Although not known for "peaks", the Boston area is home to many public lands with extensive trail networks all within 10 miles of downtown Boston. The "Boston 5" is designed as a sampler of the nearest public lands surrounding the city, a first challenge for you to tackle in the Boston area. Includes 5 lower "peaks" all inside the I-95 ring. Features the scenic lookout tower above the impressive grounds of Mount Auburn Cemetery in Cambridge and the highest hills in several public lands: the Blue Hills to the south and the Middlesex Fells, Breakheart Reservation, and Lynn Woods Reservation to the north.
Highest peak
Great Blue Hill
634 ft / 193 m
Most prominent peak
Great Blue Hill
483 ft / 147 m prom
Most summited peak
Great Blue Hill
111 summits
Most difficult peak
no info yet
Difficulty breakdown
no info yet
Highlights
Latest summits
"Warmest day of the year so far, gorgeous weather. Set off from Houghton's Pond and hiked all the hills west of Route 28 as well as Hawk Hill to round out the loop. Spent some time at the observatory at the top of the Great Blue Hill and learned about its history (longest continuous weather record in the US). Great 360-degree views from the top of the observatory, including the Boston skyline to the north, Mt. Wachusett to the west, the Monadnock Range and Mt. Watatic to the northwest, and the rest of the Blue Hills to the east." — JCalautti • Apr 15, 2024
"A hike in the Breakheart Reservation on the Wakefield side before heading over to Hopothocary Ales to pick up a MA Brew and View. Neat views from the summits of both peaks. We could see the Boston skyline on the horizon. " — newenglandwarrior • Apr 13, 2024
"Incredible hike through the fire-thinned rocky heights. Although many of the trails were flooded from all the rain earlier in the week, it was very easy to bushwhack around the puddles. We were followed by a trio of white-tailed deer for the first couple miles who let us get very close. Make sure you keep track of time, because the police are not kidding when they say the park closes at sunset." — JCalautti • Apr 5, 2024
"Rain the day before and freezing temperatures overnight, so there were some patches of ice but nothing dangerous. Had to double-back over Winthrop Hill to retrieve a lost hat. We saw an abundance of birds along the trail, particularly around the North Reservoir, and even spotted a heron in Long Pond. Cold started to set in as the sun went down, but we finished the loop soon after." — JCalautti • Mar 24, 2024
"Traversed the Blue Hills on the Skyline trail. warm day for (almost) winter, low 30's. Light rain for the first half of the hike, but cleared up by the end of it. Wet trail on and off, but most of the ascents ere rocky. No ice, but slippery from the rain at times. A lot of up and down, but worth it to knock out 12 summits. 6.9 miles in 3.5 hours, 2325 ft elevation gain." — gregoryskiba • Dec 17, 2022