The Milton-side portion of DCR's 7,000-acre Blue Hills Reservation, including the reservation headquarters, the Great Blue Hill summit and its historic Eliot Tower, and access to the 125-mile regional trail network. Houghton's Pond is the reservation's main developed recreation area.
What to expect
Trails
Has an extensive trail network (part of the reservation's 125 miles), including the Skyline Trail over Great Blue Hill, Chickatawbut Hill, Buck Hill, Tucker…
Dogs
Leashed dogs are welcome throughout the reservation; there are no designated off-leash areas anywhere in Blue Hills, and owners are expected to pack out waste.
Hours
Dawn to dusk, daily, year-round.
Accessibility
Not broadly accessible; most Blue Hills trails are natural-surface with rock and roots. Houghton's Pond (separate record) is the reservation's accessible/developed recreation area.
Managed by
MA Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), Blue Hills Reservation
(617) 698-1802 · WebsiteGetting in
Parking
Parking not sourced yet
Check the town or agency pages before you go.
What's here
On site
Info kiosk
Trail map kiosks and the DCR headquarters building on Hillside Street.
Common questions
Is Blue Hills Reservation open today?
Blue Hills Reservation is a public preserve in Milton, MA. Posted hours: Dawn to dusk, daily, year-round..
How long/hard are the trails?
It ranges widely: the loop around Houghton's Pond is an easy, flat mile-plus, while the Skyline Trail over Great Blue Hill and its neighboring summits is rocky and moderately strenuous with real elevation change.
Mostly natural surface, rocky in places near the summits. The Houghton's Pond loop is the main exception, with a boardwalk and flatter path.
Yes, on leash, throughout the reservation. There is no off-leash area anywhere in Blue Hills.
Where do I park and is it obvious?
Parking is scattered across small lots and roadside pull-offs along Hillside Street and Chickatawbut Road rather than one central lot, so first-time visitors often find Houghton's Pond's marked lot the easiest starting point.
Is there a hunting season to know about?
Not confirmed either way; check with DCR before visiting in fall.
Is there an entry fee at Blue Hills Reservation?
No, entry is free.
Can I bring my dog to Blue Hills Reservation?
Leashed dogs are welcome throughout the reservation; there are no designated off-leash areas anywhere in Blue Hills, and owners are expected to pack out waste.
Is Blue Hills Reservation wheelchair accessible?
Not broadly accessible; most Blue Hills trails are natural-surface with rock and roots. Houghton's Pond (separate record) is the reservation's accessible/developed recreation area.
What rules should I know at Blue Hills Reservation?
No off-leash dogs anywhere in the reservation.