Blue Hills Reservation: A Beautiful Hiking Oasis Just Outside of Boston!
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Blue Hills Reservation is a 7000 acre park located just a short drive away from Boston. During the summer months, it’s a popular choice for hiking, swimming, and mountain biking. Mike and I saw the sign for this reservation on a trip home from Boston and decided to check it out.
Although we didn’t have much time, we still were able to complete a short, yet scenic hike. This is a fantastic place to escape the hectic vibe of the city, if only for an hour or 2. We knew nothing about it going in, but will definitely be returning in the fall to enjoy some leaf peeping.
The nice thing about this preserve is that there are a variety of trails, whether you are looking to take an easy nature stroll or go all out.
Can you spot the frog in this picture? This was about the extent of our wildlife sightings for the day. You may be able to see coyotes, white tailed deer, and red foxes depending on what time you hike.
We are planning a return trip to embark on a longer hiking adventure. We also plan on taking photographs at Great Blue Hill, the highest hill in the reservation. This 635 feet tall hill reportedly provides great views of the city.
You can also hike up to the Blue Hills Observatory, the oldest weather station in the US, which sounds pretty cool. Another attraction on-site that sounds interesting is the Trailside Museum, an interpretative center which allows you to learn about the wildlife and plant species found within the reservation.
Update: We continued to visit this park on multiple occasions during our time living in the Boston metro area. Check out pics from our fall hike at the reservation and our experience hiking the Skyline Trail.
Why is it named Blue Hills?
Interesting fact: The Blue Hills were named by early explorers, who while sailing noticed the bluish tint on the hills. Native Americans made their home in the hills more than 10,000 years before the Europeans arrived. The Native Americans called themselves “Massachusett” or “people of the hills.”
The land, which now stands as the Blue Hills Reservation, was purchased in 1893 by the Metropolitan Parks Commission as a public recreation area. Read more about the history of this reservation.
Activity Guide
Summer Activities include: Hiking trails, swimming at Houghton’s pond, biking, picnicking, rock climbing, fishing, camping, and golf.
Winter Activities include: Cross country skiing, downhill skiing, and ice skating.
Check out the Trail Map to plan your route. There are over 125 miles of trails to enjoy, so really you can go on hiking here forever.
Parking Information: 695 Hillside Street Milton, Massachusetts (free to park)
