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Houghton’s Pond Loop

Blue Hills Trails

An easy 1.15-mile yellow dot walk around Houghton’s Pond in Milton, good for all ages.

Aerial view of the Blue Hills range south of Boston

The Houghton’s Pond loop is the easiest walk in the Blue Hills: a scenic, mostly level stroll on yellow dots around the pond in Milton. It works for all ages, and it is beautiful in fall color.

DistanceAbout 1.15 miles
Time45 minutes to 1 hour
DifficultyEasy, some exposed roots
StartHoughton’s Pond kiosk, 840 Hillside St, Milton

Trailhead parking

Directions to Houghton’s Pond →

The route

  1. Park at Houghton’s Pond Recreation Area, 840 Hillside Street, Milton, and start at the kiosk.
  2. Follow the yellow dots around the pond.
  3. Watch for exposed tree roots along the shore.
  4. The loop brings you back to the start.
Make a day of it. In summer Houghton’s Pond has a swimming beach. Dogs are welcome on the trail on a leash, but not on the beach. Ready for a climb? Buck Hill and Tucker Hill start from the same 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.
  • Wear sturdy shoes, 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.

Guided hikes

Add a guided summit hike

Our staff lead groups up Great Blue Hill, connecting the trail to the landscape, the climate record, and 141 years of daily observation. Every guided hike ends inside the Observatory.

Staff-led · By appointment, any day, year-round · Observatory tour included · From $250 per group, members save

See guided hikes

FAQ

How long is the walk around Houghton’s Pond?

DCR lists the yellow dot loop at about 1.15 miles, taking 45 minutes to an hour.

Is the Houghton’s Pond loop good for kids?

Yes. It is the easiest walk in the reservation and mostly level, with some exposed roots.

Can dogs go to Houghton’s Pond?

Dogs are allowed on the trails on a leash, but not on the Houghton’s Pond beach.

Trail details are based on the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation’s recommended color-coded hiking trails. Trails and markers change, so carry the DCR map and confirm conditions with DCR at 617-698-1802.

Then see the summit

From the pond, Great Blue Hill and its Observatory are a short drive away on Route 138.

Plan your visit See the summit now