Buck Hill Loop

The Buck Hill Loop is a hard, rewarding climb from Houghton’s Pond. It joins the Skyline Trail over Tucker Hill and Buck Hill, where a rocky summit opens up one of the best panoramas in the Blue Hills.

The route

1. From the Houghton’s Pond bulletin board, follow the red dots toward the beach and past the bathhouse.
2. At intersection #2053, keep on the red dots over Breeze Hill.
3. At intersection #2072, where the red, green, and blue trails meet, turn right onto the red dot and blue rectangle trail.
4. Climb over Tucker Hill and up to the summit of Buck Hill. Rest and take in the view.
5. At intersection #2210, turn right and follow the red trail down to the paved park road at #2071.
6. Take the red dot footpath back over Breeze Hill to the parking lot.

Before you go

• If you get lost or hurt, call 911. Give the dispatcher the four-digit number on the nearest intersection post. Those numbers match the DCR map and help responders find you. For non-emergency park concerns, DCR’s 24-hour dispatch is (508) 820-1428.
• Before you go, share your phone’s location with a friend, and tell someone your route and when you plan to be back.
• Carry the DCR trail map. Many intersections have a white post with a four-digit number that matches the map. If you get turned around, find the nearest number.
• Bring water, and dress for wind on the summits.
• The reservation is open dawn to dusk. Dogs must be leashed. Carry out everything you bring in.
• Timber rattlesnakes and copperheads live in the Blue Hills. They are shy. Stay on the trail and give them space.

FAQ

Route details are based on the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation’s recommended Blue Hills hikes. Trails and markers change, so carry the DCR map and confirm conditions with DCR at 617-698-1802.