Middlesex Fells Reservation — Attraction in Stoneham

Entrance to East Fells only a half mile walk from Oak Grove station on the Orange Line - convenient! Could benefit from more pedestrian-friendly sidewalk, more shade on the walk, and a cafe? With real restrooms? Still, a fine place for an afternoon scramble on the Rock Circuit Trail Loop (white blazes) in the East Fells. The name of the trail says it all - it's not stroller-friendly! Be prepared for light rock scrambling on all fours: wear sticky rubber shoes and bring water, maybe a snack and hiking poles. The blue blazes is the Cross Fells trail, which is MUCH longer, and meets up with all the trails in the West Fells. (You'll need a real map and all day for the Wast Fells; only accessible by commuter rail or car.) Maps available by mail - very handy. The real selling point here is East Fells proximity to Boston and walkable T access. Occasionally they have a portapotty at the pond on the Rock Circuit! Such luxury. Not a bad place for pileated woodpeckers or scarlet...

Amazing network of rocky and hilly trails. Endless supply of comely wooded trails with unique up and down grade to make a hike, run or picnic walk an adventure. We ran the white trail (which really would be a better hike due to rockiness) as well as the orange trial, which was perfect. Some mtn bikers also were using the orange trail, but there was plenty of room.

I noticed some complaints on Google reviews that the trails were not adequately marked, but I have to disagree. Once you look up an out 10' up the trr trunk, a small wooden block with the appropriate color helpfully indicates the trail. In addition, we found a helpful, accurate trail map which we read a bit before heading out, and that really was all we needed.

One final note is that the woods open 6:30 a.m. til sunset. We ran at like 7:00 a.m., which was a very beautiful time of day to take in the fells.

When I am in Boston again, I will definitely bring my running shoes and take in...

Need to escape the city? Travel just 6 miles north of Boston and you’ve arrived at one of the Unites States 1st Preserved Public Parks (circa 1890). The reservation is made up of over 2757 acres of land and offers something for everyone! Enjoy hikes that range from easy and short to long and challenging, a leisurely nature walk,mountain biking , fishing,kayaking, sailing, and / or learning about the rich natural & cultural history of the area. Check the DRC’s website for Middlesex Fells Reservation Free Public parking areas, land use, trail maps and park regulations ... or stop Bourne House, which serves as the Reservation’s Headquarters & Visiters Center to access all the info.

The property’s features & points of interest are as follows; Shepard’s Meadow, Wright’s Tower, A spectacular view of the Boston Basin / City Scape, Lawrence Woods, Caves and Spot Pond and a Non powered motor craft boat rentals.

Always bring a map, plenty of...