Exploring the Blue Hills Reservation in Milton, MA

Looking for an outdoor adventure near Boston? Definitely check out the Blue Hills Reservation in Milton.  I have to admit that I was skeptical when my friend Brit suggested that we take a trip over there to explore the trails.  I mean it’s like 10 minutes south of Boston – I didn’t even know there were woods that close to the city! Ha. But, she does plan adventures for people over at Traveling Carrs, and she’s been hiking WAY longer than me, so it really came as no surprise that this was a perfect Sunday morning adventure.

When you enter the reservation, you’ll come upon the main Visitor Center.  However, there is only 10 minute parking at the Visitor Center – just enough time to run in and grab a trail map, which you definitely should have.  There is a small lot directly across from the Visitor Center, but we ended up parking in the Houghton’s Pond lot, a large lot near a playground (more on that later!) that is maybe 1/4 mile down the road from the Visitor Center.  After checking out the trail map and descriptions online, we decided to explore the Skyline Loop.

We were immediately greeted by rocky terrain upon entering the trail.  It looked a little daunting, but it was really fun to navigate!  L motored right up that hill and we were surprised at how quickly we made it up!

After our initial ascent, the trail flattened out for a bit.

After going down and up a bit, we eventually came to the most challenging part of the hike.  I use the word “challenging” loosely, as while we did have to use our hands to help us climb, it was definitely manageable.  L had no issues and I managed just fine with little man on my back (though we did have a conversation about him staying still and not rocking around while I was navigating the rocks!).

Not too long after that climb, we discovered Eliot Observation Tower.

This is at the summit of Great Blue Hill and affords some great views when you climb the stairs to the top.

Clearly, the weather on Sunday didn’t provide for the best views, but we still got a nice glimpse of Boston.  I imagine the scenery would be amazing on a clear day!

After enjoying a quick snack at the Observation Tower, we continued around the loop.  We are used to reaching a summit, and then going down.  We figured out pretty quickly when we reached an uphill climb not long after leaving the summit, that this trail doesn’t work that way; it’s a little odd, but actually really fun.  Having the terrain changes and varied climbs makes the hike interesting.  It’s also pretty entertaining to watch your 6 year old’s face when she sees another hill to climb when she thinks she’s done going up..

Luckily, she really enjoyed climbing up through the rocks, so there was no whining!

Another great thing about these trails is that they are really well labeled.  There are clear trail markers, signs on trees, and even arrows on the ground.

Even though the trails are well marked, you do need a trail map.  Because there are multiple trails and some turns, it’s important to know where you are and where your trail goes.  To help with that, there are periodic signs on trees with numbers that correspond to numbers on the trail map.

After making it back to Houghton’s Pond (which also has a trail if you’re not up for hills!), the kiddos got a chance to play on a great playground.   L enjoyed the big kid side …

while Little Man had fun on the little kid side!

I really do wish that I could siphon off some of their energy; apparently slides, swings, and space to climb is enough motivation to power through any hiking fatigue!  I just wanted a snack and to sit for a bit! Ha.

This was a great hike and I’m so glad that Brit brought us on this adventure!  If you need a stop during a road trip, or just need some outdoor time while in the Boston area, make sure to check out the Blue Hills Reservation!

I hope that your family enjoys this adventure as much as mine did!