Our (semi)-Hidden Hiking Spots
Finn at Doublet Hill in Weston
For those looking to get out and about while social distancing, a nice walk in the woods with your dog is still a good option to take advantage of. This week while we have been working, the woods have actually been a little busier than usual. We thought we would share a small list of our regular hiking spots as well as more remote options for you to check out.
I included both on and off leash locations. Many of the on leash locations often have people walking their dogs off leash anyway. Some places you can get away with that but be sure your dog does not run up to others, especially with the social distancing, it's very important to respect everyone's personal space. As I started making the list I realized I had way more spots than I could possibly all list. If you want any other recommendations reach out directly!
If you do make it to one of these spots we'd love to see your pics and hear how it went!
Cat Rock Park - Weston - Off Leash* map
This spot is a really pretty but also really popular park. It hasn't been as full as the weekends usually are but there are still a good amount of people hiking here. It is legal off leash, has clean swimming, and is a nice place to go. The main lot is resident only on the weekends but you can park in the back at the end of Indian Hill Rd
Doublet Hill - Weston - Off leash* map
Doublet Hill is a hidden spot in Weston that is mostly only frequented by dog walkers.It is a very hilly spot with many small trails. In the center of the park is an aquaduct that leads to a golf course on one side and a field on the other. The lower section has a small pond. The south side of the pond is clean but the north side is very muddy.
Jericho Town Forest - Weston - Off leash* map
Jericho town forest is 200 acres of flat forest right off of Weston's new rail trail. This is also a horseback riding spot for some locals. I'm not sure if they are out yet this season but keep an eye out if you go there. This spot also tends to have more ticks and minimal water. It is a beautiful quiet spot though and big enough to wander for hours
*during COVID Weston implemented a leash law that remains in place as of July 2020,
Bodie proudly posing on a large rock at Whipple Hill, Lexington
Whipple Hill - Lexington - Off leash map
Whipple Hill is my favorite hidden gem and happens to be just down the street from where I live. There are some good hills if you want a little challenge but flat options as well. A small shallow pond allows for swimming but some sections are cleaner than others.
Menotomy Rocks Park - Arlington - On leash map
Menotomy Rocks Park is a small but nice little spot close to Cambridge. The field area has off leash hours 6-9am but the trails are always leash only. There is a landscaped pond and some pretty wooded trails.
Arlington Great Meadow - Lexington - On leash map
On the Arlington/Lexington line, Arlington Great Meadow is a nice combination of woods and marshland just off the minuteman bikeway. There are multiple small trail heads off of small side streets and this is usually a pretty quiet spot
Rock Meadow/Lone Tree Hill - Belmont - On leash map
I haven't explored these parks myself but know some of you have and they are generally quiet woods. They are just on the Belmont/Waltham Line with a combination of hills and flat spaces. The Rock Meadow side leads into the Beaver Brook North Reservation with loads of trails to explore.
Sadie frolicking at the Arnold Arboretum during a photoshoot
Arnold Arboretum - Jamaica Plain/Roslindale - On leash map
The Arnold Arboretum has been around since 1872 and covers 281 acres right in Boston. With many open areas and trail options, it is a nice place for a walk and to check out all the species of trees around the property.
Turtle Pond/Stony Brook Park - Dedham/West Roxbury - On leash map
Another little gem in the corner of Boston is Stony Brook Park with Turtle Pond. Turtle Pond is a nice swimming spot with a few docks providing nice views. There are a host of trails, a paved loop you can walk or easily push a stroller on and plenty of dirt trails in the center of the park. This is a generally very quiet spot too. To access the paved trail, park on the south side across from Smith Pond Playground
Blue Hills - Milton/Canton - On leash map
The Blue Hills is massive so we can't really call this a hidden spot but there are many different places to park and keep away from others. The Houghton Pond section is a nice spot. The old 128 highway used to go through there and you can still walk along the old roadway for a few miles. There are many trails off there is well but it makes another good place to go if you need to hike with a stroller.
Middlesex Fells - Medford/Winchester/Stoneham/Melrose - On leash map
The Middlesex Fells is another massive system of trails with many parking areas. The Sheepfold section is off leash but is just a large field and is often crowded so is a place I would avoid at this time. South Border Rd has many little pull off parking areas. East Border road also has a small parking area that leads to a very quiet but expansive section of trails.
