Since the temperatures are beginning to drop and the end of the year is fast approaching, I thought I’d talk about a great winter hike that people of all skill levels can do. The Blue Hills Reservation in Milton is a beautiful hike that can be done without driving far from Boston. Since it can get crowded during the summer, the winter months are the perfect times to hike it. There are a couple of loop trails, some out and back trails, and some basic nature walks to choose from. Click here for a link to the map that they provide on their website.
My friend and I hiked the Skyline trail as an out and back expedition. Unlike my hike up Mount Willard, this time I was prepared for the snow. I borrowed a pair of hiking boots from my mother and trust me when I say that sneakers will not cut it when there is snow on the ground. You will spend the day slipping and sliding your way through the woods like an awkward ‘Winnie The Pooh’ character. The reservation had the most glorious parking situation I have ever encountered at a trail head. The lot was huge, empty, right off the main road, and right beside the trail entrance. Though the entrance isn’t really marked, it’s the only clear path into the woods. So just bring along the linked map and you should be fine. Luckily my friend had hiked this trail a number of times before, so I just followed her lead.
We set out following the blue trail markers from tree to tree since there wasn’t really a
path on the ground. The trial remained flat for a while, which would have been quite leisurely if it wasn’t for all of the rough terrain we had to traverse. Even in the cold weather, there were a few rushing streams that we had to cross. Each one had a good number of rocks splayed throughout it. As we made our way across, I was worried about slipping into the ice cold water that would inevitably lead to my foot getting frostbite, turning black (think Mr. Deeds), and having to be chopped off. Luckily my balance stayed with me through the thick of it and I made it across the rivers in one dry piece. After that the trail steepened. We scrambled up some rocks that protruded from the ground and tried not to hold on to tree branches because we weren’t in the mood to have mounds of snow fall on our heads.
Soon there was a good mixture of uphill and cross-country trekking. This gave my legs a chance to relax, but it also caused me to constantly take my jacket off and then put it back on and then take it off and then put it back on. I was definitely having a twenty-one year old’s version of a hot-flash menopausal situation. We spent that time singing woods related songs. Out Of The Woods was our biggest hit and it definitely made the hike more enjoyable. As we were about to reach the top, we did pass a trio of guys who so clearly heard us hysterically singing, but they seemed amused by it so our concert went on. When we reached the top, there wasn’t a beautiful view to look out onto. Normally you can see the Boston skyline, but it was foggy that day. Instead, there was a field of baby trees with branches full of untouched snow. It was a truly magical sight to behold. There’s always that expectation of snow getting gross and turning speckled black from dirt the day after a snowfall, but up on this hill, the snow remained picturesque and almost peaceful in a way because you knew that there was no worry attached to it. It could just be, without any harmful human intervention.
Carefully, as not to disturb the wistful branches blanketed in snow, we took our pictures at the top and breathed in the fresh, cold air that enveloped the mountain. I’ve always felt like there was something about cold air that was cleansing. It’s like you can feel it fill your lungs and shiver down your body; giving it life. After a few minutes we turned around and began our descent. You can continue on and climb down the other side of the mountain, but we wanted to make sure we ended back at our car and turning around was the only way to be 100% certain since we did not have a map. With hiking boots on, there was minimal slippage, which was really nice. There wasn’t even that half, back slip that gives you more of a heart attack than actual falling does. Faced with the rivers again, I safely made my way across. So all positive things. The only negative was having to say goodbye to the reservation, but that’s a bitter-sweet moment. So if you’re looking to get out into nature in the coming months, but are intimidated by the cold air and snow, I promise that this is a great place to hike. Even if you are a bit embarrassed by your skill level in the snow, just remember that my friend and I screeched Out Of The Woods and the spectators judgments remained kind.
Memoirs From The Trails 