2020 (617) 698-1802 MAMilton, 02186 Street695 Hillside Reservation Blue Hills [email protected] DCR About Blue Hills Reservation Welcome to DCR’s about about share who with those partner common this To purpose. learn resources for well-being the of and all; to cooperate and our common wealth of natural, cultural, and recreational parks, visit please www.mass.gov/dcr or contact us at and recreational opportunities within Massachusetts state watersheds. The and landscapes, seashores, ponds, beaches, reservoirs, and 450,000 acres of forests, parks, greenways, trails, historic sites Conservation andConservation Recreation nature four-season inthis park. including biking, hiking, swimming, skiing, and savoring level. Visitorssea may enjoy numerous outdoor activities Blue Hill noted as highest the summit at 635 feet above Hikers can count Blue inthe 22hills Hills chain with Great natural fabric of forest and ponds, hilltops and wetlands. of Boston. More than of 120miles trails weave through the 7,000 acres, providing largest the open space within 35 miles Randolph, Blue the encompasses Hills Reservation over The CommonwealthThe of Massachusetts’Department of Stretching from to Dedham Quincy, and Milton to HILLS TRAILSIDE MUSEUM. ALL PROCEEDSFUND THE MAP PRINTED COURTESYOF MASS AUDUBON’S BLUE DCR PRINTING OF ADDITIONAL BLUE HILLS MAPS. and discover more about parks, the programs, DCR Reservation Blue Hills serves to protect, serves promote, and enhance
. (DCR) is steward to over
TRAIL MAP TRAIL THOMAS PALMER THOMAS
COVER PHOTO: MAGGI BROWN · DCR DAVID GOUTHRO KEN COHEN is a high priorityis ahigh for both unless provoked. of endangered Conservation these animals call (617) 696-0562. and snacks trail for Visit sale. www.bluehill.org weather-related items and souvenirs as well as beverages National Historic Landmark features also shop agift with Educational programs and tours are offered for a fee. This maintained acontinuous weather record since 1885. is perched atop summit the of Great Blue Hill and has Visit are offered.pets no Please, or smoking on grounds. museum Audubon. variety of Awide programs for ages all and abilities for museum the exhibits; is for free entry members of Mass snacks shop. gift inthe admission Asmall is fee charged and upcoming programs, and purchase map atrail and museumthe to visit animals, the more learn about park the uphiking red the dot to trail Eliot the Tower, inside head important roles as environmental ambassadors. Before nativerescued Trailside call wildlife home and now serve habitatshighlight the and of wildlife park. the Avariety of operated by Mass Audubon. Interior and exterior exhibits interpretive center for Blue the and Hills is Reservation listing launch sites. www.neponset.org for Neponset their River Paddler’s Guide car-top boats only. For boating on Neponset the River, visit on RandolphBeach Street in Canton. Non-motorized to drier, the wind-blown summits. and animal life change as you travel from moist the lowlands you trails. the Nature walk has its patterns. Note how plant year play alarge role indetermining as what you observe will flowers the of The reservation. habitatseason the and the of shelter, and space—among mixof the trees, and shrubs, any wildlife—including snakes—you may encounter. on closures, trail trails, respect leashed, keep and pets avoid protected from any harm or harassment under state law. Stay information. minutes only. stop Please by (617) or 698-1802 call park for open year-round. Visitor parking is available, limited to 10 park brochures and information, and restroom, aunisex informationservice station provides maps trail for sale, Houghton’s Pond, State the beside Police Station. Aself- is located at 695Hillside Street inMilton,mile 1/4 of north call (617) 626-4913. visit www.mass.gov/how-to/athletic-field-scheduling or Houghton’s Pond. Three fields are available. For reservations, Boat Blue HillsTrailside Museum Blue HillObservatory Athletic Fields Blue HillsReservation Headquarters Enjoying the Reservation A World of Nature vernal pools, andvernal pools, bogs. bottomland forests, meadows, swamp and pond edges, Trails traverse many habitats: rocky summits, upland and shaped delicate the harmony of land and life you today. see Geology, climate, soil, fires, logging, and farming have all Pink Lady’s Slipper · A diversity of finds wildlife suitable habitat—food, water, The supportsreservation rich a variety of native plants before scenery The youthe is product of avariety of forces. www.massaudubon.org/bluehills (617) or. 333-0690 call on Ponkapoag Pond, launching at Fisherman’s Cypripedium acaule Cypripedium are located on southeast the sideof DCR and MassWildlife. They are and Center Science and animals, including people and donot bite These shy animals avoid ficial forecosystem.the Blue Hills and are- bene arewhich native to the copperheads,northern rattlesnakestimber and declining populations of arethese and small Massachusetts. Among gered or threatened in listed13 species as endan- serves as the serves or or
THOMAS PALMER certificates are. 828-4242 available. (781) Call snack bar, and pro shop. and Lessons, passes, season gift In addition, there is adriving range, putting green, golf carts, courses on Route 138 inCanton, mile south 3/4 of Route 93. brookwoodcommunityfarm.org for more information. activelyfarm access also supports projects. food Visit local educational and community-building opportunities. The produce using organic and methods provides on-farm through acommunity-supported agriculture model, grows reservations and information. required. Visit www.outdoors.org 961-7007 for (781) or call Club cabins on Ponkapoag Pond. Advance reservations are Golf Friends of theBlue Hills Educational &Recreational Programs Camp FarmBrookwood Community Our Changing Forest HilltopsRocky details on programs. free these www.mass.gov/dcr/programs (617) or 698-1802 call for program schedules on posted park boards, bulletin visit www.friendsofthebluehills.org 828-1805. (781) or call familyfree events and maintenance trail opportunities, visit Blue the preserve For Hills Reservation. information about volunteer organization founded 1970s inthe to protect and support agreen future for next the generation. provide resilience from environmental pressures and help to Bluethe Hills forest includes its overall diversity, can which conditions have caused some tree mortality. The strength of moths, combined when which gypsy drought with periodic face anumber of threats including invasive such species as ant habitat for on wildlife our rocky summits. Today, trees old. Fire-adapted pitch pine provide oak and scrub import- pine abound throughout Blue the Hills, many over 100years Bostonthe skyline. Mature hickories, oaks, and eastern white of providing tree species, aunique green oasis within sight of prairie warbler, favor which brushy the hilltops. Blue Hills during year, the including eastern the towhee and migration.seasonal 160bird Over inthe may species seen be air currents, over winging gracefully hilltops the on their watch for hawks, turkey vultures, and other birds riding the dry,the acidicsoils on hilltops. the In early spring and fall, layerthin of soil. age, and scraped aglacier polished hilltops the leaving only a rock on surface. the Millions of years later, during last the ice out of volcano the and quickly into cooled crystalline small on red ancient the trace dot will trail lava flowsthat poured years ago and collapsed. then Hikers climbing Great Blue Hill remainsthe of ancient volcanoes, erupted which million 440 harbor, Boston the the basin, and beyond. These summits are are offered by Visit www.mass.gov/dfw/fishing for more information. The Blue is endowed Reservation Hills with wide variety a pitch oak, Scrub pine, can shrubs tolerate and blueberry The hilltops the of Blue rangeHills offer sweeping views of at Ponkapoag features Course,which Golf two 18-hole year-round only at Appalachian the Mountain DCR park rangers year-round. for Look is anon-profit Fish license is required. trout. Astate fishing with seasonally Brook are stocked Pond and Pine Tree Brook. Houghton’s and Pine Tree Blue Hill Reservoir, Hillside Pond, the St. Moritz Ponds, Ponkapoag Pond, Houghton’s Pond, ponds including reservation’s , in the inthe
MAGGI BROWN · DCR · BROWN MAGGI visit www.mass.gov/dcr for information. HeadquartersReservation to pick up amountain bike map or of March to limit impacts trail during mud Stop season. by areas and closure seasonal the of bike trails during month the “No respect Please Mountain Bicycling” signs inrestricted very popular features,very insummer. especially beach, swimming picnic areas, The trailsandsupervised are boardwalk and platforms viewing with interpretive signage. center overlooks Marigold Marsh, accessible from a park benches, concession. and food aseasonal Thevisitor year-round. The recreation includesareaalso a playground, of Blue the Hills. Accessible restroom facilities are provided information and exhibits highlighting human the history park amenities. visitor free Asmall, center features park located at 840 Hillside Street inMilton, offers a number of Mountain Bike Max inMilton, Ulin Rink (617). 696-9869 call Ice Skate Houghton’s Recreation Pond Area Horseback Riding Hike Wet andWildPonkapoag Bog dress appropriately and bring water on hikes. all range of abilities, from novice hikers. to Please experienced Trailside Museum. Trails are well-marked and suitable for a map at Headquarters Reservation the or Blue the Hills suitable for riding. trail throughout park the are former carriage roads and are from privately-owned stables. Many of trails wider the staying on boardwalk. the vironment. care use Please protected, inthis sensitive by bog to capture to supplement insects sterile en- dietinthis their carnivorous pitcher plants and sundews,have which adapted tribute to acidicconditions. the along Look boardwalk the for growth of mosses, ericaceous plants, and grasses, con sedges - with melted filled then which ice.bog, Poor drainage theand hummocks and hollows of Atlantic this white cedar bog. west corner of Ponkapoag Pond allows safe access among the ancientthe floating peat.boardwalk Awooden the - at north sheep laurel, and sphagnum mosses floats the on surface of Aquaking is mat arealm inbetween. bog the of leatherleaf, unique and mysterious world. Neither land solid nor water, William T. inQuincy, Shea Rink (617) 512-8402 call . For the Thousands of years ago, outscooped pondthe glacier a and Ponkapoag southwest inthe Bog, of park, the section is a on of trails. 120miles Purchase scenic acolor trail at a DCR indesignated areas of reservation. the skating Blue inthe rink Hills. For the is popular among equestrians
,
THOMAS PALMER THOMAS PALMER THOMAS MASSWILDLIFE · BYRNE BILL parking area and picnic tables. of Boston the skyline; area the is accessible by car, with a onOverlook Chickatawbut features Road view astriking accessible and hiking the via biking trails. Chickatawbut a panoramic of view Boston and surrounding the area, Tower atop Great Blue Hill is outstanding. The towerboasts www.reserveamerica.com 422-6762. (877) or call Houghton’s Pond Recreation at Area, visit ReserveAmerica of 25or more persons. For group picnic site reservations at summer—plan accordingly. Permits are required for groups sites at Houghton’s Pond are ingreat demand during the Houghton’s Pond and Chickatawbut Picnic Overlook. Scenic Viewing Climb Rock Picnic Education Center Norman Smith Environmental The People of theGreat Hills The Places Faces and required. on Ricciuti Drive inQuincy. Proper safety equipment is Landmark—the Blue Hills Meteorological Observatory. National Register of Historic Places, and aNational Historic than 50 prehistoric sites, 15 historic structures listed on the Enriching park the Corps. Civilian are Conservation more quarries, and towers observation and trails built by the of early settlers, legaciesof granite the at industry Quincy the include of First the artifacts People, cellar holes and trees fruit resources. Interesting structures and other of traces our past archaeological is rich inboth Hills Reservation and historic Visit atop Chickatawbut scenic Hill, and access to numerous trails. kitchen, dormitories, alarge meeting space, beautiful views overnights by businesses and groups, featuring an industrial Summer Camp. The facilityalso is available for rentals and Center hosts programs year-round including Blue Hills Blue Hills Trailside Museum. The EnvironmentalEducation Hills, was crafted intofrom made tools. materialsArtifacts ment. Hornfels, abrown volcanic rock found Blue inthe floraedge of local and fauna theand changing environ- overexploited. depended upon a knowl keen - Their survival movementsseasonal meant that no single resource was and uplands. squash, and fishing and hunting amongbays,the rivers, area nuts harvesting cultivating and berries, corn, beans, and ily groups moved within Blue the Hills and Neponset River toclosely natural the tied rhythms of seasons. fam Small the - great hills.” The Massachuseukpeople followed away of life Massachuseuk, translates which to “people living near the attracting people throughout ages. the Today, abundance of year-round resources, Blue the Hills have been River, access easy to coastline and the harbor islands, and an The Massachuseuk livedbalancewith in nature. Their The First Peoplethemselvesthis in regionthecalled With vantage high points, proximity to Neponset the www.massaudubon.org/bluehills (617) or. 333-0690 call tables and charcoal are grills available at Enjoying from view the Eliot Tower at the Quincy Quarries Historic at Quarries Quincy the Site from Eliot the Memorial Observation is managed by Mass Audubon’s DCR’
s Blue
MAGGI BROWN · DCR · BROWN MAGGI BLUE HILLS TRAILSIDE MUSEUM TRAILSIDE HILLS BLUE
MASSACHUSETTS ARCHIVES the Reservation Headquarters. Reservation the cover. Routes Ski Cross-Country Afree throughout there reservation the when is sufficient snow named inhonor of firstpeople these the hills. of out Massachusetts.Commonwealth The of Massachusetts is Blue inthe quarried Hills have found been at sites through- Pond with beach YMCA Camp TrailWatch Swim Ski (Downhill) Ski (Cross-country) Charles Eliot &theParks System Visit www.bluehillsboston.com 828-5070 (781) or. call Equipment rentals and classes are instructional available. Rogers Ski Area on Great Blue Hill on Route 138 inCanton. . 575-9905 call (781) and activity fields. Visit www.ymcaboston.org or facilities include alodge, outdoor swimmingpavilions, pool, children’s summer camp located near Ponkapoag Camp Bog. stalls arestalls provided. showers, and changing restrooms, outdoor is encouraged. Seasonal is limited; sharing ride on weekends. Parking are popular, very especially pondThe and picnic areas during summer the season. lifeguard supervision “sought out forest, hill, shore for to enjoy.” all founding fathers of Metropolitan the Parks System, who Tower atop Great Blue Hill and offerthanks to one the of of Boston the skyline from Eliot the Memorial Observation we mustlegacy protect and preserve. Enjoy apanoramic view than 450,000 acres of open space across Massachusetts, a regional park system has grown statewide to include more ground throughout Boston the metropolitan area. Today, this along Charles, the Mystic, and Neponset Rivers, and high 1893. Eliot’s was aside to beachfront idea set by bay, the land firstthe acquisitions the of new Metropolitan Parks System in force creation the behind of Blue the one Hills Reservation, of information, (617) 698-1802 call . liaison reservation managers between and public. the For safe and cooperative by use trail as an acting educational concerned recreational is goal to promote users trail whose Visionary landscape architect Charles Eliot was amajor Charles Eliot, c.1892 (1859–1897) at Houghton’s at Ponkapoag Outdoor Center hosts a DCR is an all-volunteer organization of
or snowboard at William the F. or snowshoe on trails souls of townspeople.” refreshing to the tired which…is wonderfully so peaceful beauty of nature for the enjoyment of that for exercise, for rest, and space for air, for light, and happiness, must have if they would live in health “…crowded populations, brochure is available at Report oftheBoard ofMetropolitanReport Park Commissioners, 1893 January
—CHARLES ELIOT
THOMAS PALMER THOMAS COHEN KEN ECOLOGY DCR · PUTNAM NANCY
DCR DCR ARCHIVES live on, atestament to sweat and stone. camp located east of Randolph Avenue, but works good the Check For accessibility details, call Relations at [email protected] (617) or 626-4973 call Important Contacts: Go Green to theBlue Hills! We ask that you to respect parkland: the extend special A Precious Resource… Roosevelt’s Tree Army Milton Barracks at (617) 698-5840 ofIn emergency, case 911or contact call theState Police Comments and concerns: contact please Blue Hills Trailside Museum: (617) 333-0690 Milton, www.mbta.com the or call especially on weekends, and plan accordingly.especially use, heavy encouraged. Public islimited—expect parking or Corps Civilianthe Conservation conservationgency work program, known became which as Franklin D. announced Roosevelt creation the of an emer overtaking concrete the foundations and remains of the numerous other features to reservation. the Nature is rapidly vation towers, at skiruns Great Blue Hill, of miles trails, and lived and labored from 1933 to 1937, adding two stone obser recreational resources. were out of work, and to improve country’s the forest and todesigned provide employment for many young men who DCR DCR MBTA • • • • • • • •
The Blue Hills Reservation is serviced threeby mainThe Blueserviced is Reservation Hills Public transportation sharing and ride are strongly In 1933, midst inthe of Great the Depression, President Here Blue inthe Hills, Corps Civilian the Conservation East Area (St.East Moritz Ponds and Take Shea Rink): the Area (ChickatawbutCentral Take Overlook): the West Area (Trailside Museum, Blue Hills Ski Area, Great Note that rare all are species protected under state law Leave plants and animals undisturbed. out thatLeave in. all you no trace. Carry carry Stay on marked trails for your own safety, and to avoid Keep leashed at and pets times all remove waste. pet all Quincy Center–Holbrook/RandolphQuincy bus, Route 238 Ashmont Station–Avon Square bus, Route 240 route has an unusual website) schedule—see Station–Cobbs (Canton) Corner bus, (this Route 716 Blue Hill, and Houghton’s Pond): Take Mattapan the from any harm, removal, or harassment. disturbing sensitive habitats and wildlife. 24-hour Radio Dispatch: Radio 24-hour (508) 820-1428 Blue ·695Hillside Hills Street, Reservation bus lines. vary. Schedules For more information, visit DCR MA 02186 ·(617) 698-1802 website for updates: www.mass.gov/dcr Civilian Conservation Corps workers, Corps Civilian Conservation c.1934 Eliot Tower construction, 1937 MBTA DCR at (617) 698-1802 at at (800)392-6100 at . CCC . This program was DCR Community CCC - -
F . Glenwood Ave. Bates u St r er ALTERNATE Ave. P n v y To Willard a a i a Mullin r c R BOSTON ROUTE TO k e w Mattapan Governor Stoughton Lane Grove St. O’ConnellAvenue w St. B DCR STONY BROOK h MILTON HOSPITAL To Fores Ave. Willard St. a g Station t y r i o Parkway A @ Copeland St.
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t th t. F R ath o B Forest Street P w un Hill ft DEDHAM l r S P o M B a a a t o Hillside Street ss EXIT h am e l s k a a Border Path i e n d ra o T N w l P o Sq s i a S Kitchamakin ti t tc e u FOWL MEADOW a h l h v a g KC Farm s r NORMAN SMITH i r mau P Fenno d Hill ft a MILTON u T n P u N t E e otch Pat DCR NEPONSET RIVER h Road s u ENVIRONMENTAL a C h CANTON e Hill t
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o u o e Skyline Trail crosses the length of the reservation and is marked with d te 1 M
R 2 g 8 e blue rectangular blazes. e trail climbs many of the peaks of the Blue Hills S tr Ponkapoag range, oering spectacular views over steep and rugged terrain. ee ) Great Pond t (C ter losed in win ATHLETIC EXIT ere are two ways to explore the Skyline Trail: Trail FIELDS Hill er lue Riv Ponkapoag B LEGEND Skyline Traverse travels an east-west route across the Blue Hills range. B EXIT N. Main St. WESTWOOD r @ Russ St./ is is the longest and most challenging hike in the park, with steep and oo N. Main St. CANTON k Scanlon Dr. Blue Hills Reservation has over miles of trails, including + miles of rocky terrain. is is not a loop trail so plan your transportation back to Sherman Lane EXIT r EXIT MILTON S Scanlon Drive recommended color-coded routes for easier navigation. ese trails are blazed University Avenue e mith Trail Russ your starting point. . miles · to hours · dicult i v with painted markings that correspond to the map symbols listed to the right. R RULES AND REGULATIONS St. CANTON Skyline Loop Trail is a popular sampling of the Skyline Trail. It links t e Madden DATA SOURCES: MASSGIS; e DCR NEPONSET n RANDOLPH Ro a YMCA a Reservation Headquarters DCR GIS; DCR FORESTRY; the north and south branches of the Skyline Trail between the Reservation s Park open dawn to dusk. L d RIVER RESERVATION gton MASSPARKS; DCR BUREAU n arrin CAMP l Headquarters and Eliot Observation Tower atop Great Blue Hill. F e i t o Nam P a ee Restroom (year-round, seasonal) OF PLANNING, DESIGN & PONKAPOAG o r tr N a ddle S RESOURCE PROTECTION; is challenging route summits ve hilltops over steep, rocky terrain. p For the protection and enjoyment of the Blue Hills, t T Mi h e Homans Lane N MASS AUDUBON’S BLUE Follow the blue blazes from the headquarters, heading west toward the following are prohibited: ag Parking Area (large, small) HILLS TRAILSIDE MUSEUM; po oad Great Blue Hill. . miles · to . hours · diculttreet a Middle R FRIENDS OF THE BLUE HILLS; S k ESRI; FEMA; USGS d • Littering Redman n Swimming (seasonal) n Fa h o o rm Pat Po P • Open res nkapo P LOOP TRAILS ag T ath Road Snack Bar, Picnic Area ra s P Pond Street h il e re t in u Loop trails are marked with dots. ey begin and end at the same point, • Metal detectors Washington Street P t a e s P e a Playground Stream r at designated parking areas as marked on the map. B Acton h Duck P To • Alcoholic beverages oa Pa rd th T Dedham Street m Avon w Pond Pipe Line r a Skating Rink Intermittent Stream • Pets, except on a leash a l Square Yellow Dot Loops . – mile · hour · easy F k
• Hunting or trapping Canoe Launch Pond Yellow dots mark short loops which enable you to enjoy parts of the
n CANTON a See bus reservation in a small amount of time.
• Posting or distributing lea ets m schedule PONKAPOAG
d Tennis, Basketball Wetland GOLF COURSE e • Camping, except at AMC Camp with permit R AMC Green Dot Loops .– . miles · –. hours · moderate oag Path Athletic Field/Court Elevation Contours • Motorized vehicles, except on public roads PONKAPOAG ap Course CAMP nk Green dots mark several woodland loops which allow you to enjoy the Course Ponkapoag Pond Po ( foot interval) • Disruptive conduct, including public nudity Building Footprint natural beauty of the reservation.
ft High Street High
M (within reservation) Hilltop (with elevation) • Group use of or more, except with a DCR permit e Upper Reservoir Map a Red Dot Loops .–. miles · –. hours · challenging • Destruction or removal of vegetation, animals, le d State Police Town Boundary Hemlock Av o reet enue w d St Red dots mark rugged, rocky loops over hilly terrain providing a more structures, artifacts, or other State property GOLF Ree Road Train Station Blue Hills Reservation ton Pa Ro challenging hike. oag CLUBHOUSE Ac th a kap d In addition, the following activities are on ok FISHERMAN’S MBTA Bus Stop Other State Parkland o Fawn Circle P Br h BEACH t DIRECTIONAL LOOPS allowed in designated areas only: a Turnpike Street P
• Parking Harrison Road n Sunset Drive RESERVATION ROADS AND TRAILS Directional loop trails are marked with triangles, and both loops begin and nit B o Turner Road Pecu roo ct Cynthia Road A k • Sporting activities Canton Narrow Trail Paved Path end at the Houghton’s Pond main parking lot. ese are designed as rolling Street routes for a fun mountain bike ride or long woodland hike. e trails are • Mountain bicycling Ridley Road Wide Trail Bicycle Path marked in one direction only and are to be followed counterclockwise.
. ° ( ) Magnetic MA State Plane NAD To Cobbs • Charcoal grills or fuel stoves Washington Street Corner (see Unpaved Road Boardwalk Forest Path Loop miles · moderate • Non-motorized boating at Ponkapoag Pond bus schedule) North Street AMC CAMP Connolly Street White triangles mark this rambling loop in the Houghton’s Pond section. It • Swimming at Houghton’s Pond with lifeguard ENTRANCE RANDOLPH Paved Road orroway Brook Bridge Farm Street et Oak StreetN oers a long woodland hike or novice-to-intermediate mountain bike ride. CANTON Ca Stre supervision Bridle Path nton FARNHAMCONNOLLY INTERSECTIONt NUMBERS ee Breakneck Ledge Loop . miles · challenging STATE PARK DCR tr All visitors must follow directions of park personnel or S N. Main Street NEPONSET RIVER t e four-digit numbers seen on the map indicate u Yellow triangles mark this hilly loop in the Great Blue Hill section. It RESERVATION n police. Any violations of these regulations may result in st trail intersections. Look for the small white signs t RANDOLPH e provides a rocky, rugged experience for the advanced mountain biker or e h with black numbers on trees or posts along trails. arrest and/or ne per order of Commonwealth of Stre C avid hiker. olph Find the corresponding number on the map to Rand Massachusetts Regulations .. determine your location. NOTE: MAP INK COLORS MAY FADE WHEN EXPOSED TO SUNLIGHT. STAY ON DCR DESIGNATED TRAILS FOR SAFETY AND RESOURCE PROTECTION. PRINTED WITH SOY INK ON RECYCLED PAPER. DESIGNED BY D. KIMBALL DCR GIS APRIL D. DESIGNED BY