Advanced Barefoot Hike - Blue Hills Skyline Trail

Sorry, short notice on this one due to the quickly changing weather. As an additional note, this time of year our pads get a bit dry and we have a harder time holding onto the rocks. A trekking pole will give added stability. I just did this hike about a week ago and found some of the rocks to be a bit slippery due to the dryness. This is a tough hike but it's FUN, challenging, and rewarding.

Come join us for an advanced barefoot hike at the Blue Hills Reservation. Several spots along these trails offer great views, including the Boston skyline. We will hike the red dot trail up to the observation tower on Great Blue Hill and then follow the Skyline (blue dash) trail over to the Milton State Police station. From here we will take the return loop of the Skyline trail back to the tower and then follow the red dot trail back to the parking lot below.

This hike provides quite a bit of climbing over some pretty rocky terrain. This is probably about as tough as it gets this far East in Mass. We will cross a few areas with gravel, scree and broken sharp rock. There are several good pulls up some pretty steep, rocky slopes. The hike will be a three to four hour workout, depending on our group. You WILL be tired at the end, but it's a good tired :) This is good practice for Mt Monadnock. Don't let me scare you too much... This is my favorite hike. It's just awesome.

New barefooters are welcome to join us on these fun trails. However, I ask that they please bring along shoes for the scree, gravel, and other tough places. There are some nice boulders and rock faces that are fun for new feet. Everyone is welcome.

All hikers NEED to bring water. Carry at least one liter (if it's hot bring extra). I like to leave a spare bottle in my Jeep for later. There are picnic tables at the Police station so bring a snack and we'll stop there for a little break. Restrooms are available at the start and midpoint of the hike. Tick repellant is recommended, although I've never had a problem on these trails. A walking stick or trekking poles will be handy on the steep downgrades. Those not sure of their ability PLEASE bring backup shoes. Those who know me know how much I despise shoes but this is a TOUGH place to barefoot.

Meet in the parking lot near the red dot trailhead. This is the parking lot that is between the ski area and the Trailside Museum. Meet at the end of the lot closest to the Trailside Museum. Additional parking is available on the other side of the Trailside Museum. Look for barefoot people.