Great Blue Hill (635 ft.) is a
pleasant hike that offers a clear view of Boston from Eliot Tower
on the peak. It is located within Blue Hills Reservation,
a hilly nature preserve only a half hour south of Boston. Located
primarily in the town of Milton, Blue Hills encompasses 7000 acres,
125 miles of trails, and 22 hills, the most notable being Great
Blue Hill. A 10-mile day hike across the park offers many
fine views. Just outside the Trailside Museum is a sizable zoo
where a variety of wildlife - from otters to foxes - reside. A
swim at Houghtons Pond or Ponkapoag Pond after your hike is a
great way to top off the day. In the winter, skiers and snowboarders
can hit the slopes at the William F. Rogers Ski Slope. The state
government reduced Blue Hills budget by 1/3 in year 2000. Among
other things, it has had to close restrooms by the parking lot
and close the Trailside Museum on Monday and Tuesday in order
to maintain operations. Blue Hills encourages visitors to contact
state legislators to restore funding for this natural treasure
so close to Boston. The Trailside Museum is worth the very affordable
entrance fee. The $1 map is well-detailed and a useful purchase
for hiking in the Reservation.
