Did you miss our fishing event in August?
Well, we’re doing it again in September!
Join us at Houghton’s Pond for a FREE family-friendly day of fishing–and fun! All fishing equipment, plus instruction, will be provided. No MA fishing license is required.
There will be a practice casting area, arts & crafts, and activities for kids.
Sponsored by: Elevate Youth, DCR, and US Fish and Wildlife Service
[gravityform id="25" title="true"]
Event Details:
- When: Sunday, September 22nd, 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM
- Duration: 2 hours
- Meeting Point: Trailside Museum, Milton, MA
- Participants: Limited to 20 people
- Sign-Up: Guests must sign up in advance
Hike Description:
Celebrate the Autumnal Equinox with a scenic hike through the Blue Hills Reservation, starting from the Trailside Museum in Milton, MA. This special event offers a peaceful morning walk suitable for all skill levels. The Autumnal Equinox, occurring on September 22nd, marks the moment when day and night are nearly equal in length, signaling the transition from summer to fall. This hike provides an opportunity to observe the changing colors of the season and experience the balance and harmony that the equinox symbolizes. Participants will explore a mix of gravel and rocky trails, enjoying the diverse natural habitats of the area and the serene beauty of the autumn landscape.
What to Bring:
- Water: Staying hydrated is essential, so please bring plenty of water.
- Snacks: Pack some light snacks to keep your energy up.
- Clothing: Dress in layers and wear moisture-wicking clothing to stay comfortable in varying temperatures.
- Bug Spray: Protect yourself from insects.
- Tick Check: Be sure to check for ticks during and after the hike.
Important Reminders:
Hike Release Form: Please fill out the hike release form before joining the hike. This helps ensure everyone’s safety and well-being.
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.
We look forward to seeing you on the trail!
[gravityform id="6" title="true" description="true"]
Event Details:
- When: Sunday, September 22nd, 7:30 AM – 11:00 PM
- Duration: 2.5 hours
- Participants: Limited to 20 people
- Sign-Up: Guests must sign up in advance
Hike Description:
Join us for “Beginner Birding: The Fall Migration,” a special hike where we’ll explore the wonders of autumn bird migration. As summer ends and temperatures begin to cool, many bird species migrate south to warmer climates. Massachusetts, and particularly the Blue Hills, is a key stopover for these migrating birds. The diverse habitats in the area—woodlands, wetlands, and open fields—provide vital food and rest for birds on their journey.
During the hike, participants will learn about the patterns and behaviors of migratory birds, why these migrations occur, and how to identify different species. The fall migration offers a unique opportunity to see a variety of birds, including warblers, thrushes, raptors, and waterfowl. Participants may spot colorful warblers such as the Yellow-rumped Warbler and the Black-throated Blue Warbler, majestic raptors like the Red-tailed Hawk, and waterfowl including the Wood Duck and the American Black Duck. Keep your eyes peeled and your ears open, as we may also encounter resident species like the Black-capped Chickadee and Northern Cardinal.
What to Bring:
- Binoculars: Enhance your bird-watching experience by bringing binoculars.
- Field Guide: A bird field guide can help with identification.
- Water: Staying hydrated is crucial, so please bring plenty of water.
- Snacks: Pack some light snacks to keep your energy up.
- Clothing: Dress in layers and wear comfortable walking shoes. Neutral colors are recommended to avoid startling the birds.
- Bug Spray: Protect yourself from insects.
- Tick Check: Be sure to check for ticks during and after the hike.
Important Reminders:
- Hike Release Form: Please fill out the hike release form before joining the hike. This helps ensure everyone’s safety and well-being.
- No Dogs: To maintain a safe and enjoyable environment for all participants and to avoid disturbing the birds, pets are not allowed on this hike.
- 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 with stops for bird-watching and observation. Expect to spend about 3 hours exploring the trails.
We look forward to seeing you on the trail and enjoying the wonders of the fall migration!
[gravityform id="6" title="true" description="true"]
These trail races follow rolling courses over dirt roads and forest paths in the Houghton’s Pond section of the scenic Blue Hills Reservation, a few miles south of Boston. The routes avoid steep hiking trails, but these ARE trail races, with plenty of small rocks and tree roots along the way! Both courses are entirely on dirt.
Two race distances are offered:  7 MILES and 3.7 MILES. Both races will start and finish adjacent to the Houghton’s Pond Visitor Center, overlooking Houghton’s Pond.  The total elevation change is about 700 feet for the 7-mile race, and 300 feet for the 3.7-mile race.
The races are directed by Colonial Road Runners. A portion of the race proceeds will be donated to Friends of the Blue Hills, which helps to maintain trails in the Reservation and serves as an advocate for the Reservation’s protection.
The registration fee is $30 for the 7-mile race and $25 for the 3.7 mile race through September 5. The fees increase by $5 for each race on September 6.  Fees are reduced by $5 for registrants who are 19-and-under or 70+ (as of race day). (Members of Colonial Road Runners receive a separate $5 discount, which is applied automatically at checkout.)
PLEASE NOTE: Due to DCR permit restrictions, REGISTRATION IS LIMITED TO 300 RUNNERS combined for the two races, and there will be NO race-day registration.
Race entries are non-refundable. However, if you are ill or injured, or otherwise unable to participate, we will allow you to transfer or defer your entry. For details, please contact the Race Director at trailrunning@colonialrunners.org .
FOR SAFETY’S SAKE: Due to the narrow trails, dogs are not allowed, and we strongly urge that you do not use headphones.
REGISTER AT THE LINK. https://runsignup.com/Race/MA/Milton/HoughtonsPondTrailRace
What could be more spectacular than fall foliage? Viewing this foliage from the top of Great Blue as the sun sets! Enjoy the season’s finest colors from the summit of the region’s highest hill.
On Saturday, October 19th from 3:30 – 6:30 pm, the Friends of the Blue Hills and Blue Hill Ski will be sponsoring a free self-guided hike to the top of Great Blue. Hikers are encouraged to bring a picnic dinner and plenty of water to enjoy at the summit. You will also tap your feet to the band music at the summit from 4:30 to 6:00 pm. Please click here to register.
Sunset will be at 5:45pm. This is a self-guided hike, so feel free to arrive anytime. (You’ll just want to give yourself time to hike to the top to see the sunset!)
This is the only opportunity to hike down Great Blue at night. After sunset, the ski area lights will be on to guide the way.
Please wear sturdy shoes, bring plenty of water and it would be a good idea to bring a flashlight as well. Free parking is available at Blue Hills Ski Area, 4001 Washington Street, Canton.
All participants will check in at the Red Dot Trail/Abigail Adams trailhead in the Blue Hills Trailside Museum south parking lot. You also need to check out at the end of the hike at the Blue Hill Ski Area lodge. We require your phone number so we can call you if you do not check out, just to make sure you returned safely.
If your company or organization would like to sponsor this hike or other Friends of the Blue Hills events, please reach out to Melissa Nelson at melissa@friendsofthebluehills.
Email us with your questions: info@FriendsoftheBlueHills.org.