offered by
Department of Conservation & Recreation
related to
Horseback Riding Trails
Cross-Country Skiing
Hiking in Massachusetts
Visit Massachusetts State Parks
Mountain Biking Trails

Blue Hills Reservation

Address

695 Hillside St., Milton, MA 02186
directions 

Phone

(617) 698-1802

Online

mass.parks@state.ma.us
Download a trail map 
Download cross-country ski guide 
Learn about mountain biking trails 
Transit friendly
Historic site
Accessible
Dogs Allowed

Details

Overview

Experience the natural beauty of Massachusetts just a few miles outside Boston. Blue Hills Reservation stretches over 7,000 acres, covering parts of Quincy, Braintree, Canton, Dedham, Milton, and Randolph. There are 125 miles of trails to explore through forests and wetlands, up hills, and more.

Hours

Dawn to dusk

Parking

Maps and information are available at park entrance, with 10 minute parking only. Visitor parking is available across the street, or at the Houghton's Pond parking lot.

Activities

Person in hiking boots trekking across nature

Hiking and walking 

Explore hiking trails that will take you up rocky summits, through forests and meadows, and along scenic waterways.
More 
Biking off the beaten path

Mountain biking 

Blue Hills Reservation has a huge network of wide carriage roads and rolling rocky trails that are perfect for all levels of mountain biking.
More 
Two boys playing and laughing in a pool

Swimming

Visit scenic Houghton's Pond Recreation Area for a fun day of swimming, fishing, or a family picnic.
Person holding skiing polls ready to take off

Skiing

Cross-country ski on park trails if snowfall allows or head to the Blue Hills Ski Area for downhill skiing. The season generally runs from mid-December to mid-March

All Activities

  • Hiking
  • Mountain biking
  • Horseback riding
  • Camping
  • Swimming
  • Boating (non-motorized)
  • Canoeing and kayaking
  • Golfing
  • Cross-country skiing
  • Downhill skiing
  • Rock climbing

Facilities

  • Athletic fields 
  • Educational programs
  • Grills
  • Historic sites
  • Lifeguard
  • Museum
  • Observatory 
  • Pavilion 
  • Picnic areas
  • Restrooms
  • Science center
  • Visitor center

Accessibility

  • Hiking
    • Paved trails
  • Picnicking 
  • Restroom
  • Swimming
  • Visitor center

Restrictions

  • Boats are only allowed on Ponkapoag Pond, Canton.
  • Dogs must remain on-leash
  • Dogs are not allowed on beach at Houghton Pond

More info

Visit Houghton's Pond inside Blue Hills Reservation for some summer swimming and fishing activities!

Find park programs and events

Blue Hills Deer Management Program

Blue Hills Planning Unit

Blue Hills Complex

Related Parks

Houghton's Pond Recreation Area 
Wilson Mountain Reservation 
Cutler Park Reservation 
Quincy Quarries Reservation 
See all related parks
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