Mid Winter Pop Up Hike at Blue Hills (Advanced)

This hike is subject to cancellation if weather turns too cold or wet. So far it looks pretty good.

Looks like we might be able to pull off a mid winter hike this Saturday if anyone's interested. I've done this hike mid winter a bunch of times in prior years. Expect some cold water and mud, a little ice, maybe some packed snow. Wear a medium weight base layer to keep legs warm (long underwear). Wear enough layers to keep core good and warm. It's tough to tell how far we can go this time of year but typically I've made it all the way through this hike. If you are unsure of your barefoot ability in the cold please bring backup shoes.

This is 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 :)

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.

No worries for those who may get tired. Feel free to turn back at the observation tower after taking in the view of the Boston skyline. There is also a shortcut between the skyline branches which will shorten that leg of the trip, if desired.

All hikers NEED to bring water. Carry at least one liter. 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 repellent 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.