Are dogs allowed on Blue Hills Skyline Trail?

Yes, dogs are allowed on Blue Hills Skyline Trail but must be kept on a leash at all times. Pack out waste and respect wildlife.

Do I need a permit to hike Blue Hills Skyline Trail?

No, Blue Hills Skyline Trail does not currently require a permit. Still check for seasonal closures or day-use fees with the managing agency before heading out.

How difficult is Blue Hills Skyline Trail?

Blue Hills Skyline Trail is rated difficult. It is 7.5 miles long with 1,854 feet of elevation gain. Difficulty ratings reflect a combination of distance, elevation gain, and terrain — your experience will depend on your fitness level and trail conditions.

Is Blue Hills Skyline Trail suitable for kids?

Blue Hills Skyline Trail is not typically recommended for young children due to length, exposure, or technical terrain. Older kids with hiking experience may be fine — use your judgment based on your family's comfort level.

Status unknown — verify before visiting

We don't have current condition data for this trail. Check with the land manager before you go.

See Massachusetts trail conditions

DifficultPoint to Point

Massachusetts

Blue Hills Skyline Trail

Quincy, Massachusetts

7.5 mi

Distance

1,854 ft

Elev. Gain

3h 21m

Est. Time

Point to Point

Route Type

Difficult

Difficulty

About This Trail

Imported description

NOTE: The route on this page has the hiker starting at the eastern terminus on Willard Street and going west. Hikers can also start from the western terminus. This alternate route can also be found on AllTrails. Blue Hills Reservation is a popular hiking and mountain biking destination located about 10 miles south of downtown Boston. The Massachusetts State Park offers more than 125 miles of trails and is one of the largest parcels of undeveloped conservation land within the Boston metropolitan area. The park offers spectacular views and is a great place to see fall foliage. Visitors interested in the reservation's ecology will enjoy the numerous swamps, ponds, marshes and meadows, as well as a number of endangered species. The Blue Hills Skyline Trail features varied terrain and fantastic views of Eliot Tower and the Boston Skyline. The hiking trail summits a number of hills including Hancock Hill, Hemingway Hill, Wolcott Hill and Great Blue Hill at an altitude of 635 feet - the highest point in the reservation. The trailhead can be accessed from the Willard Street parking area. Horseback riding, trail running and cross-country skiing are also popular activities. Visitors interested in purchasing a reservation map for the best trails in the park can do so at the Reservation Headquarters office.

Trail Conditions

Unknown

We have no current condition data for this trail. Check with the operator before you go, and submit a report below if you've been recently.

No recent condition reports. Be the first to share what you see on the trail.

Elevation Profile

Min:25 ft

Max:189 ft

565 ft

581 ft

Trail Details

Dogs on leash

Route Type: Point to Point
Surface: Dirt

Official sources & verification

We don't have curated agency sources for this trail in our cache yet. Outdoors is not the permitting authority — confirm conditions, permits, and access with the managing agency before you go. If you know who manages this trail, please tell us.

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Legacy import — verify before navigating

Path geometry came from our pre-launch legacy database. Routes have not yet been re-verified against the operator and may differ from the actual trail.