


Q&A: Horseback Riding in the Blue Hills Reservation
by Friends of the Blue Hills | Aug 19, 2024 | Blog
As a multi-use park, the Blue Hills Reservation welcomes and encourages equestrians to use the trails and enjoy the natural beauty of the reservation. However, practicing proper trail etiquette and safety measures take horseback riding from fun for one to fun for all...
Understanding Wet Bulb Temperature and Its Impact on Outdoor Safety
by Julia Milot | Jul 19, 2024 | Blog
What is Wet Bulb Temperature? Wet bulb temperature (WBT) is a measure of heat and humidity that reflects the lowest temperature air can be cooled to by the evaporation of water. In layman’s terms, it’s the temperature reading on a thermometer covered by a wet cloth. ...
Welcome Back to Eliot Tower!
by Friends of the Blue Hills | Jul 17, 2024 | Blog
The wait is over! Eliot Tower renovations are complete, and visitors are again able to visit this well-loved, historic structure near the top of Great Blue Hill. Over the course of the past year or so, the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) invested $1...
Celebrating Summer in Style at Trillium
by Friends of the Blue Hills | Jul 1, 2024 | Blog
On Tuesday, July 25, the Friends of the Blue Hills community came together at Trillium Brewing – Canton to celebrate summer. The expansive patio just outside Trillium’s doors was the perfect spot to find some shade, have a seat, and enjoy the company of...
Embracing Fire Safety: Enjoying the Blue Hills Reservation Responsibly
by Friends of the Blue Hills | Jun 19, 2024 | Blog
A wildfire in the Blue Hills Reservation this spring brought attention to the importance of fire safety while enjoying outdoor adventures. As caretakers of these stunning landscapes, it’s essential for visitors to understand and follow fire safety guidelines....Upcoming Events
Sep
6
Sat
2025
9:00 am
Hike with Kay!
@ Donovan School
Hike with Kay!
@ Donovan School
Sep 6 @ 9:00 am – 11:00 am

This hike will be meeting at the Donovan School, 123 Reed St, Randolph, MA 02368, at 9:00am Sharp The Blue Hills are rich with natural resources. Starting at the Donovan School upper parking lot (left[...]
10:00 am
Discover Orienteering @ Houghton...
@ Houghton's Pond
Discover Orienteering @ Houghton...
@ Houghton's Pond
Sep 6 @ 10:00 am – 2:00 pm

Ready for an outdoor adventure? Join Navigation Games for an exciting Introduction to Orienteering at beautiful Houghton’s Pond! This fun, all-ages activity invites you to learn the basics of orienteering—an outdoor navigation sport where you use a map and[...]
Sep
13
Sat
2025
8:30 am
Walk with a Doc
@ Houghton's Pond Parking Lot A-
Walk with a Doc
@ Houghton's Pond Parking Lot A-
Sep 13 @ 8:30 am

This walking program is a fun and safe place to take a walk (at your pace), learn health tips from local healthcare professionals, and meet new people. The event is FREE and all are welcome![...]
9:00 am
Trail Maintenance at the Friends...
Trail Maintenance at the Friends...
Sep 13 @ 9:00 am – 12:00 pm

Meeting Location: Houghton’s Pond! HERE 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[...]
10:00 am
Let’s Go Fishing with Elevate Yo...
@ Houghton's Pond
Let’s Go Fishing with Elevate Yo...
@ Houghton's Pond
Sep 13 @ 10:00 am – 2:00 pm

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. #gform_wrapper_23[data-form-index="0"].gform-theme,[data-parent-form="23_0"]{--gf-color-primary: #204ce5;--gf-color-primary-rgb: 32, 76, 229;--gf-color-primary-contrast: #fff;--gf-color-primary-contrast-rgb:[...]
Sep
14
Sun
2025
7:30 am
Hike with Rosa
@ Houghton's Pond Recreation Area
Hike with Rosa
@ Houghton's Pond Recreation Area
Sep 14 @ 7:30 am

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[...]
10:00 am
ARC’TERYX RUN BOSTON-10k Trail Race
@ Houghton's Pond
ARC’TERYX RUN BOSTON-10k Trail Race
@ Houghton's Pond
Sep 14 @ 10:00 am

Join our partner Arc’Teryx Boston for a 10k trail race at Blue Hills Reservation followed by complimentary refreshments and a post-race celebration! This event is for all paces and skill levels; all are welcome. 1st[...]
Sep
15
Mon
2025
10:00 am
Invasive Plant Removal at Burma ...
@ Farnham Connolly
Invasive Plant Removal at Burma ...
@ Farnham Connolly
Sep 15 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm

Volunteer Event: Invasive Species Removal at Friends of the Blue Hills Join us for a hands-on volunteer event aimed at removing harmful invasive species, Mile-A-Minute, from our beautiful local park. These plants disrupt native ecosystems,[...]
Sep
18
Thu
2025
10:00 am
Ashes to New Beginnings Hike
@ Houghton's Pond Parking Lot
Ashes to New Beginnings Hike
@ Houghton's Pond Parking Lot
Sep 18 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm

LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY: MODERATE This hike will be approximately 3 miles, with some elevated difficult terrain and rocky obstacles. Wear sturdy footwear. This hike will begin at 840 Hillside St, Houghton’s Pond, by the playground. Hikes[...]
6:30 pm
2025 Annual Celebration: Fuel th...
@ Irish Cultural Centre
2025 Annual Celebration: Fuel th...
@ Irish Cultural Centre
Sep 18 @ 6:30 pm – 9:30 pm

🎉 It’s More Than a Fundraiser — It’s a Celebration of Adventure Join us for an unforgettable evening that puts the fun in fundraising! Whether you come for the outdoor vibe, the vibrant community, or the chance to[...]
Sep
20
Sat
2025
7:00 am
Woman’s Only Hike With Evangeline
@ Houghton's Pond
Woman’s Only Hike With Evangeline
@ Houghton's Pond
Sep 20 @ 7:00 am – 9:00 am

Women’s Fitness-Focused Hike at Blue HillsMeeting Point: Houghton’s Pond Parking LotTime: 7:00 AM sharpLevel of Difficulty: Moderate to ChallengingDuration: Approximately 1.5 hours Join us for a women-only hike led by Evangeline, a Reiki Practitioner, yoga[...]
9:00 am
Nature Journaling for Kids
@ Houghton's Pond
Nature Journaling for Kids
@ Houghton's Pond
Sep 20 @ 9:00 am – 11:00 am

On our nature journaling hike, we will become young explorers and scientists. As we walk along the trails, we will use our eyes, ears, and even noses to discover the wonders of nature all around[...]
Sep
21
Sun
2025
10:00 am
Widow Walkers Hikes-9/21/25 Feel...
@ Widowmaker Brewing
Widow Walkers Hikes-9/21/25 Feel...
@ Widowmaker Brewing
Sep 21 @ 10:00 am

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[...]
Sep
27
Sat
2025
9:00 am
Kid Friendly Hike
@ Houghton's Pond
Kid Friendly Hike
@ Houghton's Pond
Sep 27 @ 9:00 am – 11:00 am

The Signup is closed, If you would like to join the hike please meet Caitie at the Playground at 8:50 at Houghton’s Pond. Please check in with her there. Bring the whole family and join[...]
10:00 am
Kyle Ollmann’s Memorial Hike
@ Shea Rink
Kyle Ollmann’s Memorial Hike
@ Shea Rink
Sep 27 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm

A lifelong resident of Quincy Kyle was a graduate of Quincy High School, Class of 2019. Kyle’s family was extremely proud of him to have bought his first house at 22 years old after all[...]
5:30 pm
Evening Hike With Thomas
@ Houghton's Pond
Evening Hike With Thomas
@ Houghton's Pond
Sep 27 @ 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm

LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY:Â MODERATE Please meet Thomas at Houghton’s Pond. He will wait for all hikers to arrive! 4-mile hike with moderate hills, rocky terrain and some larger obstacles. Join the Friends of the Blue Hills[...]
Sep
28
Sun
2025
7:00 am
Every Body Hikes! Hike With Evan...
@ Houghton's Pond
Every Body Hikes! Hike With Evan...
@ Houghton's Pond
Sep 28 @ 7:00 am – 9:00 am

Meeting Point: Houghton’s Pond Parking LotTime: 7:00 AM sharp Level of Difficulty: ModerateDuration: Approximately 1.5 hours Join us for a refreshing coed wellness hike led by Evangeline—a Reiki Practitioner, yoga instructor, and community builder. These[...]
Oct
1
Wed
2025
7:00 am
Your Morning 3-Miler with Melissa
@ TBD
Your Morning 3-Miler with Melissa
@ TBD
Oct 1 @ 7:00 am – 8:30 am

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[...]
Oct
4
Sat
2025
7:00 am
Every Body Hikes! Hike With Evan...
@ Houghton's Pond
Every Body Hikes! Hike With Evan...
@ Houghton's Pond
Oct 4 @ 7:00 am – 9:00 am

Meeting Point: Houghton’s Pond Parking LotTime: 7:00 AM sharp Level of Difficulty: ModerateDuration: Approximately 1.5 hours Join us for a refreshing coed wellness hike led by Evangeline—a Reiki Practitioner, yoga instructor, and community builder. These[...]
9:00 am
Trail Maintenance at the Friends...
Trail Maintenance at the Friends...
Oct 4 @ 9:00 am – 12:00 pm

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[...]
Oct
5
Sun
2025
9:00 am
Colonial Road Runner Club Race
@ Houghton's Pond Parking Lot
Colonial Road Runner Club Race
@ Houghton's Pond Parking Lot
Oct 5 @ 9:00 am – 11:00 am

These trail races follow rolling courses over dirt roads and forest paths in the Houghton’s Pond section of the scenic DCR Blue Hills Reservation, a few miles south of Boston. The routes avoid steep hiking[...]