Ponkapoag Pond Loop

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Lake · Wildflowers

Within an hour of Boston, Blue Hills is one of the largest and most popular trail systems. But with so many trails, you can still find yourself a secluded piece of quiet among the woods and reeds surrounding the Ponkapoag Pond.

This loop starts off Rte. 93 at the Blue Hill River Road parking area. Make sure to check out the Ponkapoag Bog Boardwalk!

Easy access off 93 at Exit 3 for Blue Hill River Road (marker 5320) or multiple parking/trailhead areas to accommodate variations on this loop. Open to horses and bikes.

Great place to get some exercise with numerous side trails and connections to add or shorten the distance.

Starting to the north of Ponkapoag Pond, this lollipop-style loop winds its way clockwise around the pond, following the Green Dot trail. There are some minor hills here and there but nothing too technical.

Toward the end of the loop, at the 3.5-mile mark (in the northwest corner of the loop), look for the Ponkapoag Bog Boardwalk heading to the right (southeast) into the marsh. This is not to be missed as it provides an exciting, intimate experience into an Atlantic white cedar bog.

If traveling with younger runners or short on time, you could simply head straight to the boardwalk (turning right at the lollipop stem instead of left, shown here) for an out-and-back run.

Keep your eye out for carniverous plants like sundews and pitcher plants.

The Civilian Conservation Corps did extensive work in Blue Hills Reservation between 1933 and 1937, adding trails, masonry, and the camp east of Randolph Avenue.