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Blue Hills - Skyline Trail
4.7 ★★★★★ 476 Google reviews · Running trail in Quincy, Massachusetts · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Loop distance
- 5 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Blue Hills - Skyline Trail's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Young, forested reserve for hiking as well as scenic views of Boston’s skyline.
What runners say about Blue Hills - Skyline Trail
“Absolutely gorgeous, trail very well marked (follow the sky blue lines), but very rocky and steep with a lot of scrambling--watch your footing.”
“Great, relatively easy trail.”
Beautiful trail near to Boston. We went early morning at 6am and were back to base by 9:30am. As we were early getting parking was easy. Trail is nicely marked to follow blue signs which really helps you keep on track. So there is no way you are getting lost.
It’s a difficult hike but worth taking. I spent 3 hrs as it was the first of its kind of hill hike for me. Good that I didn’t read much before deciding to go for it. I could see kids and grown ups showing the same level of enthusiasm. This was motivating for me all along and kept me going.
Great, relatively easy trail. We jumped between the blue and green trail which took us a little over two hours round trip. Small uphill and downhill climbs that could be a little difficult if not sure footed. Great views of the city!
Excellent trail. Challenging scrambles, and a good distance. Did it west to east from 138 in Milton to Shea Rink in Quincy. You get lots of elevation and scrambles right from the start and all the way along. As its name suggests you hit the peak of almost every hill in the Blue Hills park.
Trail conditions & character
“The trail has craggy and rocky sections with elevation changes that are a bit challenging for kids and seniors, but it provides different lengths for choice (5/10/15miles).”
“Absolutely gorgeous, trail very well marked (follow the sky blue lines), but very rocky and steep with a lot of scrambling--watch your footing.”
“For bikers, I find the winding parkway from Willard trailhead through Chickatawabut Rd very pleasing with wafts of pine breeze and a little up and downhills.”
“The trail has craggy and rocky sections with elevation changes that are a bit challenging for kids and seniors, but it provides different lengths for choice (5/10/15miles).”
“The trail has craggy and rocky sections with elevation changes that are a bit challenging for kids and seniors, but it provides different lengths for choice (5/10/15miles).”
“Had to cut the 5mile loop short due to blisters from new shoes and improper socks.”
“There are also porta-potties at certain points, which is convenient.”
“Absolutely gorgeous, trail very well marked (follow the sky blue lines), but very rocky and steep with a lot of scrambling--watch your footing.”
“Having said that, anyone with a moderate fitness level and sturdy footwear should be able to handle it.”
Plan your run at Blue Hills - Skyline Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- Loop distance5 mi back to where you parked. Long enough for a real long run.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
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