The Middlesex Fells Reservation is a treasure in the Greater Boston area. This area of natural beauty is unexpected in two ways: it feels wild, despite being so close to the city, and the park’s terrain is as varied as it is lovely.
Flickr/Niklas Tenhaef
It’s quite impressive to see the park from above, especially the stark difference between the green space and urban areas surrounding it.
GoogleMaps You’ll find the reservation just off I-93 – the freeway literally bisects it!
Middlesex Fells is hiding 100 miles of trails just begging to be explored.
Tripadvisor/EvaF2Eva
Each has its own unique appeal.
Tripadvisor/EvaF2Eva
At 6.9 miles, the Skyline Trail is definitely challenging. But, if you’re already an experienced hiker, the views are more than worth the exertion.
Flickr/Lizard10979
This hike leads you up and over a series of rolling hills, through scenery diverse enough that you’ll never be bored.
Yelp/Sharon D.
At the northern end of the Skyline Trail, a 0.2-mile long spur leads to the Bear Hill Tower. Add this onto your walk if you like to feel on top of the world – it’s the highest point in the Fells!
Flickr/Jack Vinson
The vistas are even more impressive from Pine Hill. Perched on top of the hill is Wright Tower, which was named as a tribute to Elizur Wright, an abolitionist, mathematician, and driving force behind the plans to preserve Middlesex Fells for the public.
Flickr/NoahBKaplan
Even though this is on the Skyline Trail, you can scramble straight up to Wright Tower without completing the full loop.
Flickr/NoahBKaplan
Just look at these views of the Boston skyline!
Flickr/iluvgadgets
For a flatter, easier hike, try the Reservoir Trail.
Yelp/mrrranda b. It encircles the North Reservoir, Middle Reservoir, and South Reservoir. Along this 5.2-mile trek, you’ll enjoy scenery that includes meadows, a pine grove, brooks and, of course, the three reservoirs.
The Fells’ other attractions include fishing, biking, and playing in Sheepfold Meadow, which is a popular off-leash venue for dogs and their people.
Flickr/Katie Schumm
In warmer weather, you can rent kayaks at Spot Pond.
Flickr/Monikah Schuschu In addition to being a bit of a mouthful, the 0.8-mile-long Spot Pond Brook Archeological Self-Guided Trail combines walking with learning about the history of mills in the area.
You can visit the Middlesex Fells Reservation numerous times and soak in totally different scenery on each occasion, but one thing’s for sure: you’ll have an unforgettable experience. Since the Fells are so vast, it’s a good idea to print out a copy of the trail map or pull it up on your phone before you leave.
Flickr/Niklas Tenhaef
GoogleMaps
You’ll find the reservation just off I-93 – the freeway literally bisects it!
Tripadvisor/EvaF2Eva
Flickr/Lizard10979
Yelp/Sharon D.
Flickr/Jack Vinson
Flickr/NoahBKaplan
Flickr/iluvgadgets
Yelp/mrrranda b.
It encircles the North Reservoir, Middle Reservoir, and South Reservoir. Along this 5.2-mile trek, you’ll enjoy scenery that includes meadows, a pine grove, brooks and, of course, the three reservoirs.
Flickr/Katie Schumm
Flickr/Monikah Schuschu
In addition to being a bit of a mouthful, the 0.8-mile-long Spot Pond Brook Archeological Self-Guided Trail combines walking with learning about the history of mills in the area.
What’s your favorite part of the Fells? Let us know in the comments below, and don’t forget to share photos of your adventures on the Boston Only Facebook page or on Instagram (@only.in.boston) for a chance to see your photos featured!
The Boston area is laced with scenic trails – check out these other epic hiking spots for trails conveniently located around the city.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
