Prospect Hill, Waltham MA - A Great, Fun Hike in Boston area

Happy spring fellow hikers! Back by popular request, our first hike of the 2025 season is at Prospect Hill in Waltham, a 3.0 mile, and 482-feet elevation gain loop hike with something for everyone. Easy access for most in the Boston area - park in the main lot on Totten Pond Rd. at the northwest entrance. Restroom (pit toilet) is to the left behind the splash pool. We'll meet in the parking lot in front of the splash pool, then walk straight ahead across the lawn to start the Hansen Slope Trail. Rain cancels and we'll make the call on this platform by 9 pm the night before.
Please wear sturdy shoes with solid tread and bring water.

Trail map:
https://walthamlandtrust.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/2021-12-09-City-of-Waltham-Prospect-Hill-Park-Trail-Map.pdf

AllTrails shows the approximate route we'll take:
https://www.alltrails.com/explore/trail/us/massachusetts/prospect-hill-park--2?

Route description:
We typically start by climbing the Hansen Slope Trail to get the work of the day done quickly. (Easier option available) Within 0.2 mi on Hansen Slope the trail levels off, then we trek to the left of two water towers, and continue on the Ridge Trail first to the main Prospect Hill, then to Little Prospect Hill where if weather lets us, we'll see a great skyline views are great.
We'll take a break and enjoy gluten free summit treats home baked by Jeff and MK - our group's tradition. Then we can either complete the loop by descending (near additional bathrooms by the south gate) to the Bond and Sunset trails back to the auto road - OR for members who like rock-to-rock climbing, we can return the way we came.