middlesex fells reservation

We did the skyline trail on a 50 degree day in December. What a treat! Paths are clear and well marked. While there are bikers, not so much on this trail. It took about 2 hours and had enough terrain so that it felt like more than just going out for a walk. But it was by no means difficult. Lots of parking, but my husband knows the area. I don't know if I'd find the parking and trailhead if I was on my own. Looking to go back soon.

Close to the city. In the fall, the leaves are first rate; you can hear the highway a fair amount of the time; mountain bikes are plentiful, but polite and careful about pedestrians. Lakes and ponds are beautiful, and getting out so near the city is terrific. Parking is not great.

The "Fells" is a large hilly wooded area just north of Boston, covering parts of Medford, Malden, Melrose, Stoneham, and Winchester. There are lots of trails, some just for hikers and some that are great for mountain biking too. We often go for a 1/2 hour hike to the observation tower just west of the Roosevelt circle (exit 33) in Medford. A few days ago we were driving up the "Jerry Jingle" highway and stopped for an hour plus hike up through the woods on the Malden/Melrose side of the park. We found a terrific overlook at Boojum Rock, looking back down toward Boston on the south side of the park. We then hiked up north about 1/2 mile or so to a beautiful old rock quarry now a reservoir. We saw a falcon who had set up on a tower and was eyeing his territory. All together it was a wonderful fall hike and we will be sure to go back again. You should go if you are in the area and looking for a nice walk in the woods.

I've driven by this area many times and decided today would be the day to visit. Just off I-93, there are woods, hills, two towers, reservoirs, and trails galore. Choose your destination and start exploring. Climb a tower (Wright or Bear Hill) for a view of the Boston skyline in the distance, hike, climb or ride the trails. There are several geocaches throughout the reservation as well. The reservoirs are protected, so you can only get so close. Apply mosquito repellent because they're out in full-force. I expect this would be a nice spot to snowshoe or x-country ski in the winter as well.The main trails are generally well sign-posted, but there are cross trails that are not. I almost walked right by the lower Sheephold parking area because the side trail to it was not marked. I printed a map from the website, but would probably make an effort to buy an official map for the sake of better quality if I thought I would return here often. I did find that the maps on my smart phone (android) showed trails, including names.Sad to see that not everyone who uses the park is a good steward of it. Dog-owners seem to scoop the poop and then leave their plastic bags all over the place, keeping company with plastic bottles, beer cans, cigarette butts and boxes.

A place to ...sort of..get away. Tons of trails but also can get pretty crowded. Pretty clean considering the volume of people. Hike on the stone ham side for less foot traffic.

the trails are well maintained, and despite the regular argument between the hikers and the bikers, there's a great variety of space to just get away and be (mostly) alone.

Groot natuurreservaat waar je een eind kunt wandelen rondom de vele meertjes in het park. Bij de Sheepfold Parking area (vlakbij Rte 28) is een groot veld waar honden worden uitgelaten. Alleen gebeuren daar 's nachts andere dingen aan het aantal gebruikte condooms op het pad te zien...