Named after the People of the Great Hills, who went by Massachuseuk, which translates to “people living near the great hills,” the Massachuseuk people’s way of life aligned with the changing of the seasons. The Massachuseuk lived in balance with nature.
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts’ Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) aims to preserve that historic harmony of the Massachuseuk with a 7,000-acre natural habitat meant for learning and exploration, just a quick trip outside of Boston.
What are the Blue Hills
Encompassing 7,000 acres and stretching from Dedham to Quincy and Milton to Randolph, Blue Hills Reservation is Boston’s backyard natural playground. Olmsted firm partners Charles Eliot and Warren H. Manning established Blue Hills Reservation in 1893 to create an interconnected series of parks serving Greater Boston. Established over 100 years ago, Blue Hills served as a metropolitan park to enjoy nature’s bounty to the fullest!
Just a quick escape from the city, at the summit, you’ll find Boston’s skyline beaming in the background on a clear day. Whether you’re a hiker, skier, or biker, Milton’s Blue Hills Reservation offers an adventure for everyone.
Things to do in the Blue Hills
Bostonians who frequent Blue Hills Reservation in Milton will know it for its 125-mile network of trails. There’s a trail for every activity at Blue Hills.
The wider trails in the park originally served as carriage roads for trail riding. Today, they’re popular among equestrians for scenic riding.
The park offers vernal pools, protects over 13 endangered species, a trailside museum, fishing, camping, rock climbing, swimming, skiing, mountain biking and much more!
With 7,000 acres to play with, the DCR hosts programming throughout the seasons! Explore the official trail map for an inside look at some of the things to do at Blue Hills Reservation!
Maple tapping at the Blue Hills
This March, DCR is tapping into the season with Maple Sugaring! Learn all about the process of making maple syrup from tree to bottle, and end the programming by extracting the delicious sweet treat! With the changing seasons, there is always something new to do at the Blue!