1. Hikes starting from Reservation Headquarters...


Skyline Loop Blue Blazes   3 miles (1.5 to 2.5 hrs.) challenging
This popular loop trail crosses several summits offering panoramic views. The highlight of the hike is Great Blue Hill, the highest peak on the Atlantic coast south of Maine. The North Skyline Trail begins at Reservation Headquarters. Follow the blue blazes up the woodland lane across from the front porch. Turn right on the footpath 50 yards away from the headquarters. An alternative is starting from the South Skyline which begins on Hillside St., 200 yards south of Reservation Headquarters in the direction of Houghtons Pond.

Hancock Hill   1/2 mile (30 minutes) moderate
A wonderful summit view for those with limited time. .. Begin to follow the North Skyline Trail at Reservation Headquarters and ascend the first hill, stopping at the first summit. Hancock Hill burned in August, 1987. Return on the same trail.

Wolcott Path/Border Path   2.5 miles (1 to 1.75 hrs) easy
A relatively level hike through beautiful woodlands. Scenic highlights include majestic stands of pines and hemlocks. Follow the woodland lane that starts at Reservation Headquarters (Wolcott Path) approx. 1/2 mile to the Five Corners intersection (five trails converge). Angle right on the green dot trail. Upon reaching Border Path (intersection 1135), turn right and continue to intersection 1175. Turn right and follow the path past intersection 1178 and back to Wolcott Path.

2. Hikes starting from Houghtons Pond...


Houghton's Pond Loop Yellow Dot   3/4 mile ( 30 minutes) easy
A short scenic hike around popular Houghton's Pond. This walk is very picturesque during the fall foliage season. Walk from the bulletin board at the- main parking area and head down to the pond, circle the pond using the paths and roadway. Yellow marks on trees guide the way.

Dark Hollow Loop Green Dot   2 miles ( 1.5 hours) easy
(moderate with the Tucker Hill addition)
This mostly level forested loop trail takes you through oak-pine woodlands. For the more adventurous, a side trip up Tucker Hill provides fine views of Houghton's Pond and surrounding areas. From the Houghton's Pond bulletin board, walk towards the beach and pass by the bathhouse. Follow the green dots which begin past the bathhouse and loop around the base of Tucker Hill. To climb Tucker Hill, follow the green dots to the Skyline Trail (blazed in blue) and head uphill to the summit of Tucker Hill.

Buck Hill Orange to Blue Blaze   3.5 miles ( 2 to 3 hours) - challenging
The rocky summit of Buck Hill offers a stellar 360 degree view of the surrounding region and is an invigorating climb. From the Houghton's Pond bulletin board, walk towards the beach and pass by the bathhouse. At intersection 2053 turn left onto the orange blazed Prescott Trail and follow it to intersection 2210. Take a left on the blue blazed Skyline Trail and proceed up Buck Hill. The Skyline Trail will take you back to Hillside Street across from the Police Station. Turn left and follow the road back to Houghton's Pond.

3. Hikes starting from Trailside Museum...


Wolcott Path Green Dot Loop   2 miles (1 to 2 hrs) easy
This relatively level trail through large hardwood forests begins in the parking area,500 feet north of Trailside Museum. Follow the green dots starting at the bulletin board.

Great Blue Hill   1 mile (1 to 1.5 hrs) moderate
Thousands of hikers ascend Great Blue Hill each year to enjoy the fantastic view. On a clear day, Mt. Monadnock in New Hampshire, is visible close to 70 miles away! This moderately steep trail begins from the Trailside Museum and is marked by red dots. The paved access road to the summit is an easier alternative route. This road is reached at the parking area just north of Trailside Museum. Follow the green dot trail starting at the bulletin board and turn right at the paved road.

Ponkapoag Pond Green Dot   3.75 miles (2.5 to 3 hrs) moderate
Follow the green dot trail around the reservations largest and most remote body of water. Ranger highly recommend an optional exploration over the Ponkapoag boardwalk. The bog is located across from the YMCA camp site. Park at the Rt. 93 exit 3 pull-off on Blue Hill River Rd. Do not block gate.

Braintree Pass Path   3 miles (2 to 2.5 hrs) easy
This hike is one of the gems of the reservation. The trail passes by stands of majestic hemlocks, slopes covered with mountain laurel and an Atlantic cedar swamp. An old cellar hole along the way marks the Glover Homestead where settlers farmed hundreds of years ago. The trail begins at the intersection of Rt. 28 and Chickatawbut Rd. Park in the small pull-off and walk by the bulletin board down Braintree Pass Path. After passing intersection 3072 take the next trail that bears left and follow it downhill to intersection 3121. Go left again and follow the path skirting the swamp to your right. Return to Braintree Pass Path via Bouncing Brook Path.