Calling all local kids and families!
Join us at Houghton’s Pond for a FREE day of fishing–and fun! All fishing equipment, plus instruction, will be provided.
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Women’s Fitness-Focused Hike at Blue Hills
Meeting Point: Houghton’s Pond Parking Lot
Time: 7:00 AM sharp
Level of Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
Duration: Approximately 1.5 hours
Join us for a women-only hike led by Evangeline, a Reiki Practitioner, yoga instructor, and community builder. These monthly hikes are designed for active women who enjoy hiking as part of a balanced fitness routine, alongside practices like yoga, strength training, or pilates.
We often explore sections of the Skyline Trail and other dynamic routes within Blue Hills Reservation. Expect a steady pace, elevation, and a focus on building endurance, strength, and connection through movement.
What to Expect
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A fitness-oriented space for women
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Steady-paced hiking with cardio and elevation
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Trails that challenge and energize
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Occasional moments of grounding in nature
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Group pacing—no one is left behind, but be prepared to move
What to Bring
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At least 1 liter of water
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A light snack for after the hike
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Hiking poles (optional but helpful)
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Sturdy hiking shoes
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Dress in layers appropriate for the weather
Important Notes
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Full hike details will be emailed a few days prior
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Hike will be canceled in case of inclement weather
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No children under 12 and no pets, please
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Space is limited—please only sign up if you’re certain you can attend
These hikes are meant to support your physical strength, mental clarity, and connection to nature. We look forward to hiking with you.
Sign up below
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How do you start your mornings before work? Brew a cup of coffee, read the news, or watch some TV? Friends of the Blue Hills has a better idea… Why not start your day with a 3-mile hike in the Blue Hills with Melissa!
Starting your day with physical activity can boost energy, improve mood, enhance focus, and promote better sleep, ultimately leading to a more productive and positive day. Now doesn’t that sound wonderful? We think so!
If this sounds great please sign up below!
Join Us for an iNaturalist Hike at Houghton’s Pond with Friends of the Blue Hills! Please meet Ann and Suzanne right next to the playground at Houghton’s Pond!
Discover the hidden wildlife around you with naturalists Ann Schunior and Suzanne Mrozak during a guided iNaturalist hike at Houghton’s Pond!
Whether you’re an experienced nature lover or just starting to explore the outdoors, this walk is a great way to connect with the environment and learn how to use the iNaturalist app, a powerful citizen-science tool that helps identify wildlife and contributes valuable data for conservation efforts.
You’ll help us better understand and protect the amazing biodiversity in and around our urban areas.
Back in April, Ann hosted a Zoom session on how to use iNaturalist. You can watch the video here get familiar with iNaturalist before the hike.
Come explore the natural world in a whole new way with Suzanne and Ann. Let’s discover what’s living in our own backyard!
Click here to learn how to sign up for iNaturalist and to get familiar with iNaturalist as well!
We look forward to seeing you out on the trail!
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What could be more spectacular than fall foliage? Experiencing it from the top of Great Blue Hill as the sun sets — picnic in hand and live music in the air from the Retro Rockets band!
On Saturday, October 11th, from 4:30 – 6:30 pm, join Friends of the Blue Hills for a one-of-a-kind autumn adventure. Take a self-guided hike to the summit or head up with one of our hike leaders, who will be guiding groups at intervals. Once at the top, spread out your picnic blanket, enjoy dinner with a view, and tap your feet to live music by local classic rock and oldies band Retro Rockets as the sun sets at 5:45 pm.
🌄 When to Arrive: The hike is self-paced, so come anytime — just be sure to leave enough time to reach the summit before the sunset show begins!
🅿️ Where to Park: We suggest carpooling or taking public transportation if possible. If you drive, and the lot between the Trailside Museum and the Ski Area is full (see A on the map), consider parking at the lot north of the museum (B) or the commuter lot next to Little Blue (C).
🥪 What to Bring: Picnic dinner, water, comfy shoes and your camera.
Sign Up Today! See the Special Bonus for Members…
Friends of the Blue Hills members enjoy FREE admission and entry into the raffle for FBH merch and surprise items from community partners. Members sign up here!
👉 Not a member yet? No problem! Register with an event fee donation and you’ll be entered into the raffle, too. Pick up your raffle ticket at check-in at the start of the red dot trail next to the Trailside Museum.
Questions about membership? Reach out to our Membership Coordinator, Mary Timilty, at mary@friendsofthebluehills.org.
General event questions? Email us at info@friendsofthebluehills.org.
Join us for a guided hike through an area undergoing ecological change, where fire has played a recent role in shaping the land. This walk offers a chance to explore how natural processes like fire influence forest health, biodiversity, and regeneration over time.
Led by a knowledgeable guide, we’ll follow a scenic loop through varied terrain, pausing along the way to observe and discuss how the forest responds to disturbance. You’ll learn how fire can benefit ecosystems, what changes we might expect to see, and how nature rebounds in surprising and beautiful ways.
This hike is designed for curiosity and conversation. We’ll move at a moderate pace, stopping at key points for reflection and discussion. While the effects of fire may look stark to some.