Ash and Rocky Hill

Location: Breakheart Reservation, Saugus and Wakefield, MA

Owner: Mass. Department of Conservation and Recreation

Date: 4/25/2008

Highlights: A short hike to two peaks with views of Boston and the surrounding suburban area

Directions (from Boston): 12.7 miles, 22 minutes
View Larger Map

The Trail: 1.2 miles

1. Sart out on Pine Tops Road, a paved, gated trail, at the left when facing the vistitor center from the parking lot.
2. The trail quickly meets up with the Ridge Trail (also called Ridge Link Trail) on the left.  Take this trail into the woods.
3. Follow it across a small stream before it starts to ascend.  The trail is balzed with red (and at times white) marks. 
4. Continue to follow the Ridge Trail over a crest with very limited views and downhill until it intersects Ash Path Trail.
5. Continue straight on Ridge Trail up to the summit of Ash Hill.  Stop and enjoy the views to the south and east, including Boston.
6. From the summit continue on Ridge Trail past a second intersection with Ash Path Trail to the summit of Rocky Hill.   
7. After enjoying these views (which I think are better than Ash Hill’s), follow Ridge Trail back to the Ash Path Trail junction (the first one reached returning, second on the way there). 
8. Turn left on Ash Path Trail and follow it a short distance to Hemlock Road.
9. Make a right on Hemlock Road (another paved, gated trail) and follow it back to Pine Tops Road and the parking lot.    

Trail maps are available from the reservation’s visitor center, adjacent to the parking lot.