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Houghton's Pond Recreation Area
4.6 ★★★★★ 643 Google reviews · Running trail in Milton, Massachusetts · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Houghton's Pond Recreation Area'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.
Popular destination for picnics and grilling, with a playground and beach.
What runners say about Houghton's Pond Recreation Area
“Just behind the shoreline there was lots of space for picnics and barbecues amid a picturesque tree lined backdrop.”
Moderate hike to buck hill was beautiful. Quiet well marked trails. Great views from the top of the hill. Boston skyline views. Ocean views. Windy and cold today.
Good place for a walk. If you want to take a hike up the Blue Hills, this is also a spacious area to park your car.
This place is great! Big pond, great to get some steps in while enjoying some beautiful scenery and listening to nature. Early morning walks are great as it’s not too crowded. Weekends can get pretty hectic here during the summertime as lots of people picnic here.
This is probably the best park for nature in Greater Boston. It has a great balance of community events/spaces with trails through nature. The hike around the pond is easy and scenic. Despite its proximity to Dorchester et. al., you’ll find that you’re still immersed in nature.
Trail conditions & character
“Just behind the shoreline there was lots of space for picnics and barbecues amid a picturesque tree lined backdrop.”
“It’s a fun atmosphere, but be prepared for the decibel level to get up there with effectively multiple competing barbecues:) There is a huge parking lot that is free.”
“If you want to take a hike up the Blue Hills, this is also a spacious area to park your car.”
“Has a nice picnic area, good for swim (in summer), has restrooms and a separate playground.”
“Early morning walks are great as it’s not too crowded.”
“It’s a fun atmosphere, but be prepared for the decibel level to get up there with effectively multiple competing barbecues:) There is a huge parking lot that is free.”
Plan your run at Houghton's Pond Recreation Area
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- Websitemass.gov
- Phone+1 617-698-1802
Hours
| Monday | 8 am–6 pm |
| Tuesday | 8 am–6 pm |
| Wednesday | 8 am–6 pm |
| Thursday | 8 am–6 pm |
| Friday | 8 am–6 pm |
| Saturday | 8 am–6 pm |
| Sunday | 8 am–6 pm |
Running trails near Milton
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
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Park featuring a playground, hiking trails, picnic areas, a pond, and a farmers market.