LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY:Â MODERATE
4-mile hike with moderate hills, rocky terrain and some larger obstacles.
This hike will be meeting in the Houghton’s Pond parking lot by the children’s playground.
Join the Friends of the Blue Hills on a Hike! Thank you to Rosa for leading!
- If you have hiking poles, please bring them.
- Sturdy walking shoes required.
- Dress in layers for the weather.
- Inclement weather will cancel.
- Bring at least 1 liter of water and a snack.
- No children under 12 and no pets, please.
We start as a group and end as a group; nobody is left behind.
Important Reminders:
Commitment: Please do not sign up unless you are certain you can attend, as spaces are limited.
Pace and Duration: The hike is designed to be a leisurely walk, not a race. Expect to spend about 2 hours exploring the trails, with plenty of time to appreciate the scenery.
Sign up below!
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iNaturalist is an online citizen-science platform that helps identify the wildlife around you while generating data for science and conservation. iNaturalist’s Boston Area City Nature Challenge (CNC), is part of a worldwide collaborative bioblitz in cities across the world to document and identify as much wildlife as possible.
We invite you to participate in the Boston area CNC from April 25-28. Join Ann Schunior on a zoom session on April 17 to learn how to use iNaturalist. Then join Suzanne Mrozak on April 26 at Houghton’s Pond to make observations of wildlife and become part of one of the largest community science events in the world. Help us better understand – and therefore, take care of – nature that lives in and around urban areas.
The two events are independent. You can sign up for either or both.
Not familiar with the iNaturalist app? Don’t worry! We understand that some might be new to the app, which is why we’re offering a LIVE training session before the walk. During this training, Ann will guide participants through the app’s features, showing how to easily upload observations, identifyÂ
We ask that you download the iNaturalist app prior to the zoom call to help follow along!
A zoom call link for the April 17th iNaturalist app LIVE training session will be sent with 48 hours of signup!
Make sure you check out the Boston Area City Nature Challenge here: Boston CNC
Sign up for the Houghton’s Pond City Nature Challenge walk with Suzanne Mrozak here.
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Join the Friends of the Blue Hills along with our partners Widowmaker Brewing and ARC’TERYX at the 2025 Widow Walkers Hike Series. All hikes will meet at Widowmaker Brewing, 200 Wood Road Braintree and the group will walk to the Blue Hills trailhead. The registration cost is $10 per person which includes a free beverage after the hike and a donation to the Friends of the Blue Hills.
The hikes will vary month to month but most are 2-4 miles and geared towards a slower social pace – nothing strenuous.
Volunteer Event: Invasive Species Removal at Friends of the Blue Hills
We will meet of Ridgewood Road. Parking maybe limited. There are a few parking spots along route 28.
Join us for a hands-on volunteer event aimed at removing harmful invasive species, Garlic Mustard, from our beautiful local park. These plants disrupt native ecosystems, outcompeting native species and threatening local wildlife. By removing them, we help restore balance and support the health of our environment.
Please wear long pants and sturdy gloves to protect yourself from plants and possible scratches. We also recommend wearing closed-toe shoes or boots for comfort and safety. After the event, be sure to check for ticks as a precaution.
This is a great opportunity to give back to the environment, connect with fellow volunteers, and make a real difference in preserving our local park’s natural beauty.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Fill out this form and waiver below if you would like to volunteer!
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The Friends of the Blue Hills are happy to partner with the Department of Conservation and Recreation to keep the park clean! Be sure to join us!
Join us for a volunteer day dedicated to maintaining and improving the trails at The Friends of the Blue Hills. We’ll focus on essential tasks like brushing back overgrowth, clearing debris, raking paths, picking up trash, and clearing waterbars and drains to keep the trails safe and accessible for all.
For your safety and comfort, please wear long pants, sturdy gloves, and closed-toe shoes or boots. Be sure to dress appropriately for outdoor work. After the event, we also recommend checking for ticks as a precaution. We also recommend bringing a water bottle and dressing appropriately for outdoor conditions.
This is a wonderful way to give back to your community, enjoy the outdoors, and ensure our trails remain in great condition for everyone to enjoy.Â
We look forward to seeing you there!
The minimum age for participants is 15 years old per DCR.
Fill out this form and waiver below if you would like to volunteer!
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