More than a
hill, less than a mountain. Great Blue
Hill is part of the larger Blue Hills Reservation in Milton and Canton,
Massachusetts. It is a perfect hike for
those who enjoy hiking but it is also small enough, 635 feet to the top, that
anybody can enjoy it. The name Blue
Hills came from the first European explorers who noticed a bluish hue on the
slopes of the hills when seen from a distance.
However, if hiking does not appeal
there is also a Trailside Museum at ground level as well. This features some cultural and natural
history exhibits and also live animals outside.
When I was there I got to see deer, snow owls, hawks, and a playful
otter that seemed to do tricks for me while I watched it in its tank.
The hike up
to the top of Great Blue Hill is the main attraction. The hike begins on trails. It’s a gradual climb which leads you across a
paved road at one point. That road is
not for the average driver, it is for those who are authorized to visit the Blue Hill Observatory and Science Center at
the summit. Those are usually school
groups or weather professionals.
In the summer the hike is much
easier. Add in some snow and it might
get a little trickier. The climb is
never too steep but believe me when you’re trudging through six inches of snow
it makes it a little slow going. If
there is a choice definitely choose warmer months for a hike. There is skiing on Great Blue Hill also if
that tickles your fancy.
If you
cannot visit Great Blue Hill when it’s warm there are some advantages. One thing I noticed was the fact that there
were hardly any other people along the way.
I was truly alone with my thoughts surrounded by the beauty of
nature. As you ascend to the summit of
Great Blue Hill the scenery is not any different from any other forest walk. That changes as you approach the top. Suddenly it gets brighter and through the
trees you begin to catch glimpses of the tremendous views awaiting you.
At the top you can see all around you for
miles. There is a picnic area for use in
warmer months. In winter you can hear
the sounds of skiers not too far away. Though
the views from the summit are spectacular there is a way to top that. Eliot Tower is part of a stone building at
the summit that can be climbed to the observation deck. Built over seventy years ago the view from
Eliot Tower is spectacular. The Boston
skyline was my favorite site to see from the tower; it’s difficult to miss. I braved the snow and an icy floor in the
tower for that view and it didn’t disappoint.
I made sure to shoot a video of my time there to whet the appetite of
any potential travelers.
Great Blue
Hill has so much to offer. The Trailside
Museum has exhibits and animals, there is skiing in winter, a weather station
for potential school trips, and of course the beautiful views from the summit
at Eliot Tower. Summer or winter it
really does not matter, anytime is a great time to pay this spot a visit. Have fun and happy traveling!
Great Blue Hill: Trailside
Museum, 1904 Canton Ave (Route 138), Milton.
Take Rt I-93 to exit 2B (Milton, Rt 138 North). Follow the exit ramp to
the first set of traffic lights. Go straight through the lights and the parking
lot is 0.5 miles ahead on the right. The museum is at the end of the parking
lot.
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| The summit trail in winter. |
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| A deer at the Trailside Museum. |
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| Coming up on Eliot Tower at the summit. |
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| View of the Boston skyline from Eliot Tower. |
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