Field guide
Running a Blue Hills trail or hiking the reservation
Official information for the Blue Hills trail system. Find details on the 125 miles of paths, parking, hours, and rules for hiking and running.
The Blue Hills Reservation is a 7,000 acre green space located minutes from downtown Boston. It extends across several towns, including Quincy, Dedham, Milton, and Randolph.
This guide provides practical information for runners and hikers using official sources. It covers trail details, access, and rules for using the park.
Official facts at a glance
- Type of place
- Green oasis in an urban environment
- Address
- 725 Hillside Street, Milton, MA 02186
- Location description
- Only minutes from downtown Boston, stretches over 7,000 acres from Quincy to Dedham, Milton to Randolph
- Total trail length
- 125 miles
- Park hours
- Dawn to dusk
- Houghton's Pond parking fee
- Free
- Donovan School parking restriction
- Prohibited during school hours (7:00AM-3:00PM)
- Transit access
- Transit friendly
- Restrooms available
- Yes
- Water recommendation
- Bring plenty of water
- Dog leash rule
- Must remain on-leash
- Mountain biking trails
- Huge network of wide carriage roads and rolling rocky trails for all levels
- Trail map requirement
- Bring a trail map
- Great Blue Hill height
- 635 feet
Sources: Blue Hills Reservation (mass.gov), Hiking in Blue Hills (mass.gov). Official pages, checked Oct 21, 2026.
The trail system
The reservation contains 125 miles of trails. The terrain includes Great Blue Hill, which has an elevation of 635 feet.
The network includes wide carriage roads and rolling rocky paths. Mountain biking is permitted on a large network of these trails.
Park access and hours
The park is open from dawn to dusk. The main address is 725 Hillside Street in Milton. The reservation is accessible by public transit.
Free parking is available at Houghton's Pond. Parking at the Donovan School is prohibited during school hours, from 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
Rules and facilities
Restrooms are available for public use within the reservation. All dogs must remain on a leash at all times while in the park.
Before you go
- Bring a trail map to find your way on the paths.
- Carry plenty of water for your activity.
- Confirm park hours are suitable for your plans, as it is open from dawn to dusk.
- Check parking restrictions if you plan to park near the Donovan School.
- Ensure your dog is on a leash.
Nearby options: running and active spots in Boston. All cities: City running and hiking guides.