Night Hikes at the Blue Hills.

[Mongoose]

Has anyone done any night hikes at the Blue Hills just south of Boston? I hear the gates close in the evening so where would one park? I want to do a night hike and some photography there soon. I'm stuck doing local things until this shoulder gets better..

 

[rocket21]

Has anyone done any night hikes at the Blue Hills just south of Boston? I hear the gates close in the evening so where would one park? I want to do a night hike and some photography there soon. I'm stuck doing local things until this shoulder gets better..

If I recall, the parking area south of the ski area (closer to the interstate), near the Skyline Trail trailhead, is not gated.

 

[DrewKnight]

I think there are places you can access the trails from along Rt 28...

Which is also called Randolph Ave, as you drive north from the junction with Rt 93.

Not to put too fine a point on it, but be careful where you step / stumble in the warmer weather. Even in the broad daylight on weekends, the Blue Hills Reservation is a popular spot for, er, cruising. I wouldn't be surprised if amorous activities continue or even intensify in the evening hours, and, depending on your personality type, it might come either as a shock or a matter of mild amusement if you happened upon a couple in flagrante delicto.

 

[Jasper]

Blue Hills Night Hike

You are correct park is closed at sunset and the gates are shut.

You can always park at the Shea Ice Rink on Willard St. The trail is on the south side of the lot near Willard. This trail connects with the Skyline Trail.

For your personal safety, I strongly suggest that you don't hike alone.

 

[Mongoose]

ok, thanks for the info. Do you guys have any suggested trails? Probably the skyline trail is the best.

 

[HikerAmiga]

The Skyline Trail is about 9 miles end to end. You'll need a carspot on the other end near the expressway if you start at the Shea Rink. I would not hike it alone as the Skyline has some pretty steep sections that could be tricky in the dark.

Good luck!

 

[Dave Bear]

"Steep" in Massachusetts??? Do you actually get to glissade down there?

 

[HikerAmiga]

"Steep" in Massachusetts??? Do you actually get to glissade down there?

Yes, and yes again, Dave! Incidentally, the reservation has it's own ski area so there's not only glissading that's possible in certain steep sections but you can actually ski including free xc skiing in certain areas. Namely across the street from my house starting at the golf course and continuing on the Ponkapoag Pond Trail Loop, all part of the reservation.

Here's an online trails map of the Blue Hills that allows you to enlarge sections of it: http://www.friendsofthebluehills.org/MPC/dcr2004/2004dcr.htm

The Skyline trail (blue blazes), again, is about 9 miles from end to end, however, you can choose to do sections of it to include a nice loop right in the heart of the reservation. The reservation has 125 miles worth of trails and includes about 13 hills, is my recollection many of which are right on the Skyline Trail.