Boston skyline view at Blue Hills Reservation in Massachusetts

On our second visit to Blue Hills Reservation, a beautiful 7000 acre hiking oasis in Milton Massachusetts, we decided to hike the popular “Red Loop Trail.” This scenic trek takes you to an observation tower with great views of the city. Blue Hills is one of the best hiking destinations near the city offering 125 miles of hiking trails, some offering great vistas of the Boston skyline.

Red Loop Trail at Blue Hills Reservation near Boston

Elliot Observation Tower

Parking at the Trailside Museum Lot will take you right to the start of the Red Loop Trail. This steep 0.75 mile climb up to the Elliot Observation Tower is short, but pretty strenuous, providing a fabulous workout!

Check out these gorgeous views we took of both the skyline and surrounding forests.

Views of the Boston skyline from Blue Hills Reservation in MA
Forest views from Blue Hills Observatory in Massachsuetts

The oldest weather recording station

From the observation tower, you can walk an additional 0.3 miles or so over to the Blue Hills Observatory, the oldest weather recording station still operating. You also have the option of paying $3 to enter the lookout tower. We were satisfied with the views from Elliot Tower, and therefore, decided to skip the weather observation tower.

The oldest weather recording station at Blue Hills Observatory - Massachusetts
The oldest weather recording station at Blue Hills Observatory in Massachusetts

The Skyline Trail

Next, we decided to hike a portion of the popular “Skyline Trail,” a 9 mile hike featuring scenic views, steep hills, and rough terrain. The path is well marked unlike some other hikes where you aren’t sure which direction to turn.

South Skyline Trail - Blue Hills Reservation
Skyline Trail at Blue Hills Reservation
Woodsy scenery along the Skyline Trail at Blue Hills Reservation

We completed about 6 miles on the Skyline Trail, an exhausting, but worthwhile trail for the adventure, photography opportunities, and great workout that you get in return.

There are several very steep climbs during this hike. Check out some of the pictures below to get an idea of the terrain.

Uphill climb at Blue Hills Reservation near Boston
Uphill climb on the Skyline trail at Blue Hills Reservation near Boston
Downhill climb along Skyline trail at Blue Hills Reservation near Boston
Views of the skyline trail at Blue Hills Reservation

A few more beautiful forested views along the way…

Views while hiking at Blue Hills Reservation
Hiking path at Blue Hills Reservation in Massachusetts
Beautiful scenery at Blue Hills Reservation in Massachusetts
Scenic Blue Hills Reservation in Massachusetts
Forest views at Blue Hills Reservation in Massachusetts

The Nature Center

After your hike, you can take a walk over to the nature center. Here you will find a few small animals such as otters, owls, and various small animals. You will also find the Trailside Museum, which exhibits information about animals and plants found within the reservation. Lots of animals call the reservation home including wild turkeys, coyote, red fox, and white tailed deer. Endangered Timber Rattlesnakes are occasionally seen. Here’s an article detailing a hiker’s recent experience coming across this rare snake.

Pond at Blue Hills Reservation in Massachusetts
Turtles at Blue Hills Reservation in Massachusetts

I enjoyed my day hiking at Blue Hills. In the future, Mike and I would love to go back and complete the entire Skyline Trail. Unfortunately on this visit, we were not prepared for a lengthy hike.

Blue Hills is a beautiful park. It is amazing that this reservation is located just 15 minutes outside of Boston. What a great way to spend a weekend afternoon exploring nature, exercising, and enjoying the peaceful setting away from the busy city.

Tips for your hike

*Bring several water bottles. I did not see any water stations along the trail. You will need plenty of water, especially if you are completing a lot of mileage or not used to strenuous uphill hikes. I recommend a camelbak (backpack with a built in water holder). This handy backpack not only holds a lot of water, but also comes with the added bonus of freeing up your arms. Plus, there are small pockets to hold snacks and other essentials.

*Plan your hike early in the morning. It took us approximately 4 hours to hike 7 miles. There is a lot of uphill and downhill climbing which takes up extra time.

* Limit coffee and tea before your hike, due to the diuretic effects of the drinks.

*You can get better pictures of the skyline if you bring with a camera with a high zoom lens.

*Wear shorts in summer– I made the mistake of wearing pants. The combination of heat and climbing up big hills makes for a strenuous workout. I was definitely overheated with the long pants. During the fall and winter months, layer up as you may heat up even if it’s cold outside.

Blue Hills Additional Info

Address: 1904 Canton Avenue Milton, MA 02186. Parking is free.
Visit the Blue Hills Reservation website for trail maps.

Also be sure to check out my full guide of fun & free things to do in the Boston metro