path

W E S T W O O D Sk 1062 An B u g b e e Pa

th
s

th
2075 g Burnt Hill 2140 2189
Pa
th 6850 BATHHOUSE le 344 ft
Pa

Beec h H o ll o
2176 5611

r nt
Accor 1081 1086 Cari Rd.
th 2155 Far m Riv
6600 d Path 5600 er
Blu

Bu
2163

ath
Ob
Washingto

EXIT 1 li q

e
Royall Street See bus Blue H
sbro
Houg

Lin
ill River e h t o n’
ue

i quot P
Street

schedule 716 Road Hi s Pon 2092 Q U IN C Y

oke

e
Path
ll 2053 SKYLINE
Beacon Lane

ne

Pip
2132 w
Green

Sil
BR
Green

Riv ook
Royall La

Pa Blue Hill River

ve

B R A IN T
O O FA R M

RANDOL
er
2085 th 2146
rB

at
1077 n
n

Old Route The Skyline Trail crosses the length of the reservation and is marked with
KW

2100 Mo
r

Ro ad
128
Lo

2150
Street

OO

blue rectangular blazes. The trail climbs many of the peaks of the Blue Hills
ad
dg e

Ro
D

1057 range, offering spectacular views over steep and rugged terrain.

REE
2123
Great Pond
St r

PH
et 1079 er) ATHLETIC
Po Tr
(C l o
ue

s e d i n w i nt
e

EXIT 5 There are two ways to explore the Skyline Trail:

nk ail
D
ven

OO

FIELDS
ap

ue Hill Riv er
Bl
oa
Ponkapoag Skyline Traverse travels an east-west route across the Blue Hills range.
TW
ity A

ON

LEGEND
g

Bro EXIT 4 N. Main St.

NT
ES

93 This is the longest and most challenging hike in the park, with steep and
ok @ Russ St./
ers

CA

Scanlon Dr. 240 Blue Hills Reservation has over 120 miles of trails, including 40+ miles of rocky terrain. This is not a loop trail so plan your transportation back to

N. M
Univ

r EXIT 2 EXIT 3 5425 S mith Tr a il s recommended color-coded routes for easier navigation. These trails are blazed
ve
Sca Rus your starting point. 7.5 miles · 4 to 7 hours · difficult
She

n lon
M

with painted markings that correspond to the map symbols listed to the right.

a
5320 D St.
I LT

R U L E S A N D R E G U L AT I O N S

in S
5322 rive
r
Ri

Skyline Loop Trail is a popular sampling of the Skyline Trail. It links

ma

O N TO

Madden R Reservation Headquarters

CA
n La

t.
DCR NEPONSET D ATA S O U R C E S : M A S S G I S ;
the north and south branches of the Skyline Trail between the Reservation
set

o
e

Park open dawn to dusk. YMCA

an

L DCR GIS; DCR FORESTRY;

N

RIVER RESERVATION
RA

n
Farringto Headquarters and Eliot Observation Tower atop Great Blue Hill.
ne

ad
CAMP M A S S PA R K S ; D C R B U R E A U
Restroom (year-round, seasonal)
on

Name P re e t
ND

Trail
OF PLANNING, DESIGN &
N

For the protection and enjoyment of the Blue Hills, PONKAPOAG No Middle St This challenging route summits five hilltops over steep, rocky terrain.
ep
Washington Street

Homans Lane 5311 RESOURCE PROTECTION;

at
5330 Follow the blue blazes from the headquarters, heading west toward
LP

the following are prohibited: Parking Area (large, small) MASS AUDUBON’S BLUE
h
5176 5371
N

a 5422
H

g
HILLS TRAILSIDE MUSEUM;
o M iddle Road Great Blue Hill. Street
2.6 miles · 2 to 2.5 hours · difficult
5218 ap

et
95 • Littering 5174 5241 Swimming (seasonal)
FRIENDS OF THE BLUE HILLS;

re
Redman Fa 28

nd
5380
k
ESRI; FEMA; USGS
r m Pa t h 5440

St
Po n Pon
LOOP TRAILS

Po
• Open fires kapoa 5383
Snack Bar, Picnic Area

d
g Tr 5344 ath 5421 Road

n
ail es P re

Po
• Metal detectors Pin Loop trails are marked with dots. They begin and end at the same point,

Pipe Line
h

tu
Playground Stream
Pat

Duck at designated parking areas as marked on the map.

Pas
• Alcoholic beverages A cton Pat

Thre
Boa h To
rd 5370 Pond Avon Skating Rink Intermittent Stream
Farm

• Pets, except on a leash 5343 5365

5382 Square 240 Yellow Dot Loops 0.6–1 mile · 1 hour · easy
De

wa

5424
d

• Hunting or trapping
lk

5385 Canoe Launch Pond Yellow dots mark short loops which enable you to enjoy parts of the
C A N T O N
ham

5364 5381
Redman

• Posting or distributing leaflets See bus 5423 reservation in a small amount of time.
5384 Tennis, Basketball Wetland
Str

schedule 716 PONKAPOAG

• Camping, except at AMC Camp with permit GOLF COURSE
eet

AMC 5362 Green Dot Loops 2.7–4.25 miles · 2–2.25 hours · moderate

High Street
a Path Athletic Field/Court Elevation Contours
• Motorized vehicles, except on public roads PONKAPOAG apo g
Course
Ponkapoag Pond CAMP 5361 Po nk (20 foot interval) Green dots mark several woodland loops which allow you to enjoy the
• Disruptive conduct, including public nudity Course 2 5401
5413 5414 Building Footprint
1 natural beauty of the reservation.
• Group use of 25 or more, except with a DCR permit (within reservation) 427 ft Hilltop (with elevation)
5360 Upper Reser voir Red Dot Loops

Mea d
Map 5332 5395 State Police Town Boundary 1.3–3.8 miles · 1–2.25 hours · challenging
• Destruction or removal of vegetation, animals, le
A ve n 5175 w Street Red dots mark rugged, rocky loops over hilly terrain providing a more
structures, artifacts, or other State property ue Reed
Hemlock
Train Station Blue Hills Reservation

o
GOLF
ton Path Ro challenging hike.
poag CLUBHOUSE Ac a
nkaook
Road

In addition, the following activities are o

P Br 5355 MBTA Bus Stop Other State Parkland

d
FISHERMAN’S
5216 240 DIREC TIONAL LOOPS
th

allowed in designated areas only: BEACH

Fawn Cir
et

Pa

Drive R E S E R VAT I O N R O A D S A N D T R A I L S
Sunset
Stre

• Parking
Turn

Pecunit Broo on 5420 Directional loop trails are marked with triangles, and both loops begin and
Ac t
Harr

k Canton end at the Houghton’s Pond main parking lot. These are designed as rolling
on

• Sporting activities Narrow Trail Paved Path

Turner
p

D. KIMBALL · DCR GIS · APRIL 2020

cle
5321
Cynth
ike S

ison

routes for a fun mountain bike ride or long woodland hike. The trails are
t

Street

rook
ing

• Mountain bicycling Wide Trail Bicycle Path marked in one direction only and are to be followed counterclockwise.
sh

tree

Ro

Road
Ridley
ia

ay B
• Charcoal grills or fuel stoves
Wa

To Cobbs
ad

Road

Unpaved Road Boardwalk Forest Path Loop

14.58°

t
MA State Plane NAD83
Magne 18)

Corner (see 6 miles · moderate

• Non-motorized boating at Ponkapoag Pond et

row
716 bus schedule) y Stre
Connoll
Road
(20

AMC CAMP
tic

Paved Road Bridge White triangles mark this rambling loop in the Houghton’s Pond section. It

Nor

North S
• Swimming at Houghton’s Pond with lifeguard ENTRANCE Oak St offers a long woodland hike or novice-to-intermediate mountain bike ride.
Street
RA AN

Bridle Path C a n to n reet

supervision
Fa

24
N D TO
C

FARNHAM-CONNOLLY I N T EetR S E C T I O N N U M B E R S
rm

Breakneck Ledge Loop

tr
4.5 miles · challenging
OL N

re
Str

STATE PARK (DCR

eet
All visitors must follow directions of park personnel or St
PH

138 The four-digit numbers seen on the map indicate

ee

NEPONSET RIVER
ut Yellow triangles mark this hilly loop in the Great Blue Hill section. It

N. M
t

police. Any violations of these regulations may result in 1186 trail intersections. Look for the small white signs
RESERVATION)
R A N D O L P H provides a rocky, rugged experience for the advanced mountain biker or

tn

ain
es
arrest and/or fine per order of 302 Commonwealth of e with black numbers on trees or posts along trails.
St r e avid hiker.
t

Ch
olph Find the corresponding number on the map to

Str

DESIGNED BY
Massachusetts Regulations 12.00. Rand

e
determine your location.

et
N O T E : M A P I N K C O L O R S M AY FA D E W H E N E X P O S E D T O S U N L I G H T.
S TAY O N D C R - D E S I G N AT E D T R A I L S F O R S A F E T Y A N D R E S O U R C E P R OT E C T I O N . P R I N T E D W I T H S O Y I N K O N R E C Y C L E D PA P E R .